Coldplay’s historic two-night concert at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad created waves across India’s live music industry. With over 223,000 fans attending, it became the largest stadium concert of the 21st century. But amidst the excitement, a heated debate emerged—did Coldplay’s India tour really add $1 billion (₹8,300 crore) to the Indian economy?
A Chartered Accountant’s Take on Coldplays India Concert
While social media influencers made bold claims about the economic boost, Chartered Accountant Kanan Bahl decided to break down the real numbers. According to his analysis, the actual impact is closer to ₹886 crore ($102 million), far from the exaggerated claims.
His detailed estimate includes:
- Tickets: ₹352 crore
- Travel, accommodation, food & beverages: ₹498 crore
- Merchandise: ₹11 crore
- Sightseeing and other expenses: ₹25 crore
He also highlighted that a significant portion of attendees traveled from outside the host cities—75% in Mumbai and 80% in Ahmedabad—spending a considerable amount on travel and accommodation.
Watch His Twitter Post
(CA Kanan Bahl’s X (formerly Twitter) post)
Bahl’s analysis quickly sparked a debate online. Many users argued that the travel and accommodation costs were underestimated, stating that flights, luxury hotels, and high-priced tickets push the per-person spending to ₹80,000–₹1 lakh.
A user commented, “Even after averaging out, the numbers for travel and accommodation are way higher. Return flights, two-night stays, and high ticket prices push the average to ₹80K-₹1 lakh per person.”
While opinions may differ, one thing is certain—Coldplay’s concert showcased the immense potential of India’s live music industry.
India’s Live Music Industry: A Booming Market
Coldplay’s concert is part of a larger trend that highlights India’s growing prominence as a major market for live music. Reports suggest that the ticketed live music industry in India is set to reach ₹1,864 crore ($223 million) by 2025, with the overall live events market expected to grow from ₹88 billion in 2023 to ₹143 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 17.6%.
Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi took note of this impact, stating at the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave, “The fabulous pictures from Coldplay concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad show India’s massive scope for live concerts. Big artists from around the world are attracted to India.”
What This Means for Indian Artists & the Future of Live Music
The success of Coldplay’s concert sets a new benchmark for the Indian music industry. If international artists can drive such economic growth, independent Indian artists and music festivals can also tap into this potential.
How can artists leverage this?
- Build a strong live performance strategy – Touring and concerts can be a major source of revenue.
- Use digital platforms like Deliver My Tune to distribute and promote music effectively.
- Collaborate with live event organizers to explore sponsorships and brand deals.
- Engage with local and international fans through social media to boost attendance at concerts.
Conclusion
Coldplay’s India tour was more than just a concert—it was a wake-up call for the live music industry in India. While exaggerated claims circulated, real data indicates that the economic impact is substantial, even if not as high as initially thought. With the Indian live music market growing rapidly, there is a golden opportunity for artists, event organizers, and businesses to capitalize on this momentum.
Stay tuned to Deliver My Tune for more insights on how to grow in the music industry!
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