Coldplay, who were due to play in London’s O2 Arena last weekend (as part of Capital FM’s Jingle Bell Ball), have had to pull out due to crew members testing positive for covid. The band also had an appearance on The Voice of Germany booked for yesterday, but that was cancelled as well. The band’s social media said that “We send our love to the individuals affected and wish them a swift recovery. We’re so sorry to cancel at the last minute and apologise to everyone concerned. Thank you, as always, for your support.“
— Coldplay (@coldplay) December 11, 2021
Coldplay wasn’t the only band to pull out of the Jingle Bell Ball, with American rapper Lil Nas X having to cancel an appearance for similar reasons. He had this to say: “Hey guys, sorry I couldn’t make it, a few of the members of my team got Covid and we just don’t want to be irresponsible and risk it. Hope you guys have an amazing time. I love you and I’ll see you soon.”
Wishing you and your team all the best @LilNasX #CapitalJBB pic.twitter.com/pFRK8Ww8ce — Capital (@CapitalOfficial) December 11, 2021
Capital FM was of course upset to lose such famous names for their event. Their own statement gave their best wishes to those affected, saying “We’d like to wish the very best and a speedy recovery to Coldplay, Lil Nas X and their teams. Of course, everyone at Capital is absolutely gutted, but the show must go on…“.
Some #CapitalJBB news for you https://t.co/MJgYyqXgju pic.twitter.com/m11XOHxK03
— Capital (@CapitalOfficial) December 11, 2021
To make up for the loss, the sets of other notable performers were extended, being good news for fans of Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran. Also, artists ArrDee and Tom Grennan were recruited to replace Coldplay and Lil Nas X. Other artists who appeared at the O2 Arena included YouTuber KSI, X-Factor runner-ups JLS, Brit Award-winning pop-star Griff and Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson.
This isn’t the only time an artist has had to drop out of an event recently due to covid, with US rapper Doja Cat cancelling an appearance for Boston and New York City’s iHeartRadio Jingle Ball a few days ago, after some of her team members tested positive. She told Twitter that “For the health and wellbeing of the rest of our crew, we are following all the appropriate safety measurements and necessary precautions, which means I won’t be able to perform at iHeartRadio’s New York Z100 and Boston KISS FM Jingle Ball. I’m extremely disappointed, Jingle Ball has a great line up for you all, wish I could be there.“
iHeart update…I love you guys so much and I’m so sad this is happening but I will see you all soon pic.twitter.com/kwcmdGJTe4 — my sick sad ass (@DojaCat) December 10, 2021
For Coldplay fans still eager to see the band perform, they will be embarking on a worldwide tour next year, seeing places such as London, Berlin, Paris and Glasgow in support of their latest album, Music of the Spheres. For more information on the band’s activities, you can look here.
