Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has addressed the viral “kiss cam” controversy that erupted during the band’s US tour last month, joking about the incident on stage in Hull this week. The band are continuing to use their giant onstage jumbotron despite the scandal, which led to the resignation of two senior executives from a New York tech firm.
On July 16, during a show at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the camera panned to Andy Byron, then CEO of Astronomer, and his colleague Kristin Cabot, the company’s Chief People Officer. The footage showed Cabot leaning into Byron while holding his hands, before the pair quickly ducked out of view upon realising they were on the big screen. Martin joked at the time: “Either they're having an affair or they're just really shy.”
Days later, Astronomer announced via LinkedIn that Byron had “tendered his resignation,” with the board “accepting” his decision. Cabot also quit her role. The clips spread rapidly online, sparking widespread media coverage.
Back on stage in Hull this week, Martin referenced the incident, telling the crowd: “We are going to do our f***ing kiss cam… so if you are not prepared to be on international news, please duck. Life throws you lemons and you have got to make lemonade. We are going to keep doing it because we are going to meet some of you.”
Coldplay, who formed in London in the late Nineties, are now preparing for a run of 10 shows at Wembley Stadium between August 22 and September 8 2025. Fans heading to the venue will also be able to experience Yellow 25, a large scale art installation celebrating the 25th anniversary of the band’s breakthrough single Yellow. Created by Wembley Park in collaboration with the Pantone Color Institute, the installation transforms the Spanish Steps into a sweeping “colour journey” inspired by the emotional arc of the 2000 track.
