BookMyShow may cancel Coldplay India tickets sold unethically, files complaint

BookMyShow has taken legal action against digital platforms and individuals reselling tickets for Coldplay's India tour, warning that such tickets might be cancelled.

In Short

• BookMyShow filed an complaint against unauthorised ticket reselling for Coldplay's 2025 India tour
• Tickets sold unethically may be cancelled, a spokesperson of BookMyShow said
• He also confirmed that the concert will happen as planned, and it isn't being cancelled

BookMyShow, which had the exclusive rights to selling Coldplay India Tour tickets, has lodged a formal complaint against digital platforms selling tickets to the concert. In a statement shared by a spokesperson of BookMyShow, it was also said that such tickets which have been sold unethically may also be cancelled.

A BookMyShow spokesperson said, “In its ongoing fight against ticket scalping and black marketing of tickets for Coldplay's Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025 in India, BookMyShow has lodged a formal FIR (First Information Report) on October 2, 2024. This action follows our initial complaint filed proactively with the Mumbai Police on September 23, 2024, addressing these concerns much before any formal complaint was raised against us. BookMyShow’s FIR filed with the Mumbai police also urges authorities to investigate the unauthorised resale of tickets by individuals and platforms."

He further stated, "We have provided details of all resellers that have come to our attention, including independent individuals reselling tickets for this tour across social media platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp and beyond, as also digital platforms such as Viagogo, Stubhub Holdings and more, to aid authorities in a thorough investigation. We remain vigilant in monitoring such instances of ticket reselling for this tour through black market channels and will continue to share all relevant information with the authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken. BookMyShow is assessing the potential cancellation of such tickets that are being sold- unethically."

"Our stance remains clear and unchanged – BookMyShow vehemently condemns and opposes ticket reselling, which is deemed illegal and is punishable by law in India. BookMyShow has no association with any such unauthorised ticket selling/reselling platforms and/or any third party individuals/platforms for the purpose of reselling Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025 in India," the spokesperson further added.

Many people had been speculating that the India Tour of the iconic British band might be cancelled amid legal troubles. However, it was confirmed that the show will happen as planned: "Right from the beginning, we have been working closely with the police and regulatory authorities to provide complete support and co-operation in the investigation of this matter in any manner that may be required. Our authorised representatives and senior management have been available as required by the authorities, ensuring full transparency in sharing all necessary information with the EOW (Economic Offences Wing). We would also like to clarify that Coldplay's Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025 in India will proceed as planned. Reports contrary to this are factually incorrect."

"With 13 million (1.3 crore) fans eager to get tickets and logged in, emotions ran high on September 22, 2024. As the promoter and official ticketing platform bringing Coldplay to India, we at BookMyShow have worked hard to ensure every fan had a fair chance to secure tickets, by pricing them affordably and also capping purchase at 4 tickets per user across all shows, providing clear, step-by-step booking guides and maintaining transparent communication through all our official channels. We remain committed to ensuring a fair and genuine experience for all our consumers," the spokesperson concluded.

Coldplay, the British pop band, is coming to India after eight years and is scheduled to perform in Mumbai on January 18, 19, and 21, 2025, as part of its Music of the Spheres World Tour.

The tickets were originally priced between Rs 2,500 and Rs 35,000. However, tickets were being resold for a much-higher price, ranging from Rs 35,000 to Rs 3 lah, and even higher, on platforms like Viagogo.