ISLAMABAD: British rock band Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin recently won admiration on social media for inviting a Pakistani fan onstage during their Abu Dhabi concert and dedicating their popular song ‘Everglow’ to people suffering war in Palestine and other countries.
Coldplay performed at Abu Dhabi on Jan. 9, returning to the UAE to perform for the first time since their powerhouse show at Expo 2020 Dubai. While entertaining thousands of fans in the crowd, Martin spotted a female fan holding a sign that read, “I traveled 10,000 km for this.”
Inviting her onstage, he asked where she’d come from, to which the woman named Kinza replied: “Pakistan.”
Martin responded that he had traveled from Los Angeles where “everything was on fire,” adding that it was very strange to witness.
“So maybe we can sing this song for your brothers and sisters in Pakistan,” he said to loud cheers from thousands of fans. “And our brothers and sisters in Iran. Our brothers and sisters in the West Bank and Gaza. You can sing.”
He then proceeded to perform the band’s popular song Everglow, much to the delight of the attendees.
Coldplay remains one of the most influential pop-rock acts since the late ‘90s. With guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion filling out the lineup, the British musicians have long been fixtures on the charts with Hot 100 hits 2001’s “Yellow,” 2008’s “Viva La Vida,” and 2017’s “Something Just Like This.”
The band’s concert in Abu Dhabi was a visual and auditory spectacle, with fans wearing glowing wristbands that pulsed in sync with the music. There were bursts of confetti, large, illuminated planets suspended throughout the stadium where the concert was held, and balloons floating across the crowd during the band’s performance.
Coldplay are scheduled to perform in the UAE capital today, Jan. 14 as well.
In moving gesture, Coldplay’s Chris Martin invites Pakistani fan onstage at Abu Dhabi concert
https://arab.news/2t5fz
In moving gesture, Coldplay’s Chris Martin invites Pakistani fan onstage at Abu Dhabi concert
- Chris Martin dedicates band’s popular song ‘Everglow’ to people in West Bank, Gaza, Pakistan and Iran
- Coldplay, one of the most influential pop-rock acts since late ‘90s, is known for vibrant concerts, fan interactions
Golden Globes honor Hend Sabry, Alia Bhatt at Red Sea International Film Festival
- Sabry given Omar Sharif Award, Bhatt the Horizon Award
- Praise for the 2 women’s pioneering roles in world cinema
DUBAI: The Golden Globes on Wednesday recognized Tunisian-Egyptian actress Hend Sabry and Indian actress Alia Bhatt at a gala dinner held during the fifth Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia.
Sabry, famous for her roles in “Asmaa,” “The Yacoubian Building” and “Blue Elephant 2,” received the Omar Sharif Award.
Bhatt, known for her performances in “Raazi,” “Gangubai Kathiawadi” and “Dear Zindagi,” was honored with the Golden Globes Horizon Award.
The event featured a star-studded guest list, including US filmmakers Sean Baker and Darren Aronofsky, US actresses Sigourney Weaver and Shailene Woodley, British actress Naomie Harris, and French-Ukrainian star Olga Kurylenko.
Also in attendance were British actor-director Idris Elba, Venezuelan-American actor Edgar Ramirez, Indian actor Salman Khan, British-Malaysian actor Henry Golding, and British-Pakistani actor Riz Ahmed.
Helen Hoehne, president of the Golden Globes, said at the event that Sarby was “a truly iconic performer and humanitarian whose body of work reflects the depth, power and global impact of Arab cinema, while paying tribute to Omar’s remarkable legacy as a pioneering Egyptian artist.”
The late Sharif was the first Egyptian-born actor to win a Golden Globe, and was also a three-time recipient for his roles in “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Doctor Zhivago.”
“I am deeply honored to receive a prestigious award named after one of the true legends of cinema from this part of the world,” Sabry said.
“My career has been devoted to uplifting women with complex stories and I am thrilled to be sharing this Golden Globes stage with Alia Bhatt, one of the next generation’s brightest and most talented stars.
“It’s a significant moment for women in our industry and I am so pleased to be part of the Golden Globes’ enduring history.”
Hoehne said Bhatt was recognized for her “exceptional contributions to international cinema and the continued rise of the Middle East as a dynamic and influential hub for film and television on a global stage.”
The Golden Globes Horizon Award recognizes an emerging creative talent whose rising profile is shaping both regional and international culture.
“This is an honor to be recognized by the Golden Globes and I am grateful for the opportunity to speak for a new generation of aspiring performers and women who are making a difference in film and television around the world,” Bhatt said.
“At a time when global voices are coming together to tell more inclusive and impactful stories, this recognition feels especially meaningful.
“The Golden Globes are an iconic part of the global awards universe and I am delighted to be part of it and look forward to continuing my career in telling more stories of powerful and deserving women.”
