This summer, Global Citizen is taking on its biggest event ever: organizing the FIFA World Cup halftime show with the help of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Details remain under wraps for the final, set to take place on July 19 at New York's MetLife Stadium. However, the performance is being curated by Chris Martin, aiming to rival the NFL's famed Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Global Citizen's Vision
Global Citizen's Anthony Alfano, director of artist engagement, gave some teasing details about working with Chris to create a spectacle with the environment in mind. Speaking ahead of his appearance at SXSW London in June, Anthony said he 'can't give away too much' but shared insights into the production.
'We're looking at every aspect,' Anthony explained. 'Chris and Coldplay have been pioneers in reducing the environmental and carbon footprints on their tour. We're really taking a lead from them in terms of how it's being incorporated into the World Cup.'
Partnership for Global Causes
FIFA and Global Citizen announced in 2024 a four-year partnership to improve access to sport and quality education for children worldwide. Global Citizen, known for its annual festivals, works to raise money and awareness for causes ranging from eradicating extreme poverty to saving the rainforest. Coldplay's involvement feels natural, as environmental advocacy is a core pillar for both the band and Global Citizen.
The first two years of Coldplay's Music of the Spheres tour saw a 59% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to the band's previous world tour. Their eco-target was part of a 12-step plan that included planting seven million saplings, reducing air travel, and a dancefloor that generates electricity through fans jumping.
'A lot of those elements will be part of [the FIFA show],' Anthony shared. 'In terms of how we're looking at reducing carbon footprints and offsetting as much as possible where possible, in the lead-up but also on the day.' They hope to bring forward that messaging and the impact Coldplay's changes made for this 'colossal-sized event'.
Rumored Performers
There have been rumors about who could perform, with Bruce Springsteen proving a popular choice, as well as other former Chris Martin collaborators, including Beyoncé, Selena Gomez, and Coldplay's fellow Glastonbury 2024 headliner Dua Lipa. Global Citizen has previously worked with artists like Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Kendrick Lamar, and Beyoncé to tackle extreme poverty and the environmental crisis.
However, careful consideration is put into each collaboration. 'We take values really seriously,' Anthony said. 'Not just because it's a reputational risk, but really looking at the heart of an artist and why we would want to work with them. Of course, we want to work with as many artists as possible, and the biggest artists in the world to make sure that we're reaching as many people as possible. For us, it's really making sure that they align with our values too.'
Lessons from Controversy
With the recent Wireless Kanye West debacle looming over the festival circuit, organizers are more aware than ever of how one decision can bring a platform tumbling down. Anthony said that if asked to work with someone who had 'potentially done something in the past,' they would need to feel 'the sincerity' that they were making amends. Controversy allows for conversations, proving how celebrities can be impactful when using their voice for a good cause.
He called artists an 'incredible opportunity for an entry point,' introducing fans to issues they may not have cared about or thought about in the past. 'There's always going to be things where people focus too much on one artist or one cultural figure,' he continued. 'But I think if even that little bit of focus comes from a major artist or a cultural figure, it helps that cause.'
SXSW London Appearance
Anthony is set to discuss how artists, audiences, and activists can work together to 'inspire urgent action for Earth' at SXSW London on June 4. SXSW returns to London for the second year, with talks, gigs, and more across Shoreditch venues from June 1 to 6. He will speak on the panel 'Artists x Earth: Protect the Planet with Music' alongside record label bosses, authors, and charity founders.
'The biggest thing I hope people leave with is that you don't have to be the biggest artist on the planet to have an impact and make a change,' he said. 'Change starts with a single person every day, and that can be as simple as you making different decisions in your life. It sounds sort of mundane and elementary, but those things do add up.'
Anthony added that music and social movements have always gone hand in hand, but this is on a larger scale than ever before. 'When you hear a tune or a beat, it really guides your soul and your heart into something bigger.'
