Coldplay’s return to India in January 2025 is highly anticipated, and now, PETA India is encouraging the band to deepen their environmental commitment by adopting vegan-only meals and leather-free fashion for their shows. This move, PETA suggests, would make Coldplay’s concert practices both environmentally friendly and culturally respectful in a country where cows hold significant religious value and leather production is known for its environmental toll.In a public letter to Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, Will Champion, and their manager Phil Harvey, PETA India’s Dr. Kiran Ahuja urged the band to reflect their sustainability goals in every aspect of the concert experience. "Cows are considered sacred by many in India, and bovine leather is the most environmentally damaging material in fashion," the letter noted.Coldplay's ongoing Music of the Spheres tour has already earned praise for its eco-conscious practices, including reducing carbon emissions, conserving water, and eliminating single-use plastics. These efforts set them apart in sustainable touring, and PETA believes that adding vegan-only catering could make an even greater impact. Research from the University of Oxford shows that a vegan diet can cut a person’s carbon footprint by up to 73%, while saving nearly 200 animals a year.

Dr. Ahuja’s letter expressed optimism: "We’re thrilled about your return to India and your sustainability commitment through the Music of the Spheres tour. We hope you’ll further this eco-friendly message by ensuring your concerts are vegan-friendly and leather-free."The timing of PETA’s request aligns with India’s own environmental struggles, including climate challenges like extreme heat, reduced rainfall, and droughts. As one of the world’s most water-stressed countries, India's environmental priorities align closely with Coldplay’s. Vegan food and sustainable fashion are readily available across India, PETA points out, making this shift not only feasible but potentially influential for other international acts.This return to India, nine years after their last performance, offers Coldplay a unique chance to expand their environmental message. If they accept PETA’s proposal, the band could set a new standard in concert sustainability, influencing both the global music scene and audiences in one of the world’s largest entertainment markets. Coldplay’s past efforts suggest they may be open to this opportunity, and fans around the world are eager to see how they respond.