As Coldplay prepares to make its highly anticipated return to India after nine years, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has appealed to the band to support a fully vegan and leather-free experience during their upcoming “Music of the Spheres” world tour. With the band’s tour already emphasizing sustainability, PETA India sees this as an opportunity for Coldplay to extend its commitment by serving only vegan meals and adopting cow-friendly, leather-free attire throughout their India concerts, in line with environmental and cultural considerations.
PETA India’s Manager of Vegan Projects, Dr. Kiran Ahuja, addressed an open letter to Coldplay’s members, Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion, and Phil Harvey, urging them to consider the ethical and environmental impact of their choices while performing in a country where veganism and respect for animals are integral values. In her letter, Ahuja highlighted the positive impact of veganism, citing research from the University of Oxford: “We hope you will also consider that each vegan can save up to 200 animals a year simply by not eating them, and University of Oxford researchers have found eating vegan can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint from food by up to 73%.” Emphasizing India’s strong roots in plant-based cuisine, Ahuja added that “vegan dishes are a staple in Indian cuisine, and eco-friendly vegan clothing and footwear are widely available.”
PETA’s call aligns with Coldplay’s sustainability goals. The band has integrated green practices into its world tour, with efforts to minimize carbon emissions and reduce plastic waste. For their India concerts, however, PETA hopes Coldplay will go a step further by setting an example that respects both environmental and cultural values. The organization suggests that adopting vegan meals and leather-free clothing would underscore the band’s commitment to both sustainability and ethical practices, resonating strongly with local audiences.
India faces unique environmental challenges, and PETA’s letter points to the urgent climate-related issues the country grapples with. The letter specifically highlights severe heatwaves, reduced monsoon rainfall, droughts, and other extreme weather events as signs of climate change’s impact on the region. PETA underscores that India is also one of the world’s most water-stressed nations, and the leather industry, which is heavily reliant on water, only adds to the nation’s ecological burden. In light of these realities, PETA expressed hope that Coldplay would consider a leather-free policy as a small yet significant contribution toward sustainability in fashion.
Concluding the letter, PETA expressed its sincere hope that Coldplay would agree to serve only vegan meals and make a public commitment to avoiding leather clothing and footwear at their shows, further aligning their concerts with a progressive, eco-conscious vision. As PETA India puts it, adopting a fully vegan and leather-free approach in India would represent not only a commitment to the planet but also to the values held dearly by millions across the country.
By taking this step, Coldplay could set a powerful precedent for other artists visiting the country, influencing concert culture and promoting animal-friendly and sustainable alternatives. With PETA’s appeal resonating with Coldplay’s environmental objectives, fans and supporters alike are hopeful the band will consider this call for compassion and sustainability as they prepare for a memorable return to Indian stages.
