However, the lawn at the Oval and other surrounding areas were not restricted, and, by the time Coldplay took to the stage at around 8:30 p.m., thousands of revelers had descended on the park to catch a glimpse of the Grammy award-winning band.
The lucky fans had scooped exclusive free tickets online earlier in the week and were required to be fully vaccinated to gain entry.
The vibrant and uplifting gig was recorded by NBC and will air during the network’s July 4th fireworks celebrations show.Īround 300 spectators, many wearing Uncle Sam top hats and waving glow sticks, were ushered into a special restricted area in front of the stage before the gig kicked off.
“Please, we are not doing you a favor, you are doing us a favor by giving us our jobs back,” Martin said, noting that the band had not been able to perform to a large outdoor audience for more than a year due to the pandemic. “I think it’s probably our first time playing in Queens,” lead singer Chris Martin said to the cheering fans. The internationally-acclaimed rock band took to the stage at Hunters Point South Park – in front of the Oval and to the backdrop of the sun-setting Manhattan skyline – as part of a pre-recording for the Macy’s July 4th celebration. Coldplay played live in front of thousands of adoring fans on the Long Island City waterfront Thursday evening in a performance that culminated in a colorful fireworks display.