WEEKENDER
It only took minutes for the British rock band Coldplay to sell over 45,000 advance tickets for its first concert in Seoul in April. Online servers crashed as 900,000 fans simultaneously logged in at ticketing sites to book Coldplay’s concert tickets right after they went on sale.
It only took minutes for the British rock band Coldplay to sell over 45,000 advance tickets for its first concert in Seoul in April.
Online servers crashed as over 900,000 fans simultaneously logged in at ticketing sites to book Coldplay’s concert tickets right after they went on sale.
The band’s concert made headlines again as many celebrities have responded. Actress Park Shin-hye expressed her disappointment on Instagram for not getting a ticket, saying “Coldplay, fail ... sob. I want to go ...” Singer-actress Younha also posted online that she failed to get a ticket.
After the tickets were all sold out, they were resold on online used markets for as high as 1 million won.
As the New Year is approaching, music fans are rushing to buy concert tickets for 2017. The big four artists to perform in Korea early next year are Coldplay, Metallica, Journey and Jeff Beck.
Coldplay, a four-member alternative rock band which is regarded as one of the U.K.’s most prominent modern acts, will hold its first Seoul concert on April 15.
Formed in 1996, the band led by lead vocalist and keyboardist Chris Martin has enjoyed huge popularity worldwide. Often described as “exquisitely dark and artistically abrasive,” the band’s music has often been compared to the likes of U2, Oasis, Radiohead and Travis.
Known for its tracks “Paradise,” “Viva La Vida” and “Fix You,” Coldplay has received a number of Grammy Awards and sold over 80 million albums around the globe.
As part of their Asian stop on the “A Head Full of Dreams Tour,” the band will play at Seoul Olympic Stadium.
“A Head Full of Dreams,” Coldplay’s seventh album, has sold more than 5 million copies since its December 2015 release, spawning the hit singles “Adventure of a Lifetime,” “Hymn for the Weekend” and “Up & Up,” with more than 1 billion YouTube video views between them.
“We plan to combine Coldplay’s fantastic music and top-tier visual effects throughout the whole concert to make a combined art platform,” said an official at Hyundai Card, organizer of the concert, upping the expectations for the upcoming concert.
Legendary heavy metal band Metallica will hold its Seoul concert at Gocheok Sky Dome on Jan. 11 as part of its “The WorldWired Tour.”
Celebrating the release of their latest album “Hardwired... To Self-Destruct,” it will be the band’s third visit to Korea following gigs in 2006 and 2013.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1981, the band, led by founding members James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, was one the most influential heavy metal bands of the ’80s.
Metallica has sold more than 110 million records worldwide and won nine Grammy Awards since its debut.
“Hardwired,” released Nov. 18, is the band’s first studio album in eight years since the release of “Death Magnetic” in 2008. The tenth studio album by the veteran metal band debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard chart.
Tickets range from 99,000 won to 165,000 won. Tickets can be reserved exclusively at ticket.interpark.com.
On Jan. 22, iconic British guitarist Jeff Beck will hold a live concert at Olympic Park.
Beck, best known for his experimental and spontaneous playing and technique, is often regarded as one of the three biggest guitar legends together with Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page.
As part of his Asian tour for his latest album “Loud Hailer,” released in July in celebration of the 50th anniversary of his solo debut, the guitar virtuoso will come to Seoul. It is his third visit to the country since his first Seoul concert in 2010.
Beck commented on his 50-year music career, “I’m still an 18-year-old who knows nothing but music.”
Beck is one of a few musicians who have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as a member of the Yardbirds and as a solo artist. He was also ranked 14th in Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Guitarists.
Many Korean rock musicians, including Lee Seung-hwan, YB’s Yoon Do-hyun, and Boohwal guitarist Kim Tae-won, said they were influenced by Beck.
Beck’s concert ticket prices range from 99,000 won to 165,000 won. Tickets can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com.
Following Beck’s concert, American rock band Journey will hold its first live Seoul concert.
The five-member band, best known for its classic hits “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms,” will take the stage at the Blue Square Samsung Card Hall in Itaewon, Seoul, on Feb. 15 as part of its 2017 world tour.
The band, regarded as one of the best-selling acts in rock and roll history, has sold nearly 90 million records worldwide.
The band’s songs have been frequently covered by many artists worldwide, including K-pop singer Younha and boy band Exo. Boyz II Men and Maria Carey’s covers of “Open Arms” also gained great success.
The band, initially formed in San Francisco in 1973 with former Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch members, has undergone many lineup changes over the years. As one of the most exciting changes, the band tapped in Filipino singer Arnel Pine- da of the cover band The Zoo as its lead vocalist in 2007.
In October, Journey was included among the nominees for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
“Journey’s fans will be able to listen to the group’s various all-time hits during the band’s first Seoul concert. Journey’s great performance promises to drive local audiences into overwhelming joy,” said an official of concert organizer Live Nation Korea.
Ticket prices range from 99,000 won to 121,000 won. Tickets can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com or ticket.yes24.com.