Coldplay and ABBA Bid the World Farewell: Chris Martin Announces “Final Tour” for 2026 — Dates and Cities Officially Revealed
In a surprise announcement that has sent fans into a mixture of celebration and heartbreak, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has reportedly confirmed what he’s calling the band’s “Final Tour” for 2026 — and the initial dates and cities have already been revealed.
The statement, which was released via Coldplay’s official channels alongside a cinematic trailer, frames the 2026 run as a global farewell: a meticulously staged goodbye to the arena and stadium era that built the band into one of the biggest acts on the planet. “We wanted to do something that felt like thanks,” Martin said in the clip. “Not just for us, but for everyone who filled the seats and sang along. This is our way of saying goodbye properly.”
According to the announcement, the tour will kick off in Europe in the spring of 2026 before moving to North America and then to select dates across Asia, Australia, and South America. Early city stops listed include London, Dublin, Barcelona, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Tokyo, Sydney and São Paulo — a globe-spanning itinerary pitched as Coldplay’s final, definitive live statement.
The news will inevitably spark debate about what “final” actually means in the modern music era. Bands have bid farewell before only to return for residencies, surprise festivals or reunion runs. But the messaging from the Coldplay camp leans into permanence: Martin’s voiceover in the trailer speaks of closing one chapter so that new music and projects can be pursued without the constant pull of touring life.
Musically, promoters promise a career-spanning setlist with sweeping visuals and the eco-minded production choices the band has highlighted in recent years. The band — who have positioned sustainability at the centre of recent tours — say that 2026’s production will push their green benchmarks further, combining renewable power, reduced freight and local community initiatives at each stop.
Reaction from fellow artists and fans was instantaneous. Social feeds filled with nostalgia — from early-era anthems like “Yellow” to festival juggernauts such as “Viva La Vida” — and speculation about special guests and surprise reunions. ABBA, an act long associated with epochal finales and grand productions, was name-checked by some fans who compared the two bands’ approaches to legacy and spectacle.
Tickets are said to go on pre-sale in the coming weeks, with VIP packages and charity-linked allocations reserved for those affected by financial or accessibility barriers. Industry sources predict the run will dominate 2026’s live calendar and set new standards for farewell tour
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