Coldplay debuted one-off new song “Houston #1,” a touching tribute to a rain-ravaged city still reeling from Hurricane Harvey. But as other celebrities donate millions to relief efforts, some find it an empty gesture.
Forced to cancel last week’s Houston show due to then-Category 4 Hurricane Harvey, refused to let the city feel forgotten.
Performing at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium last night, the British band debuted “Houston #1,” a heartfelt one-off new song dedicated to the devastated city.
Speaking to fans in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium last night, Martin explained:
"“This is because we all grew up loving country music, and of course that’s kind of what we think of when we go to Texas… So if you’ll bear with us, this is a new song and we’ll never play this again. We’re gonna sing it in Miami for everybody here, and we’re gonna send it over there to everyone who missed the show.”"
Martins lyrics are lovely, praising the city’s resilience, praying for its recovery, and dreaming of one day returning to “the harmony that hums down there in Houston.”
The stadium-rockers have never been ones to stay silent during disasters and tragedies, particularly natural disasters. Prior to Harvey, they participated in the Superstorm Sandy telethon and created an EP to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.
But as celebrities and high-profile figures donate millions of dollars to non-profits on the ground, some found the song an empty gesture. The Daily Beast acknowledged the band’s good intentions but chastised them for responding with a song instead of much-needed charitable donations.
In light of the bands long history of actively raising funds for a number of charities and causes, it might be a little too soon to call them out.
Next: The Killers tell a dark tale in ‘Run for Cover’ video
Martin claims they will never play ‘Houston #1’ again, but perhaps he’ll make an exception for Houston the day Coldplay finally returns to the city of their dreams.