Get in touch

COLDPLAY, EXETER ROOTS AND THE FIGHT FOR GRASSROOTS VENUES

Aug 2025 by Chelsea Branch

This post may contain affiliate links.

Chris Martin of Coldplay with a guitar

Coldplay Pledge Ten Percent of Hull and Wembley Proceeds to Music Venue Trust

Photo of Chris Martin by Zach Klein, used under CC BY 2.5.

Coldplay have kicked off their summer 2025 UK gigs this month, starting their stadium run with a gesture that deserves attention. They’ve pledged ten per cent of the proceeds from their Hull and Wembley shows to Music Venue Trust, helping to keep grassroots venues alive at a time when one is closing every fortnight.

Speaking to NME, Guitarist Jonny Buckland put it plainly: “Small venues are the breeding ground for lots of exciting music. We, as a band, wouldn’t have anything without them.” It’s a reminder that before the fireworks of Wembley, before the record-breaking runs, there was a band rehearsing in back rooms and playing in small spaces like everyone else.

That story feels close to home here in Exeter. Chris Martin was born in the city and has always spoken warmly about it. Coldplay played early shows at the Exeter Cavern, the same grassroots venue that continues to give new artists a shot today.

In 2009, they returned to play a charity gig at Exeter Castle, raising money for Mencap. In 2016, Martin described their Exeter performance as a homecoming. Even their global climate commitments have a local tie, with scientists at the University of Exeter advising the research that shaped the band’s environmental approach.

You must accept all cookie notice categories in order to view this content.

Review Privacy Settings

Coldplay know first-hand how fragile the ecosystem is. As Bassist Guy Berryman said, “You can’t start in Wembley Stadium.” If we lose the spaces where bands first learn their craft, the ladder is gone. What’s left is a music industry where only the privileged can take part, and only profitable art survives.

This is why their donation matters. But it’s also why Involving Music exists. We’re here to shine a light on the South West’s artists and venues, connecting fans to the music happening right now in their own city.

Because the future of music starts in the pubs, basements and back rooms that still run on shared passion and grit.

Coldplay’s story began here, in Exeter, before they had the chance to take on the world. It’s proof that grassroots venues aren’t simply “nice-to-haves.”

If you’re an artist, venue or music business in the South West, we’d love you to get involved with us at www.involvingmusic.com. The more we all come together, the more noise we can make.

  • Live gig crowd from behind — Dark venue packed with an excited crowd watching a band perform on stage under vibrant neon lighting.
    Photo credit: Move
  • Black and white photo of a crowded Exeter Cavern audience supporting a stage diver mid-air during an intense live show.
    Photo Credit: Exeter Cavern
  • Black and white photo of a shirtless performer on crowd’s shoulders, fans reaching out, intense moment at a packed concert.
    Photo Credit: The Great Hall
  • The Kabins band take a bow on stage under a patterned canopy at th Beautiful Days Festival
    Photo Credit: @markg_photos (Instagram)

– Chelsea Branch

Chelsea Branch, a roots, rocksteady, reggae and everything in between enthusiast. First gig was to see the Ordinary Boys at the Lemon Grove (Exeter) at 16 after taking a liking to their Ska-inspired track 'Rudy's in Love' (and the frontman, Preston). After University, she spent seven years in brilliant Bristol, revelling in its dynamic music scene—a move very much inspired by a first-time visit to St Paul's Carnival. She now lives in Exeter alongside her partner Bev, embracing Devon country life and swapping sound systems for sea swimming and scriptwriting.

The latest from the blog

View all blogs