Chris Martin addressed fans directly during a recent Coldplay concert, issuing a light-hearted warning before featuring audience members on the jumbotron. His remarks came just days after a viral moment at an earlier show. The moment unintentionally sparked controversy involving Astronomer CEO Andy Byron.
Chris Martin issues a warning amid CEO kiss cam drama
Following a viral controversy at one of Coldplay’s earlier shows, Chris Martin issued a warning during the band’s Music of the Spheres tour stop in Wisconsin on July 19. The move came just days after the viral incident involving Astronomer CEO Andy Byron, which ultimately resulted in his resignation.
As seen in fan-captured videos, Martin told the crowd, “We’d like to say hello to some of you in the crowd and put some of you on the big screen.” He then joked, “How we’re going to do that is we’re going to use our cameras and put some of you on the big screen. Please, if you haven’t done your makeup, do your makeup now!” Though delivered with humor, Martin’s comment pointed back to an awkward moment from Coldplay’s July 16 show in Massachusetts.
During that earlier concert, the band’s cameras zoomed in on a couple in the audience. The woman quickly turned away and covered her face. Meanwhile, the man dropped out of sight in an attempt to hide. At the time, Martin joked, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just really shy.”
Just three days later, Byron officially stepped down as CEO of Astronomer. The company released a statement on July 19. It read, “As stated previously, Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.”
The company confirmed Byron’s resignation. They also announced that Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy would serve as interim CEO.
