Coldplay at a comprehensive concert
Sign language interpreter, Lightshows and technologies aimed at expanding the experience of the hearing impaired are some of the elements that Coldplay bands are incorporating into their concerts to create a more comprehensive audience experience. The seven-time Grammy-winning British rocker is currently on tour and is scheduled to show around the world.
"I can't believe people are coming," guitarist Jonny Buckland told Nate Burleson, co-host of "CBS Mornings." "If there's one purpose, it's a sense of unity."
On the current tour, the band has begun offering a device called SUBPAC. This is a wearable audio system that allows you to feel the bass through vibration.
"Music is a wave," said drummer Will Champion. "You can hear them, but you can also feel them."
We have a comprehensive and accessible show&I hope there is.
For the hearing impaired&For hearing-impaired customers, we offer SUBPAC (wearable, best to provide bass) + 2 sign language interpreters.
If you are playing near you&I want to watch with an interpreter&SUBPAC, email access@coldplay.com pic.twitter.com/iGZvkNYyj3
— Coldplay (@coldplay)May 13, 2022
Lead vocalist Chris Martin on Burleson and his partner on Christmas He said he gave him the SUBPAC vest. He said he was similar to what pop superstar Billie Eilish's producer and brother FINNEAS O'Connell wore on stage.
"Because it vibrates, it helps people like Finius to hear where the bass drum is," Martin said.
According to Coldplay'swebsite, the band will be at each show during the tour for local sign language interpreters, sensory bags, sensory shelters, and visually impaired people. Touch tours are also available.
A longtime Coldplay fan, deaf Mike Rivera praised the band's comprehensive concert elements.
"All accessibility in the community is very exciting," he said. "Coldplay makes a lot of sense to us."
Rivera's daughter Kaley agreed.
"It's crazy that friends can enjoy this kind of thing with Dad at the same level as Dad. The fact that Coldplay is leading this is the right direction. It's just a big step towards, and it really excites me in the future, "she said.
Champions say the band's philanthropy makes a lot of sense to them.
"We are very proud and a little emotional when we hear a wonderful story about a hearing-impaired person or a family who has never considered going to a show for the hearing-impaired. "He said.
Tori B. Powell is the latest news reporter on CBS News. tori.powell@viacomcbs.com
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