Coldplay delighted a handful of fans with an unexpected performance at Rough Trade, a record store in New York City, on Tuesday morning. The band, promoting their recently released album “Moon Music,” surprised customers by playing an acoustic version of their latest single “feelslikeimfallinginlove.”
Store manager George Flanagan described the scene, noting that the band wanted to create a moment where shoppers would be caught off guard. “They kind of wanted it to be something where there were customers just shopping and, all of a sudden, they walk in and start playing,” he explained.
Having just wrapped up an appearance on the “TODAY” show nearby, Coldplay made a brief return to the store, enchanting those browsing for vinyl records. Flanagan recounted how employees invited fans taking photos outside into the store for an exclusive one-song concert, to which Chris Martin greeted them with, “How you doing? Welcome to Rough Trade.”
The surprise performance included a heartwarming moment when Martin invited a fan celebrating her 70th birthday on stage, where she danced with him and received a kiss on the head.
Flanagan shared that they received notice of the surprise performance just the night before, when Coldplay’s team reached out with the idea. Although Rough Trade is known for hosting artist appearances, these events are usually scheduled in advance.
“This performance was to be a well-kept secret, even as Coldplay fans surrounded the area,” Flanagan said, emphasizing concerns about crowd control. “At the end of the day, we want to make sure it’s safe for the artist and enjoyable for the fans.”
The band entered through the back door and even took a photo in the store’s photo booth, with copies of the pictures set to accompany new album purchases starting Thursday. As they launched into their intimate performance, Martin humorously remarked that it reminded him of their early days playing smaller venues.
Flanagan concluded that the one-song set created an extraordinary and personal experience for those lucky enough to be present, making it truly a special occasion.