Coldplay’s Seoul Concert Outshines Tokyo with Record-Breaking 99% Wristband Return Rate
As part of their ongoing world tour, “Live Nation Presents Coldplay: Music of the Spheres Delivered by DHL,” the band has been performing in Seoul from April 16 to 25.
At each tour stop, the British rock band distributes eco-friendly, remote-controlled LED wristbands—called Xylobands—to fans, encouraging them to return the devices post-show as part of their sustainability campaign.
A friendly competition has emerged among cities worldwide, with the wristband return rate becoming a point of pride. Tour organizers display each city’s return percentage on the concert screens, spurring fans to take action.
Prior to the Seoul leg, Tokyo and Helsinki led the leaderboard with a 97% return rate, followed by Copenhagen (96%), Buenos Aires, and Gothenburg (94%).
Seoul kicked off its first concert on April 16 with a solid 96% return rate. However, fans were determined to dethrone Tokyo. The return rate climbed to 98% by April 18, and finally, on April 24, it soared to 99% the highest ever recorded in Coldplay‘s tour history. Seoul not only topped the global chart but beat Tokyo and Helsinki by a clear 2%.
Despite the efforts of a controversial Chinese influencer who encouraged fans not to return the wristbands and even sparked online discussions about sabotaging the event, Korean fans remained resolute. Comments from some Chinese netizens threatened to “run off with the wristband box” or “make Korea rank last,” drawing backlash and national pride from Korean concertgoers.
In the end, Seoul proudly stood as the city with the highest wristband return rate, showcasing both environmental awareness and strong fandom culture.
