Coldplay’s Chris Martin Addresses Concert Kiss Cam Incident

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has issued a playful warning to fans attending their concerts, following a recent incident during the band’s kiss cam segment that sparked controversy. The event took place on July 16, 2023, at a concert in Massachusetts, where Andy Byron, the former CEO of the tech company Astronomer, was filmed embracing Kristin Cabot, the company’s new head of HR. The footage quickly gained popularity on social media, leading to significant public attention.

During the concert, the kiss cam captured Byron, who is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, and Cabot as they realized they were on the jumbotron. Initially attempting to hide, Cabot covered her face while Byron moved out of the camera’s view. The incident was shared on TikTok, which further amplified its reach. In response to the viral moment, Martin addressed the audience at their subsequent show on July 19 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. He encouraged fans to be camera-ready, saying, “We’d like to say hello to some of you in the crowd and put some of you on the big screen.”

While Martin did not directly comment on the kiss cam incident, he added a light-hearted note, advising those in the audience to “do your makeup now.” His remarks came just after Byron’s resignation from Astronomer, which occurred following the widespread sharing of the video.

The company had placed Byron on temporary leave before announcing his resignation on July 22. In a statement on LinkedIn, Astronomer emphasized its commitment to maintaining a culture of accountability and professionalism. The company’s board of directors noted, “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.” Byron’s departure signals a significant shift for the firm, which has been recognized as a pioneer in the DataOps space.

As the kiss cam segment continued, Martin jokingly questioned another couple captured on camera, asking if they were “a legitimate couple.” This playful interaction has further endeared him to fans, even in the wake of the controversy.

Astronomer has now initiated a search for a new CEO, with co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy serving as interim leader. The company reassured its clients of its ongoing commitment to addressing complex data and AI challenges, stating, “While awareness of our company may have changed overnight, our product and our work for our customers have not.”

The incident has highlighted the intersection of celebrity culture and corporate accountability, raising questions about personal conduct in the public eye. As Coldplay continues its tour, fans can expect a blend of entertainment and a reminder to be prepared for unexpected moments on the big screen.