What is it about Coldplay?

Obviously they’re one of the biggest bands on the planet, so there’s that.

I watched their set at Glastonbury from the comfort of my humble sofa, and it felt like their energy reached out to me through the telly, transcending plasma and plastic. A couch potato no longer, I was there with them at the Pyramid Stage.

It’s a remarkable gift. To take an audience of thousands and make them feel part of a single community, all invested in one, powerful, shared experience. And what a community it was. More than 100,000 people are estimated to have partied with the band live at Worthy Farm while around 7.6 million (myself included) watched on the BBC.

Days later, and the Coldplay set has stayed with me. I’ve been asking myself, what’s the recipe for the band’s secret sauce? How do they create that unique bond with their fans?

They’re invested

The band played for two hours at Glasto, belting out hit after hit. Their playlist is both legendary and extensive – and they know it. There was no compromise on the content. I knew all the words to the songs because I’ve heard them so many times they fizz up and out of me like bubbles on a breeze. When I didn’t know the words, I knew the tune. When I didn’t know the tune I made it up. With Coldplay you never feel left out.

They’re appreciative

Over and over Chris Martin thanked the audience, but more than that, he singled out specific segments; people at the back, in the middle, waving flags, watching on TV. The band wrapped their arms around everyone watching, regardless of country, time-zone, platform or field. Coldplay know better than to take their popularity for granted, and they don’t miss the chance to show their gratitude and appreciation.

They’re humble

When you watch the band it’s an assault on the senses – music, lights, the noise from the crowd; cheering, singing, screaming. It’s a lot. Everyone knows who they are. But I honestly feel that if I bumped into one of the band in my local supermarket, they’d be people I could have a nice chat with waiting in the checkout.

They’re together

A band can only be successful when all its members have an equal respect for the role each plays and understands that no one individual is more important than another. They are a team. That balance and equity is as fundamental to the longevity of the band as it is to cementing – and holding – the loyalty and engagement of its fans.

They’re inspirational

I’m completely inspired by Coldplay’s work ethic and values. Their dedication to delivering a consistent and exceptional experience has huge relevance to what we do in the world of employee engagement (albeit ever so slightly more glamorous). I am more committed than ever to evolving communication which lights up hearts and minds, creating a shared bond that remains long after the last note has faded.

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