If you've never missed the Dubai World Cup, but are also a devotee of the band Coldplay - you're faced with a major dilemma this year.
tabloid! can exclusively reveal Coldplay will hit the stage at the Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi, on March 28 from 9pm.
The world's biggest-selling musical act for 2008 has confirmed they are heading to the region for the first time to complete their current world tour.
Just two days before the band vie for seven Grammy awards, frontman Chris Martin said he was looking forward to playing in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi and urged fans to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.
"It will be amazing and we can't wait," he said when contacted by tabloid! on the weekend.
Live Nation, who are flying the boys in following their final tour dates in Australia, said the concert would be a highlight of the music offerings in 2009.
Organised in conjunction with Flash, the company behind successful gigs including Christina Aguilera, Bon Jovi and Elton John, the concert is predicted to sell out - a total of 15,000 tickets - in record time.
And while the English hit makers may be looking forward to their first notes played on UAE soil, a few issues may need to be sorted out before they arrive.
Newspapers around the world have reported Coldplay could be served with legal papers at tonight's Grammy Awards ceremony. Guitarist usician Joe Satriani who claims the group plagiarised his work on their worldwide hit Viva La Vida.
The guitarist and songwriter alleges "substantial original portions" of his 2004 instrumental I Just Wanna Fly were used by Coldplay on the Grammy-nominated track.
But worse than that, he's promised to follow the band, who are nominated for seven awards at the prestigious ceremony, including two - song and record of the year - for Viva La Vida, everywhere this weekend in LA.
At least they still have a guaranteed-rocking gig to look forward to in Abu Dhabi before they head home to the UK for a well-earned break.
Live Nation say they will release ticket information in the next few days.
Activism
Despite Coldplay's worldwide popularity, the band has remained protective of how their music is used in the media, refusing its use for product endorsements. In the past, Coldplay turned down multi-million dollar contracts from Gatorade, Diet Coke, and Gap, who wanted to use the songs Yellow, Trouble, and Don't Panic respectively.
According to frontman Chris Martin, "We wouldn't be able to live with ourselves if we sold the songs' meanings like that."
The song Viva La Vida was featured in a commercial for the iTunes Store, advertising its exclusive availability of the single as a digital download on iTunes. Coldplay are supporters of Amnesty International.
Martin is also noted as one of the most visible celebrity advocates for fair trade, supporting Oxfam's Make Trade Fair campaign. The band were filmed clicking their fingers for Make Poverty History.
In the band's early years, Coldplay was also widely noted in the media for their claim to give 15 per cent of the band's profits to charity. Martin was outspoken against the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and he endorsed US President Barack Obama in 2008.
Did you Know?
Martin has revealed that he has been banned from putting a step into the studio while his band Coldplay record songs for their new album. The singer was asked to temporarily step back following suggestions from legendary music producer Brian Eno, who has previously worked with the group on their immensely successful album Viva La Vida.
"He [Eno] said that he still wanted to work with us on the next album but that I was banned from the studio," Contactmusic quoted Martin as telling the UK's Absolute Radio.
"He said that it would be better without me for the first two weeks - 'You can do better without the singer!' It has turned out to be a good idea because the band has been free to try out loads of weird things without me getting in the way."
Coldplay among Grammy leaders
Coldplay have bagged seven nominations for tonight's Grammy Awards.
Their nominations include best rock album, best rock song, and pop and rock performance accolades. The winners will be announced tonight.
Coldplay won best alternative album Grammys for their first two releases, and their fourth album, Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends- released in June last year - has been a global success.
Your comments
Anyone know when tickets will be available? How much? And where?
Akshay
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 08, 2009, 18:05
where can we buy the tickets?
Berenice
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 08, 2009, 17:16
Finally! I was waiting for this the whole year! Viva la Coldplay, here I come! Does anyone know where we can reserve tickets?
Elisa
Dubai,U.A.E.
Posted: February 08, 2009, 16:32
I love Coldplay, I'm definitely going to see them. They are the best, and I hope they play Speed of Sound, Parachutes and Yellow.
I love colplay!!!!
Nikeit
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 08, 2009, 16:26
This is great news! My favourite band! It's good that I have cousins in Abu Dhabi to reserve tickets for me.
Almira
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 08, 2009, 15:02
Great! I can't wait to see them play. Is there an opening act?
Sari
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 08, 2009, 12:52
It would be awesome to have my favourite band in the whole world play in the UAE. I live in Dubai but that won't stop me from going there! I definately have to get a babysitter. Here I come Martin and the gang!
Nikita
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 08, 2009, 12:16
