iWorld
Disney+ Hotstar to stream Coldplay live in Ahmedabad on Republic Day
MUMBAI: Brace yourselves, Coldplay die-hards and Insta-story enthusiasts alike!
The gods of stadium rock are descending upon Ahmedabad, and this time, you won’t need to sell a kidney—or fight bots online—to snag a ticket. If you’ve been crying your eyes out because your name didn’t make it past the virtual queue, wipe those tears because Disney+ Hotstar has your back.
This Republic Day, as the nation waves its tricolour, you can sway to the cosmic vibes of Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour right from your couch. Yes, live, straight from Ahmedabad’s grandest stadium to your screen. Fire up the popcorn (and maybe your Hotstar subscription), because this isn’t just a concert; it’s a galaxy of magic, melodies, and Chris Martin’s moves delivered to your doorstep.
So, whether you’re a bona fide Coldplay disciple or just there for “fixing your feed”, 26 January is about to be unforgettable. And who knows? Maybe your live-streamed “Yellow” moment will shine brighter than any stadium seat ever could.
Your ticket to a world-class concert, minus the travel.
Disney+ Hotstar combines its cutting-edge streaming technology with unmatched reach to bring every note, every beat, and every Chris Martin smile right to your screen. And the magic doesn’t stop there. Fans will also enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses of the band, creating a truly immersive #ParadiseForAll.
JioStar – sports CEO, Sanjog Gupta shared, “At Disney+ Hotstar, we have revolutionised India’s entertainment and sports consumption by captivating viewers with unparalleled immersive experiences and consistently delivering value to our partners, advertisers and audiences. Our partnership with Coldplay reflects our commitment to bringing iconic cultural experiences to audiences nationwide. By leveraging our advanced technology and unmatched reach, we are breaking the barriers around privileged access to premium entertainment, and making it available for all, fostering a shared celebration across the country.”
But wait, is it Coldplay without a little personal touch? In a heartfelt message, lead singer Chris Martin said, “Namaste to all our friends in India. We’re thrilled to share that on 26 January, our show from Ahmedabad will stream live on Disney+ Hotstar, so you can watch it from anywhere. We’re excited to visit your beautiful country. Sending lots of love!”
The Music of the Spheres World Tour has already earned the title of the highest-grossing rock tour of all time. Known for its fusion of music, sustainability, and creativity, the Ahmedabad leg promises a spectacular celebration of sound and visuals. From sustainability initiatives to ground-breaking production values, the tour is a testament to Coldplay’s enduring legacy.
Why is this a game-changer for brands? Disney+ Hotstar transforms live events into powerful branding opportunities. From pre-show sponsorships to exclusive fan contests and post-concert highlights, brands can connect with millions of engaged viewers while capitalising on Coldplay’s universal appeal.
Presented in partnership with Cisco, this live-stream event proves that digital platforms can go beyond mere streaming—they can create experiences that resonate deeply.
Ready to celebrate Coldplay like never before? Get your streaming set-up ready, grab your friends, and prepare to sing along to hits like Paradise and Fix You. After all, why should Ahmedabad have all the fun?
Mark your calendars: 26 January 2025, Live on Disney+ Hotstar.
Will you tune in to make your Republic Day extra special? Let the countdown begin!
iWorld
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
