In December 2015 – during the band’s AHFOD album launch show in London for BBC Radio 1 – the internet exploded with the news that Coldplay were to headline the Halftime Performance at Super Bowl 50.
It turned out to be one of the most high-profile and memorable performances of their career, watched live by a huge global TV audience. After many months of planning, it was also one of their most spectacular – a celebration of colour, togetherness, inclusivity and love, featuring incredible guest appearances from Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, Gustavo Dudamel and Youth Orchestra LA.
We had a real challenge because it was a daylight show, so we had to incorporate a way of bringing the colour, movement and kaleidoscopes from the album.
Misty Buckley, Coldplay Production Designer.
Says Coldplay Production Designer, Misty Buckley: “We had a real challenge because it was a daylight show, so we had to incorporate a way of bringing the colour, movement and kaleidoscopes from the album. So we had a huge troop of choreographed flower dancers with these amazing inverted umbrella flowers, that formed various kaleidoscopic patterns. Then there were marching bands and a stunning card stunt at the end, where 90,000 people held up cards, reading “Believe in Love” from the song Up&Up. I mean, you can’t get a better, more positive message across, than that. It was a huge honour to be a part of it.”
