Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has stirred both support and controversy after dedicating a portion of the band's recent London concert to the memory of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was recently killed. During their "Music of the Spheres" tour stop at Wembley Stadium on Friday, September 12, Martin paused the show to encourage the audience to "send love" to Kirk's family.

Before playing their hit song "Fix You," Martin asked the audience to raise their hands and direct love and compassion "anywhere you want to send it in the world". He then specifically mentioned Kirk, who was shot and killed on Wednesday, September 10, during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been arrested and charged with the murder.

Martin's complete statement included, "You can send this to your brother or your sister, you can send it to the families of people who have been going through terrible stuff, you can send it to Charlie Kirk's family. You can send it to people you disagree with, but you send them love anyway… You can send it to peaceful people in the Middle East, in Ukraine and Russia, Azerbaijan, and Sudan and Somalia. Anywhere that you think might need love from London". Following his statement, the band launched into their performance of "Fix You".

The gesture has triggered a wide range of reactions. Some concertgoers booed when Kirk's name was mentioned. Social media has also become a battleground for debate, with some fans praising Martin's call for unity and empathy, while others criticized him for honoring a figure as politically divisive as Kirk. One X user questioned the place of politics at rock concerts, while another lauded the band for demonstrating kindness towards Kirk's family.

Kirk, who was 31 years old, was the co-founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative organization. Known for his strong political views on topics such as immigration and gun control, Kirk was a controversial figure. Several prominent figures, including Chris Pratt, Jake Paul, and Piers Morgan, have publicly expressed their condolences.

Ironically, Kirk himself had previously expressed his dislike for Coldplay. In July 2025, he stated, "I would rather be caught dead than be at a Coldplay concert. I would rather go to a WNBA game than go to a Coldplay concert. I couldn't think of something more boring and banal and a waste of time". He made the comments while discussing a viral "Kiss Cam" incident that occurred at a Coldplay concert.

Other country musicians are also paying tribute to Kirk. During a show in Detroit, Michigan, Jason Aldean honored Kirk. Morgan Wallen, during a concert in Edmonton, Alberta, said he was praying for Kirk's family.

Despite the controversies that have arisen during the tour, Coldplay has consistently emphasized themes of unity and compassion. Martin told Rolling Stone last year, "That's really our mission right now: We are consciously trying to fly the flag for love being an approach to all things".