Coldplay’s streaming numbers increase by 25% following viral kiss-cam incident, Gwyneth Paltrow …

Coldplay’s on-demand audio streams saw a significant 25% surge following a viral kiss-cam incident at their July 16 Boston concert. The incident involved Astronomer executives Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot, and it resulted in the band’s streams increasing from 28.7 million to 35.7 million in just five days after the controversy.

During the concert, Byron and Cabot were caught on the stadium big screen together in an awkward moment. Byron avoided the camera while Cabot covered her face, prompting a light-hearted remark from Coldplay’s frontman, Chris Martin. He humorously commented, “Uh oh. Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy.”

Subsequently, Byron, who is married, resigned as the CEO of Astronomer due to the backlash from the incident. The company emphasized its commitment to accountability while searching for a new leader to fill the vacant position left by Byron.

In an attempt to smooth over the controversy and to poke fun at themselves, Astronomer announced that Gwyneth Paltrow, Martin’s ex-wife, would serve as their “temporary spokesperson.” The Oscar-winning actress even recorded a comical video introduction that was aired on July 25.

The move to include Paltrow as the company’s temporary spokesperson was seen as a playful way for Astronomer to address the situation with light-heartedness. It also highlighted the company’s willingness to navigate through the fallout from the controversial incident involving their former CEO.

This incident and subsequent reaction showcase the power of viral moments and social media in shaping public perception. The increase in Coldplay’s streams suggests that even negative publicity can sometimes have unexpected positive outcomes, such as heightened interest and engagement with the band’s music.

In conclusion, while the kiss-cam controversy may have initially caused discomfort and embarrassment, it ultimately led to a surge in Coldplay’s streams and a creative response from Astronomer. The event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of public relations in the digital age and the importance of adaptability in managing crises and capturing new opportunities.