Is Coldplay Paying Tribute to Juan Gabriel in Mexico City Shows?

After Coldplay’s surprise duet with Fher from Mexican rock band Maná in Guadalajara, we are keeping our eyes out for any hints on what the British rock band may cover on their next stop in Mexico. Their next performances will be at Mexico City’s Foro Sol on April 3, 4, 6, and 7. And with many great artists calling the country’s capital home, our heads are spinning with possibilities on who they’ll be homaging next. Could it be Café Tacvba? Caifanes? Los Ángeles Azules? Well, fans are actually buzzing about it being a tribute to none other than El Divo de Juárez, the iconic Juan Gabriel.

This theory comes from an interview with the Mexican media outlet Imagen, who after seeing Coldplay’s cover of Juan Luis Guerra’s “Bachata Rosa” in the Dominican Republic, asked about any potential covers in the upcoming Mexico City dates. 

“Maybe Juan Gabriel? ‘Querida?’ Or something. I don’t know, I’m just asking!,” the host asks Chris Martin during the interview to see if there’s any type of interest or scoop that he may reveal. “Juan Gabriel? Maybe. We’ll see. We’ll try,” Coldplay’s vocalist Chris Martin responds. 

In Spanish, he then says, “I’m really nervous to sing in Spanish so I have to practice each song so, so much.” He then continues in Spanglish, “So some nights, no es posible.” We love seeing the effort Chris Martin makes in speaking Spanish, and in doing so, appreciating the local culture.

Could it be that Coldplay will interpret the Mexican singer-songwriter icon’s “Querida” during one of the upcoming Mexico City dates? Twitter users are already requesting and hoping for a special appearance from their favorite Mexican artists, including appearances by Siddhartha or Café Tacvba.

 

Some Twitter users suggest other Juan Gabriel songs that may be easier for the “Viva La Vida” singer to interpret.

Regardless if Coldplay decides to perform a Mexican duet in person, cover a popular Mexican song, or skip the additional spectacle, what’s clear is that the upcoming Foro Sol dates are long-awaited. We look forward to any potential surprises and collaborations from the British talent!

Watch the full interview below.