A little less than two years after their performance with Richard Ashcroft at Hyde Park as part of the Live 8 concert to raise awareness for the concept of African debt relief, Coldplay has inadvertently brought attention to income inequities in South America. After learning that tickets to their concerts in Chile cost $160, more than a quarter of Chile's average monthly wage, Gwyneth Paltrow's favorite band issued an apology, maintaining they were ignorant of the high cost of their tickets.

"We just found out how expensive they are and would like to say we are sorry," said frontman Chris Martin. "We didn't know beforehand." Admitting the embarrassing nature of the situation, especially in light of Coldplay's support of fair trade for developing nations, Martin explained, "When you are a famous band, a lot of things happen that you don't know about."

Martin's rationalization seems oddly reminiscent of that offered by Kathie Lee Gifford when the news broke that her clothing line was made in Honduran sweatshops, eh?

Labels: Coldplay