If you thought the biggest drama at a Coldplay concert would be on stage, think again. Recently, the world went wild over a cheating scandal caught on the kiss cam at a Coldplay show. During the cheeky moment, a tech CEO and his HR executive attempted to dodge the spotlight, only to find themselves centre stage and the subject of endless social media chatter. Within hours, footage of the incident had gone viral across TikTok, Twitter and late‑night chat shows.
Beyond the memes and gossip, this incident highlights something every event organiser knows all too well: you never quite know what surprises a live event might bring. While you can’t always prevent an impromptu kiss‑cam cameo, you can prepare your event to handle surprises and keep things running smoothly. One of the most effective, and often overlooked, tools for crowd control is the simple event wristband (and its trusty sidekick, the lanyard). Let’s explore how wristbands and lanyards can transform concert chaos into organised fun.
Concerts, Crowds and Controlled Chaos
Imagine a packed stadium buzzing with anticipation: thousands of fans eager to sing along, cheer and dance. How do organisers ensure that VIP ticket‑holders reach their exclusive lounge, that backstage areas remain secure, and that gate‑crashers stay outside? The answer is wristbands and lanyards, small accessories with a very big role.
Wristbands serve as visual passes that staff can assess at a glance. Different colours or patterns denote access levels—general admission, over‑18 bars, backstage or VIP areas. Many wristbands feature one‑time locking snaps or tamper‑proof adhesives, so once they’re on, they cannot be removed without breaking. This prevents unauthorised swapping or reuse, keeping ticketed entries genuine and revenue protected.
Not only do wristbands enhance security, they also streamline entry. Instead of manually checking tickets or IDs at every turn, a quick glance at a guest’s wrist is all it takes to confirm access. Whether for a music festival, corporate conference or sports event, wristbands are essential for maintaining order and ensuring a seamless guest experience.
Custom LED Wristbands: Part of the Show
At some Coldplay concerts, fans receive LED wristbands that light up in sync with the music, turning the audience into an interactive light display. As each band flashes in unison, the crowd becomes part of the performance, creating a breathtaking “sea of stars” effect. This demonstrates that wristbands can fulfil both security and entertainment roles, keeping guests identifiable while enhancing the atmosphere.
Meet the Wristband Family
At IDC Band, we supply a full range of event wristbands to suit any occasion:
Tyvek Wristbands
Ideal for one‑ to three‑day events, Tyvek bands are tear‑resistant, water‑resistant and highly cost‑effective. Custom‑print them with logos, text or colours to match your branding. Their strong adhesive closures ensure they stay secure through rain, sweat and enthusiastic dancing.
Vinyl Wristbands
Perfect for events lasting up to ten days, these soft‑plastic bands are waterproof, tear‑proof and tamper‑proof. Vinyl bands offer a premium feel and come in a variety of colours, including glitter and metallic finishes. Their snap closures lock firmly in place, making them a popular choice for multi‑day festivals and conferences.
Fabric Wristbands
The ultimate in durability and style, fabric bands are popular for multi‑day festivals and VIP experiences. With woven or full‑colour sublimation printing, they provide intricate custom designs. Their locking barrel closures are virtually impossible to remove intact, and they double as keepsakes—guests often wear them long after the event ends.
Silicone Wristbands
Excellent as promotional merchandise or fundraising items, silicone bands are reusable, comfortable and available in embossed, debossed or printed finishes. They’re perfect for brand awareness campaigns and swag bags, though not intended for access control.
RFID Wristbands
For cutting‑edge events, our RFID‑enabled bands (available in Tyvek, vinyl or fabric formats) support cashless payments, rapid check‑ins and interactive experiences. Embed a discreet RFID chip to reduce fraud and improve guest convenience.
Lanyards: Wearable Branding and Access
Lanyards are the go‑to solution when guests need to display credentials around their necks. Ideal for staff IDs, VIP passes and exhibitor badges, lanyards combine security with high‑visibility branding. Choose from woven fabric, polyester or eco‑friendly materials, customise with full‑colour dye‑sublimation printing and add clip or hook attachments to suit any badge or card holder.
Rock Your Event with IDC Band
A kiss‑cam scandal might steal headlines, but successful events depend on solid logistics: crowd control, access management and consistent branding. IDC Band has been South Africa’s trusted supplier of event wristbands and lanyards since 1995. We offer fast turnaround, nationwide delivery and a product range that includes Tyvek, vinyl, fabric, silicone and RFID wristbands, plus fully customisable lanyards and badge holders.
Don’t let logistics steal the show. Focus on the music, the crowd and the memories; leave the wristbands to us. Request a quote from IDC Band today and ensure your next event is organised, secure and unforgettable.
