The widespread use of LED wristbands at large-scale events has never been more evident than it is now. These wristbands have become an essential element, creating stunning visual effects at concerts and major events worldwide. Coldplay’s headline performance at the Glastonbury Festival in June was viewed by millions of fans globally, with the brilliant display of LED wristbands captivating audiences. Moreover, during the closing ceremony of Paris 2024 Olympics on August 11, the LED wristbands lit up in front of an estimated 1 billion viewers around the world.
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PixMob, the leading company behind these LED wristbands at both events, is experiencing its most successful year yet. Jean-Olivier Dalphond, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of PixMob, shared with IQ magazine that the number of wristbands delivered to clients this year has reached the millions: “it’s eight digits, not seven.”
Coldplay and the Technology that Connects Fans
For Coldplay fans, LED wristbands are not merely visual effects but rather an emotional bridge between the artist and the audience. The wristbands light up in sync with the music, creating a mesmerizing display that immerses fans in the concert experience, making them feel like an integral part of the event. This highlights the importance of technology in forging powerful emotional connections.
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Dalphond shared: “We’ve worked with Coldplay, participated in the closing ceremony of Paris 2024, supported the tours of Taylor Swift, Karol G, and many major sports events in North America, like with the New York Rangers. Yes, we’re extremely busy.”
It’s remarkable to know that in its first year of operation, the company didn’t produce a single wristband. “When we started, wristbands weren’t possible because we hadn’t miniaturized the technology enough,” Dalphond explained. “In 2010, we used large LED ponchos with big shoulder pads for the Microsoft Kinect launch. The following year, we managed to shrink the technology down to fit into LED balls used at Coachella for Arcade Fire’s performance. The first wristband didn’t come until 2013, so it took us three years to get there. Now, we manufacture millions every year.”
The Impressive Growth and Global Ambition of PixMob
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PixMob’s rapid growth has seen the company expand from its original two employees to 150 today. Initially, LED wristband technology caught the attention of electronic music artists, but it has since expanded to various genres. “Our first known client was Tiësto in 2013, then we moved into pop with artists like Shawn Mendes. Now, we’ve expanded into hip-hop with Missy Elliott, country music with Morgan Wallen, and even country legend George Strait is doing a show with us,” Dalphond noted. “Everyone is realizing that these lights are about connecting with fans – it resonates with people who want to experience a sense of togetherness.”
What’s particularly exciting is PixMob’s success in pioneering new markets. “We’re seeing a growing demand, especially in markets that are trying to reinvent the venues of the future. That’s something we’re very excited about,” Dalphond said.
One of PixMob’s standout achievements is the permanent installation of an LED system in the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, where there will be daily PixMob light shows, whether it’s for basketball games or concerts by touring artists.
Competition and the Future of Light Technology
With such immense potential, PixMob faces competition from companies like Xylobands, Flash Bands, and CrowdLED, who are also thriving in the market. Meanwhile, manufacturers in East Asia have been quick to capitalize on the opportunity. However, Dalphond emphasized PixMob’s unique edge: “When an innovative company invents something, copycats emerge from Asia, but their products are of lower quality with limited effects. Our job is to demonstrate how richer lights and better effects create a more emotional and collective experience.”
Dalphond proudly stated: “We are a manufacturer from A to Z. We design the wristbands, we code the software in them. Every single electronic component is sourced and assembled under PixMob’s strict supervision, from the transmitters to the wristbands. We are as obsessed with hardware as Apple is with their products.”
The Future of PixMob and Coldplay
Undoubtedly, PixMob’s LED wristbands have become iconic at Coldplay’s major tours. For fans of the band, seeing thousands of LED lights glowing during a concert isn’t just a fusion of music and technology; it symbolizes connection and emotion. This technology has helped Coldplay create unforgettable memories in the hearts of their fans and remains an integral part of the band’s creative journey.
The future of PixMob seems brighter than ever. With expansion into the European market and installations in major stadiums, PixMob is leading the revolution in how we experience large-scale events. Coldplay, with their spectacular performances, will undoubtedly continue to harness this technology to deliver exceptional experiences for fans worldwide.
