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The recent ‘kiss cam’ incident at a Coldplay concert has generated significant attention across Australia, leading to various promotional efforts by businesses and government departments. During a performance in Boston on March 6, 2024, the camera captured an intimate moment between Andy Byron, CEO of Astronomer, and Kristin Cabot, the company’s head of HR. The awkwardness of the moment escalated when Cabot quickly disengaged from Byron, turning away as he ducked down, prompting Chris Martin, Coldplay’s frontman, to joke about an alleged affair on stage.
The scandal took a twist when it was revealed that both Byron and Cabot are married, making Byron a trending topic on Google in Australia shortly after the concert. With the incident fresh in the public’s mind, restaurants and government services have seized the opportunity to engage their audiences.
Promotions and Publicity Spin-offs
In light of the viral moment, popular restaurant chain Nandos launched a cheeky promotion titled “Little something on the side?” Customers can receive a free regular side with any main dish by using the promo code: COLDPLAY. This catchy marketing strategy cleverly plays on the unintended implications of the concert incident, appealing to customers’ sense of humor.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) in Western Australia also took to social media to leverage the trending topic. They posted a weather update featuring a screen grab of Byron and Cabot’s surprised expressions, stating, “Looks like it’s not just the Coldplay concert that’s getting wild.” The post humorously warned of severe weather conditions expected over the weekend, including heavy rain and strong winds. The post received over 2,000 likes and numerous comments, further amplifying the engagement.
Transport for NSW joined the conversation with a clever post that used the image of Byron and Cabot to illustrate the feeling of forgetting to tap on a transport card. Their post received approximately 16,000 likes, showcasing the broad appeal of the incident beyond mere entertainment.
Social Media Reaction
The public’s reaction to the incident has been overwhelmingly positive, with many taking to social media to share their amusement. Comments ranged from light-hearted jokes about the couple’s home lives to playful critiques of the promotions inspired by the event. One user noted, “I saw this post 31 minutes ago and still laughing,” while another quipped, “I’m sure there were a few more cold fronts when they got home to their spouses!”
This incident not only highlights the unpredictable nature of viral moments but also showcases how businesses and organizations can creatively engage with current events. The interplay between entertainment and marketing in this instance serves as a reminder of the pervasive influence of social media in shaping public discourse.
The Coldplay ‘kiss cam’ episode exemplifies how a fleeting moment can resonate widely, impacting not just the individuals involved but also providing fertile ground for marketing creativity and community engagement across Australia.
