Linkin Park tour to South Africa

Excitement ran high at Tusk Event Management for this tour! Linkin Park fans were definitely spotted amongst the TUSK TEAM and so we geared ourselves one Saturday afternoon (not too long ago) to prep our 5FM branding. We ended this session with a Brand Team braai and all looking forward to a high intense tour for the Brand Team.

We all got together rather early at Cape Town Stadium, as we all know that for these events its important to do a “REKKIE”, brief the Event Organisers and also the stadium management on what branding material will be erected and where. This was done rather quickly as we have made prior contact with the relevant people.


Shannon Gaskin, Owner of Tusk Event Management, also made a surprise visit and eventually decided to lead by example and assist and give advice on the how’s and the why’s! We all very eagerly looked for best possible options to create the most exposure for our client 5FM, weighed it up and made final decisions on branding placement.

And then we saw this…

As TUSK quickly got told by the site manager that we are not allowed to get on his site if not prior arranged. And so our boys gladly went on a 15min Site Induction Course. Operations quickly proceeded after this, with a SAFETY FIRST approach.


We finished rather quickly, but got recalled after the Cape Town South Easter made itself well known again. Tragedy struck and a falling advertising tower made us realise that we have to practice the same “SAFETY FIRST” approach with BRANDING, we practice with our Transfers and Tours Department. Safe, Reliable and on Time had a whole new meaning all of a sudden.


This leg was a GREAT success and so the TEAM ventured towards the MIGHTY FNB Stadium in SOWETO, JHB otherwise known as Soccer City. The BRAND TEAM in high spirit met early the next morning! It was time for the Second leg.

A long, Long trip to JHB seem to pass by like Husain Bolt in the 100m. From a little DETOUR in De Doorns to a “little” forced Stop Over of almost 2 hours near Leeu Gamka.


Here the Tusk Team entertained them on how they would have dealt with the traffic and of course the ever so popular road trip jokes. No skipping stones though and by the looks of it not impressed at all.

With a scenic stop here and there and Nigel trying to walk sliding doors off its hinges, we finally reached our destination. FNB Stadium, Soweto, Johannesburg.


Again we got surprised by our Captain and leader of many! Shannon eagerly assisted and gave his advice on what we should do based on previous experiences.


The task seemed a mammoth one, but with structure in our well planned approach one could almost say we made it seem to be an effortless task.


We had a number of obstacles, but we were well prepared with the equipment at hand. Again SAFETY was paramount and our gear included hard hats, harnesses and even Utility Golf carts! Nope Shannon did not attempt to hit a golf ball over the stadium. Most probably could!


We also stayed in the comfort of Protea Hotel Roodepoort. We were well looked after on our stay there and woke up to a hearty breakfast on day 2.

With no surprise to myself I also realised that the TUSK BRAND TEAM are actually walking and breathing comedy material.

Nigel and Lewellyn requested an iron and ironing board to iron clothing items, only to send 2 of them back as both irons “did not work”. Little did they know of the new trend at some Hotel Groups. Protea Hotels in general have implemented an environmental policy and thus you will see recycled materials used and also energy saving policies put in place. Nigel and Lewellyn?, therefore the reason for the energy saving console at the entrance of your room. When you enter you put your room key in it and when you leave you take it out. This switches the power on and off.


Completing the 5FM Branding at FNB Stadium took an entire 2 days and the FINAL product looked nothing short of SPECTACULAR. We were congratulated by the ever so popular Highveld Hale Storm, but luckily just a little pitter patter!


The cloud break soon cleared and 80 000 eager fans started making their way to FNB Stadium for this long awaited concert.


The concert was a huge success and I obviously took the time to take a few concert pics. The TUSK BRAND TEAM also had to assist with then branding of the Hospitality area for the VIP’s and the Who’s Who of Celebville! They were all there in full force.



Once AGAIN a BEEEG THANKS and WELL DONE to the TUSK BRAND TEAM. We ROCKED 5FM’s Branding. Branding done to PERFECTION!

Please check back for more info on our Upcoming Event, Lady Gaga!



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