TPi_Magazine__February_2018

GORILLAZ
Humanz: Inside a rave for the end of the world.
IBIZA CLASSICS • QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE • ENNIO MORRICONE • DANLEY SOUND LABS DEMO
IMAGINE DRAGONS & SOUND IMAGE • PRODUCTION FUTURES • KATY PERRY • IN PROFILE: LITECOM
FEBRUARY 2018
#222

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EDITOR’S LETTER
CHAIN HOISTS • CONTROL SYSTEMS • SOLUTIONS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!
No doubt some of you reading this will remember the very first issue of Total Production - which
coincidentally also featured Damon Albarn on the front cover! - and I don’t mean to make you feel
your age (you don’t look it, honestly - especially you, Damo!), but this is our 20-year anniversary
issue! So much has changed since the magazine’s inception, and we’re so very thankful for your
continued support and readership (and drinking abilities).
Gorillaz grace our front page this issue, and having never watched the band or seen their
production live before, I was more than uplifted upon leaving the arena after I had. It’s such a fun,
emotion-spanning show to witness, that I’d recommend you catch it next time they play near you.
And if you too feel like joining a gospel choir afterwards, well, you’ve got my number!
Ste and Stew have been in full backstage journo mode & deliver articles on the contrasting
concerts of Ibiza Classics and Queens Of The Stone Age, respectively. Not to mention, lots of other
original content including Neuron Pro Audio’s demo day success with Danley Sound Labs, a peek
inside the powerhouse that is lighting rental partner to the Eurovision Song Contest, Litecom, and
a chat with the latest Production Futures interviewees, ON LX, recipients of a TPi Breakthrough
Talent Award. Nice one lads!
Speaking of which, this is the last edition before we undertake the TPi Awards 2018! If you’re
attending on 26 February, be sure to say hello. We’re hosting our TPi Daytime sessions again; the
PSA’s Andy Lenthall will host the talk on Training, Education & Career Development, and I’ll be
chairing the Mental Health & Crew Welfare session. I hope to see you there & I’m excited to see
what positive changes a group of passionate thinkers & debaters can achieve!
Kel Murray
Editor
EDITOR
Kel Murray
Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8360
Mobile: +44 (0)7738 154689
e-mail: k.murray@mondiale.co.uk
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Ste Durham
Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8385
Mobile: +44 (0)7891 679742
e-mail: s.durham@mondiale.co.uk
STAFF WRITER
Stewart Hume
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Mobile: +44 (0)7702 054344
e-mail: s.hume@mondiale.co.uk
ADVERTISING SALES
Georgia Guthrie
Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8399
Mobile: +44 (0)7501 597837
e-mail: g.guthrie@mondiale.co.uk
ADVERTISING SALES
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Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8360
Mobile: +44 (0)7415 773639
e-mail: l.dyson@mondiale.co.uk
GENERAL MANAGER - TPi MAGAZINE & AWARDS
Hannah Eakins
Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8360
Mobile: +44 (0)7760 485230
e-mail: h.eakins@mondiale.co.uk
Issue 222 - February 2018
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Justin Gawne
Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8360
Mobile: +44 (0)7768 850767
e-mail: j.gawne@mondiale.co.uk
GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Dan Seaton: d.seaton@mondiale.co.uk
Zoe Willcox: z.willcox@mondiale.co.uk
ACCOUNTS
Lynette Levi / Sarah Miller: ar@mondiale.co.uk
MONDIALE GROUP CHAIRMAN
Damian Walsh
DIGITAL EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Jacob Waite: j.waite@mondiale.co.uk
EDITORIAL INTERN
Dan Broadley
COVER
Gorillaz by Tony Woolliscroft
PRINTED BY
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TOTAL PRODUCTION INTERNATIONAL is a controlled circulation magazine, published 12 times a year by Mondiale Publishing Limited under licence.
ISSN 1461-3786 Copyright © 2017 Mondiale Publishing Limited. All contents of this publication are subject to worldwide copyright protection and reproduction
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ITINERARY
09
18
30
44
56
OBITUARY
08 Noel ‘Rickey’ Ricketts.
EVENT FOCUS
09 Katy Perry
The award-winning pop star makes
use of disguise gx 2 media servers.
10 Danley Sound Labs
Neuron Pro Audio hosts an in-depth
demo day at Manchester Academy 2.
12 Ennio Morricone
The world-renowned composer turns to
L-Acoustics for his 60 Years of Music tour.
14 Equipson Open Day
The Valencia-based company showcases
some of its latest prodcuts.
16 Imagine Dragons
An Adamson E-Series system joins the
2017 Evolve World Tour.
PRODUCTION PROFILE
18 Gorillaz
Kel witnesses Damon Albarn and Jamie
Hewlett’s animated rave for the end of
the world.
30 Ibiza Classics
Ste catches the electronic / orchestral
crossover concert, presented by Pete
Tong and The Heritage Orchestra.
44 Queens of the Stone Age
Stew meets the crew working on the road
for the mighty return of Josh Homme and
the US rockers.
COMPANY PROFILE
56 Litecom
The Copenhagen-based lighting supplier
gives TPi a guided tour of its various
operations in and around the city.
PRODUCTION FUTURES
64 TPi Breakthrough Talent Awards winners
James Walton & Matt Didon talk
about their blossoming company, ON LX.
INTERVIEW
66 Ste discusses the future of AV with
Barco’s Wouter Bonte.
ROAD DIARIES
68 Tour Manager / Drummer Dan Woolfie
shares one of his favourite tales...
GEAR HEADS
70 Out Board Director, Dave Haydon, talks
TPi through the R&D process behind the
company’s RCX SMART Remote.
PSA: THE BIGGER PICTURE
72 Ahead of Daytime TPi, Andy Lenthall
discusses mental health in live events.
INDUSTRY APPOINTMENTS
74 The latest movers and shakers.
BACK CHAT
78 CODA Audio’s Global Marketing Director,
David ‘Webby’ Webster talks shop.
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OBITUARY
RICKEY RICKETTS
28 JUNE 1962 - 16 JANUARY 2018
“It is with immense sadness and heavy hearts that we have to announce
the passing of our colleague, friend, brother, father and partner who lost
his battle with Stage 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme, the most aggressive
form of brain cancer. Rickey was known to many of us as the FOH
Engineer for bands including Rudimental, Orbital, Groove Armada,
Erasure, Labrinth, Freestylers, Alabama3, The Herbaliser, The Bluetones,
The Bays, Roots Manuva, Red Snapper, Terry Callier, Marlon Roudette,
Nightmares on Wax, Beth Orton, Zero 7, Corduroy and Mother Earth to
name but a few.
“Without exception, the tributes to Rickey all mention his positive
outlook and good will, which was his default position. The world is a
different, colder place without him.
Rest easy, dood.”
- Tim Hardstaff
There will be an industry-led Rickey Ricketts’ Benefit Gig on Friday 23
February 2018 at Shepherd’s Bush Empire. A celebration produced by all
those who loved and worked with Rickey over the course of his successful
career.
All proceeds will be going to Rickey’s daughters; Mica, 12 and Mimosa, 19.
A percentage will also help Jess Mills set up her charitable foundation to
work towards expanding the range and methods of treatments avaliable for
cancer in the UK.
Event: Rickey Ricketts’ Benefit Gig
Date: Friday 23 February 2018
Venue: Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Address: Shepherd’s Bush Green, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 8TT
Capacity: 2,000
Doors: 7pm
Show: 8pm - 1am
Price: £30.00
Line-Up (in order of appearance):
Redsnapper (Live) The Bluetones (Live) Freestylers (Live ) Orbital (Live)
Groove Armada (DJ set) + very special guests
TPi
08

EVENT FOCUS
K ATY PERRY
The multi award-winning artist turns to disguise gx 2 media servers for her eye-popping new tour.
A pair of disguise gx 2 media servers, each with 2 DVI VFC cards a piece,
have accompanied Katy Perry on an 89-date world tour in support of her
fifth album, Witness. Along with the disguise software tool kit, providing
a pre-vis environment for the creative show design and powerful content
playback that includes tight Notch integration, the servers will ensure
her tour remains as visually striking until its climax in August 2018.
The stage design by Production Designer, Es Devlin, takes the form of
a 130ft, eye-shaped LED screen with a 2-part door in the ‘iris’ portion of
the screen. Creative Directors and Choreographers Ant and Ash [Antony
Ginandjar and Ashley Evans] have woven a 1980’s space theme into the 6
acts of the show.
The gx 2 systems from disguise were chosen, “due to the need for
Notch integration as well as the entire team’s familiarity and reliance on
the product over the years,” explained Earlybird Visual’s Eric Marchwinski,
the Associate Lighting Designer and Lighting / Video Programmer. “We
never considered any other solution as disguise is now an integral part of
how we all produce these very large and high-profile shows. The gx 2 is a
workhorse, which is the perfect fit for this project in terms of reliability and
power. We are playing 5K and 2K files and sometimes we layer multiple files
of those sizes.”
In pre-production, disguise was used to “take a look at the content’s
relationship to the screen surround and how things felt in different
positions in the room,” said Marchwinski. “Having a model to look at for
pre-production was key, as well as having the TAIT Navigator automation
integration via UDP. With the moving, bi-part wall and the 8 matrix lifts, we
needed to be able to parallel map the content on both of these surfaces.
The 3D workflow that disguise provides is the only choice for these features
in the set.” He gave kudos to the new system hardware as well: “We push
the system pretty hard with such a large texture size; 8 outputs and 7K
worth of texture would bring most media server to its knees. But the
disguise gx 2 stands strong for almost everything we ask it to do.”
Marchwinski pointed out that the support from disguise was also
integral to the technical setup of the show. “As we have continued to use
disguise on these large shows, the need for some on-site support has
grown,” he commented. “The disguise New York office sent on-site Support
Specialist, Chet Miller, to help Drew and I get everything running smoothly.
“This was invaluable as Chet was able to help tweak the automation
integration and dial in overall system performance - especially as we were
using some of the first gx 2’s in the US market. We also had some direct lines
of communication back to the London office, which helped to document
anything that arose, keeping our rehearsals and the London office working
efficiently across two different time zones.”
The content was provided by Silent Partners Studio. Kirk J. Miller
is the Visual Project Manager for Earlybird Visual and Ryan Middlemiss
the disguise System Designer. For the tour, Jay Schmit is the Production
Manager, J.T. Rooney the Screen Producer, and Gabriel Coutu-Dumont
the Video Creative Director. The Lighting Designer is Baz Halpin and the
Lighting Director is Drew Gnagey.
TPi
Photo: Steve Jennings
www.katyperry.com
www.disguise.one
INGENIOUS SOLUTION
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09

EVENT FOCUS
NEURON’S DANLEY DEMO DAY
In order to showcase an array of products from US audio innovator Danley Sound Labs,
UK-based Neuron Pro Audio recently held a well-attended and in-depth demo day at Manchester’s
Academy 2 venue.
Kyle Marriott, Managing Director at Neuron Pro Audio, described the
beginnings of this transatlantic relationship: “I’ve personally been
an admirer of Tom Danley’s work for over 10 years. After hearing the
ServoDrive BT7 and LABsub designs that he made before Danley Sound
Labs was started, I have been trying to get access to his advanced
Synergy and Jericho designs since becoming aware of them. It’s taken
several years for the large body of water between us to cease being a
barrier, with importation and distribution of the systems carrying some
logistical challenges. But we feel the time is now right for us to support
the move back towards a higher fidelity, more efficient point source
approach.
“We became partners with Danley UK after their first demo around 3
years ago, and have been building up a steady following through word of
mouth, gigs and private demos, but there’s been so much interest that a
formal demo day with a broader range of products was needed.”
Neuron showcased a variety of speakers from the Danley portfolio on
the day, including the SM80, SH50 and SH46 from the Synergy Horn series,
the SBH10 from the Paraline lens-based column series, the TH118, DBH218
and BC412 from the various subwoofer designs the company offers, and the
almighty J3-94 from the large format Jericho series.
“The J3-94 is relatively new, at around 18-months old,” Marriott said.
“But all of the products are ‘of the same cloth’ so to speak and adhere to
the same core principles of all of Danley’s work. We do have some exciting
new products in the pipeline though, so keep an eye on our social media for
sneak peeks in the coming months!”
Director of R&D at Danley Sound Labs, Tom Danley, originally found
himself in the world of pro audio having arrived by a less than conventional
path, which has greatly influenced the development of the company’s
products.
Marriott elaborated: “Tom has a long history of handling the more
esoteric and extreme demands of military and NASA acoustic challenges
with aplomb; including things such as subwoofers to communicate with
elephants, simulate the effects of shelling and bombs on large buildings,
silence helicopter rotor noise and acoustic levitation for space station
analysis work.
“This truly allows him to think ‘outside the box’ in his approach, and
the Synergy Horns in particular show that a true ‘next step’ is viable to
overcome the intrinsic shortcomings of the dominant line array approach
in live and installed sound. It also helps that he’s an incredibly humble and
open guy, always willing to go deep on explanations as to how his designs
work and share his knowledge with those who are curious, and that’s
something that Neuron embodies too so it’s a perfect fit for us - and it helps
that the boxes sound great, of course!”
The day itself was a great success for both companies, with walk-ins
bolstering the 250+ registered visitors that made time to visit Academy 2.
Marriott commented: “We welcomed a wide range of people, from venue
owners, event promoters, system techs and engineers to rental houses
and installation companies, plus performers and artists, across all levels
of experience and size. It seems that the word is getting out that we have
something special here.
“The feedback after the event has been brilliant, and frankly we’ve been
a little blown away by how many people have asked us to provide quotes
for sales, installs and events right off the bat. The Jericho in particular really
took people’s breath away, as it’s capable of handling huge crowds with
1 box per side, rather than the normal 12 boxes of line array, but the SH50
and SH46 have also garnered a tonne of interest with their hi-fi sound, ease
of use and SPL capabilities. Even the harshest of critics have humbly stated
that these are incredible products, which is all we could have asked for.”
With the promise of new product “sneak peaks” to come sooner rather
than later from Danley and Neuron, the questions remains - are we likely to
experience them in anger in the near future? “Most certainly!” exclaimed
Marriott. “It’s fair to say that there’s a bunch of interesting projects ahead
for all of the systems on display, so be sure to keep a look out for them on
shows. We’ll keep people informed of these and other events, and we also
plan to host further demos later in the year for those who weren’t able to
attend this time around.”
TPi
www.danleysoundlabs.com www.neuronproaudio.co.uk
10

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EVENT FOCUS
ENNIO MORRICONE IMMERSES AUDIENCES
IN 60 YEARS OF MUSIC WITH L-ISA
One of the world’s most celebrated composers and conductors, Ennio Morricone, has written over
500 film and television scores during his 7-decade career. The only film composer ever to have
received the honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement, the maestro embarked on his 60
Years of Music world tour with an L-Acoustics system designed by Scott Willsallen of Auditoria Pty
and supplied by Italian rental company, Agorà.
Early in the tour, Morricone’s long time recording and FOH Engineer
Fabio Venturi and Agorà Project Manager, Giulio Rovelli, heard about the
new L-ISA immersive sound system and visited the L-ISA headquarters in
London for a presentation and to test the mixing platform with Venturi’s
own recorded material. “Our normal L-Acoustics configuration works
extremely well. But in places such as arenas, it’s difficult to achieve
exactly what we want, and since the very first concert, we’ve been
looking at ways to make the performance sound even more natural,” he
explained. “When I listened to L-ISA, I felt that it offered a more natural
and detailed sound. I discussed the system with the production team,
and we decided we wanted to use it,” he stated.
The team decided to use the system for both the Bologna and Milano
dates. Sherif El Barbari, Director of L-ISA labs worked with Venturi to design
a system for both venues. At the 8,600-seat Unipol Arena in Bologna, an A/B
comparison between a conventional stereo system, which featured 12 K2
per side, and an L-ISA system featuring 5 rows of 12 KARA across the stage
was conducted. The production team felt that the L-ISA setup delivered far
superior results in terms of localisation, clarity and mix details. Within a few
minutes, it was unanimously validated by the Maestro and his team.
The following day in Milan, the L-ISA system was again deployed in the
12,700-seat Mediolanum Assago arena. There, the L-ISA system comprised 5
arrays of 12 KARA across the stage, completed by 2 side extension to widen
the imaging, with the central cluster also including 2 arrays of 4 KS28. For
the 240° audience seating, 2 side hangs of 8 K2’s and 5 additional KARA for
frontfills were utilised. Frederic Bailly, Applications Engineer at L-Acoustics
was on-hand to lend support. “The Agorà team had an opportunity to
‘rehearse’ the L-ISA rigging deployment for the first show in Bologna,” he
explained.
“For the Milan show the next day, we ran into an unexpected challenge,
as the fixed central scoreboard was not documented in the blueprints
and we had to lower the PA system by 1 metre.” With 112 condenser mics
on stage for the orchestra and choir, Venturi worried about feedback, but
this posed no problems as gain before feedback was in the range of 4 to
6dB. The complete PA was set-up an hour ahead of schedule and system
calibration was completed by Systems Engineer Maxime Ménelec in 30
minutes. This meant that Venturi had plenty of time to tweak his L-ISA mix
and do the sound check, and rehearsal took place with the Maestro at 5pm
without a glitch.
“The system worked perfectly for both dates and was an overall positive
experience,” said Floris Douwes, Producer and MD of the tour’s production
company, GEA. “The L-ISA system guarantees an immersive sound for the
entire audience, which is a tremendous improvement, and offers much
more transparency of sound than with conventional stereo line-array
systems.” Venturi added: “With L-ISA, everyone felt there was a natural
sound coming from the orchestra. The system is very simple to use and it
adds more detail and space to your mix. I would really like to continue to
use this setup.”
“Artists and audiences alike are continuously looking for more
profound live experiences and this technology meets this demand,”
concluded Douwes. “I think this system is particularly exciting in arenas
and large halls, as it enables the entire audience to enjoy an amazing
sound experience. Even those who are in seats that wouldn’t receive ideal
sound with conventional systems. Audiences get to enjoy a sound that is
far more natural and organic in terms of the position of the musicians and
instruments on stage. This system brings the orchestra much closer to the
audience, making the experience more immersive and enjoyable!”
Ennio Morricone himself was pleased with the system, stating: “The
L-ISA multi-channel system adds a sense of space to the sound. This has
made it possible for Venturi and Agorà to reproduce my performance with
a surprisingly realistic sound image of the orchestra. More than ever before,
there was a clear feeling of being enveloped by the music.”
TPi
www.enniomorricone.org
www.l-acoustics.com
www.auditoria.systems
www.agoraaq.it
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EVENT FOCUS
EQUIPSON OPEN DAY
TPi’s Stew Hume was invited to Equipson to take a closer look at some of the latest products at its
Valencia HQ, and what’s in store for 2018...
TPi’s guide for the day was Juan José Vila, COO and CMO of Equipson.
Joining his father’s business back in 2002, Vila has been focussed on
the company’s R&D department, while his father, José Luis Vila, still
oversees the direction of the company as CEO. “In the early days, when
my father started Equipson, we were very much a distributor,” began
the younger Vila. “I then joined the company 6 or 7 years later and began
to create a team to focus on the R&D department. We were already a
leading distribution company so we had the client base and the industry
knowledge to start producing our own products.”
Following a few years of research, the company released its first line
of products including the Digiline Series, BlueLine Digital and the IC 6 PRO
under the company’s WORK PRO banner. Although Equipson’s range of
products are usually associated with the install market, some of its latest
offerings seem to signal a change for the Spanish company.
Enter the LightShark, a new range of hardware lighting consoles. “About
2.5 years ago, the Equipson team gathered around the table to discuss
the possibility of creating a lighting control surface,” said Vila. “We wanted
to design a system that would combine the versatility of the software
solutions with the ergonomics, built-in interfacing, and physical usability
of a hardware console. On the whole you can split lighting consoles into 3
categories - a classic console, a wing and computer set up, and the dongle
and computer combo. Each of these options has their advantages and
disadvantages. A console may be too expensive for a particular project and
using a computer puts you at the mercy of software updates.” It’s here that
Equipson hopes its new solution will offer a fourth option for the market.
The LightShark is the first ever DMX-based hardware lighting console
range to offer wireless, browser-based control from a multi-touch
smartphone or tablet, with support for up to 3 connected devices
simultaneously. The range sets a new standard for features and usability at
its price point. The LightShark range comprises of 2 independent products,
the LS-Core and the LS-1 console, both developed and designed entirely
within WORK PRO’s lighting division. The LS-1 brings together the best
features from the world of innovative software-only lighting control and
marries them to an intuitive, ergonomic hardware control surface. The LS-
Core omits the LS-1’s hardware control surface but offers exactly the same
lighting control software, processing power, and smartphone or tabletbased
software control interface.
Alongside all of the features users expect from a modern, fully featured
lighting control system, LightShark offers intuitive control over a total of
8 512-channel DMX Universes, plus built-in support for an ever-growing
library of lighting fixtures. Because the LightShark control software runs on
the console itself, and the Wi-Fi-connected tablet or smartphone is merely
controlling it via a simple web browser, the control software is fast and
responsive, as well as offering the benefits of real-time, multi-touch control.
The console was first shown last year in Las Vegas at LDI and certainly
made an impression. “We were really pleased with the feedback we had
from the trade show last year,” stated Vila. “Since then we have been
inundated with interest and hopefully will see the LightShark in various
places throughout 2018. We have also got more plans for the console, which
we will showcase at this year’s Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt.”
During TPi’s Equipson visit, Vila also demonstrated another new
release for the company. “Audio has always been an important side to our
business,” commented Vila. “Last year we employed Joan La Roda who
now heads up our electro acoustic department. Since joining he completed
our first line array, Arion Series, and control system - a project we have had
in the pipeline for some time.”
The SL 210 A is the latest addition to WORK PRO’s Arion Series. A new,
self-powered 2-way line array, the SL 210 A features remote monitoring,
fully developed by WORK PRO’s in-house audio engineering department.
The system features 2 10-inch FAITAL transducers and an 11.46-inch
voicecoil in a bass reflex enclosure. The 2 low pass cut-off frequencies in
the loudspeakers contribute to an even horizontal directivity. The high
frequencies are reproduced by a 1.4-inch exit BEYMA compression driver
that features a polymer PM-4 membrane, which brings a more natural
sound when compared to other materials commonly used on the market.
The SL 210 A can suit the requirements of different configurations
14

EQUIPSON OPEN DAY
Below: Lightshark Product Manager, Alejo Cervera; Joan La Roda, Equipson’s Senior Loudspeaker Designer in the company’s anechoic chamber;
Equipson’s CEO José Luis Vila and COO/CMO Juan José Vila.
thanks to its powerful built-in DSP. Each unit can be set manually via its
interface and controls placed at the rear part of the enclosure, which allows
for the user to navigate through the menu and the different parameters of
the system.
As well as surveying some of the latest offerings for Equipson, TPi
also had a chance to meet some of the R&D team that were responsible
for the creations of Equipson’s products. Lead by General R&D Manager,
Olegario Perez, the team located on the top floor of the of the HQ diligently
troubleshoots all products prior to release as well as creating prototype
components for all its products with the company’s 3D printer.
Prior to leaving Valencia, Vila talked TPi through one the other major
parts of the Equipson Group, WORK PRO Lifters. “For the last 20 years we
have been producing some of the highest quality lifters within the industry.
The brand has now recognised around the world as a high quality product.”
However, the company almost became a victim of its own success and
saw a sudden, huge demand for its products.
“We knew we needed to expand the business,” commented Vila. “This
coincided with an opportunity to buy out another Valencia-based lifter
manufacturer, Fantek back in 2015.”
Since the purchase, as well as taking on all the experienced Fantek staff,
Equipson has also implemented a whole technical management team to
expand the lifters R&D department. “This was vital as we need such a team
to ensure we could take WORK PRO Lifters to the next level. We also wanted
to improve the manufacturing process to make it as efficient as possible.”
Last September WORK PRO Lifters has moved into a new 4,000sqm
warehouse, down the road from the original Equipson HQ.
TPi
Photos: Equipson and TPi
www.equipson.es
15

EVENT FOCUS
IMAGINE DRAGONS CHOOSES
ADAMSON & SOUND IMAGE
Imagine Dragons have gone from playing basements and dive bars to filling major arenas in the
space of 10 years. For their Evolve World Tour in 2017, it was an Adamson E-Series system rocking
the crowds from continent to continent.
“Adamson is always my first choice when it comes to Imagine Dragons,”
began FOH Engineer Scott Eisenberg. “The E-Series offers a perfect blend
of power and musicality and I love the overall impact we get with this
system.”
The tour was the band’s biggest to date in terms of scale and overall
production value and featured a stage design that wrapped the audience
around the band in an almost 360-degree configuration. That necessitated
an equally unorthodox audio system design with a package that, like those
for all of the band’s previous production-carrying tours, was supplied by
Escondido, California’s Sound Image.
The main hangs for the Evolve World Tour were comprised of 18
Adamson E15’s per side, suspended around 30ft further upstage than
usual. Using Adamson’s Blueprint AV software, Systems Engineer, Cameron
Whaley, of Sound Image was easily able to avoid the potential pitfalls of that
configuration.
Rounding out the package were side hangs of 6 E15’s and 9 E12’s per
side, and rear hangs comprised of 8 compact S10 2-way, full-range cabinets
per side. Adamson’s E219 subwoofers handled the low end, with flown left
and right arrays of 12 cabinets and an additional 6 per side on the ground.
Speaking to the low-end distribution, Whaley said the elaborate sub
design produced some very welcome results. “Having a sub array long
enough to achieve some directionality, we can get a good amount of energy
to the back of the room without it being overwhelming in the front,” he
explained. “By playing with the timing of the ground subs to the flown subs,
we can also fill in some of the holes between the power alleys on the floor.”
As far as what made the E-Series the ideal choice for this trek - and every
major Imagine Dragons tour before it - Eisenberg said it’s largely about
power and consistency.
“I really like that it’s got a lot of horsepower, especially in the mains’
lower midrange,” he commented. “The highs are clear but not harsh, and
when the subs kick in, there’s just some really solid energy that hits you in
the best way possible.”
He added that the uniformity when transitioning from the E15’s to the
E12’s and S10’s in different parts of the room is seamless. “I love that the
quality and performance is consistent across the board with the E-Series
and S-Series,” Eisenberg said. “That’s a welcome bit of reassurance that
we’re delivering great and consistent sound to every corner of any given
venue.”
Working together, Imagine Dragons, Sound Image, and their respective
teams provided powerful live rock music for thousands of people around
the globe at a time where it’s seemingly in short supply. Fortunately for the
band’s ever-growing fanbase; they don’t show any signs of slowing down.
TPi
www.imaginedragonsmusic.com
www.adamsonsystems.com
www.sound-image.com
16

THE NEW REFERENCE POINT
w w w . r o b e . c z

PRODUCTION PROFILE
Opposite: Damon Albarn performs with Little Simz.
GORILLAZ: HUMANZ
The world’s most famous virtual band, comprised of musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie
Hewlett, plus the digital ensemble of vocalist / keyboardist 2-D, bassist Murdoc Niccals, and
American drummer Russel Hobbs, fronted by Japanese singer / guitarist, Noodle, took to the stage
after a 7-year break with their new Humanz World Tour. Their return? A glorious amalgamation of
cartoon enigmas, ethereal lighting, and a touring sound system first. Featuring an ever-changing
cast of special guests including De La Soul and Noel Gallagher, and featuring support from British
rapper Little Simz, Humanz is quite the spectacular. Meanwhile its crew prove to be a collective of
technical and creative friends…
“I’ve never done anything else really,” stated Gorillaz Tour Director,
Craig Duffy upon explaining how he landed at the helm of one of the
most talked-about productions of 2017. “I had a ‘proper’ job for about 2
years in the early 80s at EMI’s radar division, but funnily enough, nobody
wanted to employ a blue haired punk rocker. I used to watch bands play
4 or 5 times a week, and back then you’d just offer to help until you got
a job,” he shrugged, comically. Cementing his career in live music, Duffy
has never looked back, and has worked with Damon Albarn for a mighty
20 years. “Strangely enough, I started touring with blur in 1997 in San
Francisco, and played the same city again 20 years later with Gorillaz; it’s
been quite a journey!
“Damon is all about making music - he’s always writing and creating,
usually with 5 or 6 projects on the go at once and when he started this
one, he began by telling us how great it would be if he didn’t have to tour a
project, if cartoon characters could be the band, essentially. That was his
initial idea. The reality is, that if you’re Damon Albarn, people will eventually
want to see your face.”
The band didn’t come out in front of a live audience until Glastonbury
2010, 6 years after their conception and, in the interim, they had become
a globally talked about act. The 2017 incarnation of Gorillaz live is an
exceptionally well-executed production, and with lots of people to look
at on stage, it’s a far cry from being incognito. From discreet lighting, to
a video world that draws you into a virtual reality, to a mighty powerful
gospel-inspired choir, the band are a sight to behold. In short, Gorillaz
have become something of an iconic amalgamation of 2 worlds, which
tastefully collide and blossom into an almost spiritual, musical project.
Duffy continued: “The lighting design on this show is stunning, it’s honestly
an amazing-looking show. We’re really pushing what can be done on stage,
and as a design team they’ve done an incredible job. Taking those designs
and delivering it on a daily basis, is something Joel [Stanley, Production
Manager] has pulled off on a massive scale. Humanz is run by a brilliant
bunch of people and the artists give us an amazing show each night, I feel
as though everything we do really pushes and challenges each department,
and because we’re working together, the whole ensemble looks, sounds
and flows the way it does.”
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
Production Manager Joel Stanley is also a long-serving member of the
Albarn creative machine, and, as he explains, his own journey has had him
wearing many different hats: “I initially met Damon when I was brought in as
one of the drummers on Monkey: Journey to the West.”
For those unfamiliar, Monkey was Albarn’s Chinese Opera & stage
adaptation of the novel Journey to the West by Wu Cheng’en, created by
Actor / Director Chen Shi-Zheng along with Albarn & artist Jamie Hewlett,
co-creator of Gorillaz. He was just 20 years old. “That’s also when I first met
Craig. I was always hanging around, trying to do things in the production
office that was nothing to do with being a drummer! Then the Musical
Director asked me to help him with some spreadsheets & it all sort of
happened from there; they knew I wasn’t going to just turn up, play drums
and go home… turns out I’m a bit of a geek! From there, Craig & I formed a
friendship and I ended up doing the whole show and then went on tour.”
The concept of Humanz began when the visual creators were hired
by Albarn’s management team, elevenmgmt. Block9’s Gideon Berger
and Stephen Gallagher were tasked with animating the digital content
for the touring visuals. The meeting of minds came after Block9 worked
on a Banksy exhibition. The connection between Banksy and Albarn is
19

GORILLAZ
quite strong, with the elusive artist having created artwork for blur’s Think
Tank. “They hired Block9 to help envisage Jamie’s vision,” said Stanley.
“Jamie has his own company, but this time he’s sat down with Block9 and
went through all the back catalogue in order to bring the freshest ideas to
light. Almost acting like his art directors with Jamie being the artist & the
creative, and Damon being the musician. They were a nice creative go-to
from the beginning.
“The first thing I did was hire Matt Pitman, our Lighting Designer. We put
the working content onto Matt’s WYSIWYG for pre-visualisation and turned
it into a movie, and then Damon and Jamie could sit down and watch it as if
they were in production rehearsals; with Gorillaz being an animated band,
the visual content is obviously vital to the look of the show. Matt’s lighting
design is also integral to the overall look; the lighting show very much
complements the video. What I love about the design of this show is that
everything has a purpose, every single cue is there for a reason, and it looks
spectacular.”
So, what does the audience see? “You’re going into the world of Gorillaz.
The album concept is a soundtrack to the end of the world, now that
Donald Trump is president. [Sigh - Editor’s note]. That’s the concept for the
album - a rave for the end of the world, but as a participant, you’ll probably
have your own interpretation too,” he commented.
In total, there are 45 crewmembers, 16 drivers, 13 band members, 10 in
the artist entourage camp plus a variety of featured artists and supports
bands. For Stanley, this job is particularly close to his heart. “I used to play
for the artist, and now I’m on the other side of the fence, so we have a very,
very close working relationship. I’m so proud of it!” he smiled.
As for the personal touch needed on a show of this size? “On every
tour I do, I try to make a conscious effort to get to know everyone. I have
an open-door policy if anyone needs to have a chat or if I notice anything
I think might be worrisome; I’ll chat to them first. I know there’s a whole
support network out there which is becoming more vocal & available at the
moment, but I also feel like roadies will chat to people they actually know,
so it’s important to make yourself approachable for that.”
Holly Sandeman, Production Coordinator and Stanley’s right hand
woman, took up the story: “The day-to-day can be quite hectic, looking
after all the crew. Luckily, they’re all lovely!” she confirmed. “Logistically,
looking after them with hotels, transport and various needs means I deal
with a lot of different personalities, so that’s a really interesting part of my
job. There’s well over 40 crew with our drivers, so it’s always busy, probably
one of the busiest tours I’ve done.”
When I first met Sandeman, she was touring with the late George
Michael in 2011. I remember it because, it being my first year at this
magazine, she was one of the very first women I met who toured. She was
also all smiles and went out of her way to accommodate this ex music
journalist during my first technical journalism trip to Amsterdam’s Ziggo
Dome. How has the industry changed during those 6.5 years? “I think
there’s a new generation of young people coming through the doors, and
I’m definitely seeing more ladies on tour these days. I personally started out
in rigging; I helped my brother at a rave and discovered I could do staging
for a job. I applied at Unusual Rigging and was accepted, I worked there
for a few years & I became the middle person between the riggers and our
clients. I just love touring though, especially on this tour, we’re surrounded
by our friends.”
The tour vendors include Neg Earth Lights, Block9 for visuals, Entec
Sound & Light and Brown Note Productions for audio, Fly By Nite for
trucking, tour busses from Jumbo Cruiser, Mojo Barries, The Pantry Maid
for catering duties, Video Design and Universal Pixels for video rental, Rima
Travel, Global Motion for freighting, All Access Staging & Productions for
band Risers and TAIT for scenic elements & set construction.
VISUAL DESIGN
“The tour started off with some warm ups,” confirmed Stanley. “At the start,
we carried a small production that eventually grew as we added flown
scenic elements of video, more lights and so on; by the time we’d done 3
months in the US the production was fully developed for its UK & Euro run.”
Venturing back home also prompted some changes, including a complete
change in video, courtesy of Video Design. “Coming to Europe with a
different video supplier, somehow all felt very familiar,” said Stanley.
Lighting Designer Matt Pitman had a background in concert video before
finding his way into lighting design, and so has an innate understanding of
how the 2 mediums can best complement one another.
Stanley said: “For Gorillaz we just have a large upstage wall of hi-def LED
and an IMAG screen each side of stage fed by a nice little camera package
and PPU from Video Design. There are 13 performers in the band plus
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www.areafourindustries.us

GORILLAZ
guests; for that reason, the rig looks very straightforward, 4 trusses across
stage, a bit of side and back light, back video wall, some risers. That’s the
only way so many performers and their stuff can be accommodated and
give them the room to work. Dylan and I had some conversations about
IMAG and he is extremely competent, relieving me of that burden. The
original Jamie Hewlett produced content material we use can present
large areas of solid colour at intense levels, or even white so we needed to
temper the lumen output from the back wall, something we now do live
in the show with Glen Jenkins, our touring media server operator, riding a
fader.”
Stanley expressed his satisfaction with the video rental house: “Alex
Leinster from Video Design came out to our production build and first show
in Luxembourg to make sure everything was OK, which was great. The
crew are great too, it all feels very familiar which is just what you want to
happen.”
Dylan Etherington, Camera Director, explained that he “knew little
about this show and kind of went in blind”. His first gig running video for the
band was in Dubai for an outdoor Halloween concert. He told TPi: “I hadn’t
seen the show or any rehearsals, and went straight into the UAE to shoot
my first show. I had a video to watch of the show beforehand and I decided
to change a couple of things around. The way the camera plan-up was
structured was 2 long lenses at FOH and 2 in the pit. I personally don’t really
like long lenses as I feel it’s always a flat, 2D image. All the cameras were
forward facing, so everything that was going to the side screen was coming
from the floor perspective of the show. I decided to take 1 long lens away
from FOH and put it on a hand-held camera on stage, shooting both the
band and audience, and it worked really well. We’ve now got 8 cameras in
total; 4 are operated and 4 are mini cams, which I have set up over 2 multiviewers.
I always have it set up as if I’m reading a book; I always go from
stage right to FOH, then to stage left.”
After mastering his camera angles to perfection, Etherington opted to
use a Ross Carbonite 2ME video switcher for control. “We’re using it for it’s
most simple purposes; sending the live IMAG cut straight to side screens.
It can do far more than what we need it for on this occasion but it is a
comfortable and reliable piece of kit to use.”
The video set up is a standard IMAG on either side of the stage, with video
content playing from the upstage wall. “In terms of how we’re shooting
the show, I had the privilege of being able to watch it in Zurich, and it’s
amazingly lit. From the POV of the audience being in the audience, it looks
phenomenal. It’s not lit for video though, it’s very dark. When shooting,
we try and avoid the dark areas. However, we’ve been told to really make
a feature of the dark areas on his show and it’s working out really well. The
content is clearly a big part of Gorillaz, Jamie Hewlett as an artist is half of
the band, so we’re trying to feature that in the IMAG as much as we can. A lot
of the musicians on stage are in silhouette throughout, and we’re trying to
consciously use that - with the screen in the background - when shooting
the show. There’s a lot to shoot on stage, which makes it interesting, and it
keeps the camera guys busy! One thing that I believe can let a gig down is
its video content, but this is spot on. On the song Stylo, for example, we use
a music video with Bruce Willis and that’s been mixed with the animation,
and it’s just so unique to watch.
The video control package was supplied by Phil Mercer’s Universal
Pixels. The MD of the new video rental company - which has made the
shortlist of the 2018 TPi Awards in its first year! - told TPi: “We’re supplying
the video elements for the global touring package including custom LED
screens for the Oracle structure and disguise media server control surfaces.
I’m very pleased to be continuing a relationship with Gorillaz, which began
over a decade, and several previous touring campaigns ago.”
Automation Engineer, Blane Dracup, utilised a Kinesys Elevation system
running Vector software, with 3 500K motors. He took up the story: “This
show doesn’t need to move very fast; the Oracle itself doesn’t weigh as
much as you might think so it’s quite an easy structure to move. I time it
from the timecode information and I receive from the backline; it’s quite a
detailed set of timings, so I have a timecode feed to myself.”
He worked closely with Production Rigger, Jerry Hough, who added: “It’s
a simple rig, and quite a modest size show from a rigging point of view,
with around 50 points. There’s 4 lighting trusses and the video screen, the
Oracle; a T truss with some Kinesys motors on it and a round video screen
that moves around during the show. I take care of the package of reeling
and lifting equipment, and then everywhere we go I have a team of local
riggers that actually do the rigging, 10 up & 5 down. The locals generally
know their city’s buildings, so I just come in, mark out the positions of all
my points and liaise with them on load in. We’re using Litec EXE hoists,
which have really made an impact, Litec seem to be a very popular choice
for a lot of riggers now.” Weighing in at just under 20 tonnes, Hough
produces the rigging plot which identifies the magnitude of calculations
22

The SL-Series.
More art.
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sl-series.com

GORILLAZ
to provide accurate information for the venues, risk assessment files and
method statements to cover the day-to-day check lists, from unloading trucks
to rigging assemblies, planning, working at height and generally making sure
all the equipment is safely maintained with up to date inspections and risk
assessments. We constantly keep an eye on the condition of our equipment;
we really look after it meticulously.”
The moving scenic element is a flying gag comprising a rounded,
automated set piece affectionately named the Oracle due to it representing an
‘all seeing eye’, as if Big Brother has turned up to the party. The circular video
panel - manned by LED Tech Mattie Jobson - comprises both rectangular
and triangular Glux 9mm tiles supplied by Universal Pixels, and enclosed in a
banded frame created by TAIT Towers during a 2-month pre-production phase
at its Pennsylvania HQ.
STROBELITE
Pitman’s lighting design is a sight to behold. He began: “Joel called me in
December 2016 when the album was allowed to be played to people who
weren’t studio staff. He brought it to my house and we sat down, listening,
getting really excited about the project ahead; I’m a massive Gorillaz fan! Joel
and I had wanted to work together on a project for some time, so the fact that
it happened to then be with one of my favourite bands was perfect for me -
what a privilege.”
Having worked with Gorillaz for a year now, Pitman is experienced in
delivering a show sensitive to the band’s large video element. His lighting
design frames the upstage video screen effortlessly, keeping the band in
relative silhouette for almost the entire show, with artist lighting solely via
2 downstage Robe BMFL truss spots. Designing lighting to keep up with the
dynamic stories and messages of the on-stage animation was a key focus for
Pitman. “For the Humanz tour, I was tasked with making a lighting show that
felt relevant to the landscape and style of the Gorillaz artwork,” he said.
“The animation and content for this tour is heavily influenced with grids,
tiles and heptagrams, so this formed the basis for the placement of the
fixtures.”
Pitman continued: “Everything was expertly slotted into cunning length
arrangements of HUD pre-rigged truss by Nic Burlace my Lighting Crew Chief.
I needed everything in exact positions to be able to achieve the shapes which
couldn’t really be compromised by truss joins or rigging problems, so getting
the correct layout of various lengths was a mean feat achieved by Nic. The
main design was realised for the first time in the US by Bob Looney at 4Wall
lighting and then for the European leg, expertly fabricated by Dave Ridgeway
and Nathan White at Neg Earth Lights.
“I had to ensure that the entire rig contained fixtures that gave me as much
flexibility and colour range as possible. Specifying the lighting rig became
more about fixtures that provided multiple tools than eye candy effects or
special tricks. I needed workhorse lighting fixtures that not only delivered
on power output but also provided good colour rendering and various beam
looks to complement the on-screen animation. 36 Mythos2 were the first
fixtures to be drawn on the lighting plan,” said Pitman.
“I’ve always been a fan of its colour temperature, it has a lovely luminance
and sparkle to it. We use an extremely wide colour gamut for the Humanz
show and the Mythos2’s keep up brilliantly. As well as colour, they have really
good output that provides me with not only strong beam looks against the
huge video surface, but also wide gobo looks. We needed this versatility as the
show lighting is quite unconventional at times, extremely theatrical at others
and then all out rave cave for the rest!
“I also needed a second hard edge fixture with huge output for some of the
more theatrical ideas I had, I immediately chose Robe BMFL spots, there are
16 flown and a further 8 on the upstage edge for backlight. They’re such great
lights, power, beam and speed. It’s the upstage row of BMFL’s that give the
stage such a lovely backlight all the time.”
The video wall is framed by 32 GLP impression X4 Bar 20’s and 16 pairs of
Solaris Flare Strobes on 1.5m drop arms create a ‘suspended strobe ceiling’
specifically designed for one song. Pitman added: “I’ve also got another 8
onstage; as they’re so popular, there was a shortage of Flares last year - they
were a little challenging to find!”
All wash lights are from Martin by Harman. “We used 33 Quantum Washes
and 10 Aura XB’s because I need the colour speed of an LED wash light to keep
up with video!”
For control, it’s an MA Lighting grandMA2 Light with a backup, and 2 MA
Lighting VPU Lite (for pixel mapping all RGB fixtures). This is the second project
I’ve used a VPU on, there is a fair amount of pixelmapping going on during
the show. There’s a song called Strobelite where the upstage video content
24

GORILLAZ
is being played back through the Solaris Flares, and if I had to program the
strobe hits into cues to do what happens in the video, it would’ve taken me
about a fortnight, but using a VPU means that we can speed up the creation
of the show with amazing results.”
Pitman is a huge MA advocate: “Some of this show is programmed
like a theatre show, at times what happens on screen literally happens
in the lighting rig. The frames within the animation change so quickly
that some songs feature hundreds of lighting cues - cues that change,
theatrically speaking, the look of the stage, as though the scene on-screen
has fallen off of the video wall and covered the musicians. I need a desk
which gives me the ability to drive a show of this complexity, there are
thousands of sequences in the showfile, the rig is 36 universes, there are
multiple protocols being sent and received, huge amounts of timecoded
information, pixelmapping and live control.”
The show was programmed at Pitman’s Pixelmappers Studio himself
and Dan Crowther using WYSWYG R39. He continued: “As always, the clients
wanted to see the progress of the lighting programming, so we worked on
the songs in WYSIWYG with screen grabbed content playing in the render,
then we could record an entirely finished song and email it to production
and management.”
The look of the show is centred around the content on the upstage
video wall, with the lighting elements often going almost unnoticed
because it’s so cleverly done. It’s as relevant as it is unimposing. “I’d like to
think of it as an extension of the content as opposed to a separate entity
all together; it’s supposed to be entirely complimentary. That’s the real
challenge. The video drives a colour palette towards my design, in creating
songs, I’d always watch the content 3 or 4 times before even assembling any
looks. Jamie’s artwork makes it really easy to immediately put forward and
an idea about how to respond lighting-wise. We’ve been sound-checking
every show day for the last 3 or 4 months, and every day we rehearse a new
song we haven’t done before. There are now 71 songs in my showfile, which
is amusing because I used to hear tales of other bands who didn’t want to
commit to a song list for a tour, meaning that friends in the industry would
have like 45 songs in their desk - I’ve got 71 and we’ve still got another year
of touring to go!” he laughed, clearly relishing the challenge of it all.
SOUNDCHECK
Since Gorillaz first began touring in 2010, Entec Light & Sound has been its
UK audio vendor. Deploying a hat trick of mighty titans, namely DiGiCo,
d&b audiotechnik and Shure, as well as the emergence of a promising
transatlantic partnership with Colorado-based Brown Note Productions,
Entec is once again proud to support the cartoon wonders. In the second
half of 2017, Entec - a long-time d&b rental house - entered into an
agreement with Colorado-based Brown Note Productions to give d&b’s
next generation. The rental house has recently invested in d&b’s new
loudspeaker series, the SL. This tour features its large-format touring
system, the GSL, which made its first touring appearance with Gorillaz at
Luxembourg’s 6,500-capacity Rockhal in November. “We were very keen
to start using it as soon as possible and it was immediately evident that
it’s a really clever design,” stated FOH Engineer Matt Butcher, a mainstay
within the Albarn camp since just prior to blur’s 1994 Parklife tour, who
worked alongside System Tech & Audio Crew Chief [and 2018 TPi Awardsshortlister!]
Perttu Korteniemi.
Butcher continued: “My first impression was that it is very quick to rig,
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25

GORILLAZ
Tour Director, Craig Duffy; Road Manager, Orla Clarke with Production Coordinator, Holly Sandeman & The Pantry Maid’s Lucy Bell; Backline Tech, Andrew Hamwee;
Lighting Designer, Matt Pitman; System Tech & Audio Crew Chief, Perttu Korteniemi with FOH Engineer, Matt Butcher.
using the compression mode for flying, and I was bowled over as soon as
we turned it on because the amount of punch you get from the low end is
startling.
“When we first started using it we were playing bottom heavy program
without the subs on and putting a little 60Hz bump in the PA just to see how
much low end we could get out of it, and it was pretty staggering. We then
fired up the new SL-SUB, which is just on another level. I believe it’s almost
a hybrid of the J-SUB and J-INFRA, but the new model goes lower and is
incredibly powerful whilst retaining so much clarity.
“Generally speaking, with sub arrays you can lose that power alley effect
down the middle, making it a little bumpy at FOH while it tails off when you
move away, but I’m not finding this to be the case with GSL. I’m getting a
remarkably smooth, fat and even cardioid dispersion of sub bass across the
entire arena.
“Right from the start of our pre-production, we made the firm decision
to do everything absolutely right and not compromise the audio quality,
and the results speak for themselves. A few of us have known Damon for
so long that we feel able to make a lot of suggestions for improvement and
he respects our opinions. For instance, we were very meticulous about
assembling the kick drum samples from the various Gorillaz records so that
they can be triggered live and they are reproduced so well through this new
d&b system. We’re achieving a very tight bottom end and great articulation
on bass guitar and bass synths.”
The UK arena touring system, which was supplied by Brown Note
Productions’ Ryan Knutson comprised 18 boxes of GSL per side, 18 SL-SUBs
configured as a sub array. Side hangs were 20 V-Series per side, and side fills
were 4 d&b V10P’s. The system was amplified by 40 d&b D80’s and signal
distribution is via 4 d&b DS10’s.
“Our first few days with the system were remarkable,” Butcher said.
“I walked around the back and the sound just disappeared. We ended
up taking the level down by 2-3dB because we no longer had to rise
above the ‘disinformation’ that we had become accustomed to. We
suddenly appreciated how much level usually comes out of the back of
a box. Because there’s no extraneous low end floating around on stage,
everything sounds so much cleaner all the way down the line, so from my
perspective at FOH it’s a perfect situation.
“It’s a complicated show with so much going on at any one time. Our
core line-up consists of drums, electronic percussion, guitar, bass, 2
keyboard players, 6 backing vocalists and Damon who plays piano, guitars
and keytar. We have pretty much reached the limits of what is possible with
an SD7 but, for me, it’s the best control surface for a job of this scale.”
A DiGiCo user since mixing on his first D5 in 2009, Butcher said: “The
symmetry of the SD7’s layout - with left and right fader bays, and a master
VCA bay in the middle - allows me to do 3 things simultaneously, and that is
what makes it so practical. On the left, I have 2 layers of band instruments
with vocals and guests on the right. Dave’s fader layout is fairly similar for
the same practical reasons; we double up 8 radio mics into individual artist
channels.”
Butcher admitted to being a “big fan” of the SD7’s internal dynamics.
The plug-ins he uses include aural exciters on snares, ADT, compressors
and 4 delays with 1 assigned to replicate a CB radio effect. “Alongside those,
I’m also running a Waves SoundGrid package on a laptop for things like live
hard autotune effects on vocals for a De La Soul number and Saturnz Barz,
the Popcaan track from Humanz. Waves also comes in handy for de-essers,
multi-band effects and a gated fuzz box for snares. We’ve always tried to
make things a little more interesting by integrating dub flavours.”
Due to the nature of the show and its ever-changing roll call of special
guests, the input count can differ from one night to the next, however,
Butcher reported that “as a guide, I can just about record the show at 48kHz
on 128 inputs on a Waves MGB interface via 2 MADI streams”.
26

GORILLAZ
A NEW KIND OF AUDIO
The GSL is designed for large outdoor events; it’s bigger than the previous
flagship, the J-Series, with 14in drivers on the front, a couple 10’s on the
outside, a 10 in the mid and then 3 2inchers in the top in an amazingly small
compact package. The GSL sub, which has 3 21-inchers has a tremendous
output from it. I think its 9db more than the low end J-Series.”
The GSL’s rigging needs are described as “very easy”. It can rig in 2
modes; intention mode (typically seen on the J-Series) or compression
mode, where “you bring it in flat and then ratchet it up to make the arc
angle with the pins in position”.
Ben Shapiro, Head RF Technician and part of the Brown Note family,
told TPi: “We support Joel in the all of his projects. We had previously
worked with Gorillaz in the US supplying the d&b J-Series prior to the new
GSL system coming out. When we heard the new system & we decided to
purchase it - before any tours or shows were booked with it - I knew it would
be appropriate to put it in the hands of Matt; he’s an exceptional engineer.
That’s how the whole thing came about, the new d&b system, collaborating
with Entec who support us over here and us in the US, so it’s worked pretty
well.”
Both control surfaces specified are DiGiCo SD7’s, provided by Entec’s
Jonny Clark. The powerful machines were the only console deemed
suitable for a mix heavy, complicated production. The overall control
package was specified by Monitor Engineer, Dave Guerin. The audio system
relies on 3 DiGiCo SD-Racks while a Lenovo Thinkpad drives a DiGiCo
Orange Box audio format converter for keyboards and tracks. In total,
there are 28 channels of Ableton playback, 8 tracks of click for various band
members, and 8 channels of digital keyboards with other keyboards such
as piano, Moog and vocoder running off analogue outputs. His 133-channel
count within monitor world further require the use of a DiGiCo SD11i for the
20-channel crew talk back system.
MONITOR WORLD
Guerin generates an average of 20 mono monitor mixes with 30 in stereo
for in-ear feeds, sidefills and Albarn’s piano wedges. Backing vocals are
mixed left and right, with Albarn’s vocal centred. 12 d&b M4 wedges are
distributed across the stage as well as a V-SUB that is added to the drum
fill. Jerry Harvey JH16V2 Pro in-ear monitors are used for the majority of the
performers in conjunction with Shure PSM 1000 hardware.
“It’s a surprisingly quiet stage despite the extensive amount of activity,”
noted Guerin, “and that especially helps when you add the string section
because you’re not battling against the inevitable background sound
pouring down the string mics. You can get them in the sidefill mix without
generating feedback.”
The RF side of the operation is wholly dependent on Entec’s recent
major commitment to Shure’s new high-tier Axient Digital system, which
handles around 50 channels of IEM and AD Series radio mics for vocals and
backline, all of which are monitored from a Waves eMotion LV1 desk via a
patch on the SD11i. “I was taken aback by how clean the Axient sound is,”
commented Butcher, whose opinion was shared by Guerin. “Yes, it’s a real
step up in quality,” he said.
“As we have so many people on in-ears, it wasn’t a problem to stretch
to another seven packs for the BVs who, after previously being tethered to
their mic stands, are now on radio mics and have the freedom to dance
around. We were concerned that we wouldn’t have enough spectrum
available for everything, but we went to Axient for the radio mic systems
and for the guitars and bass, the latter having a much narrower bandwidth
27

GORILLAZ
Production Rigger Jerry Hough; Camera Director Dylan Etherington; Monitor Engineer Dave Guerin; RF Tech Ben Shapiro of Brown Note Productions.
per channel and therefore freeing up more air space for the IEM systems.
I’ve been extremely happy with the results.”
The Humanz tour has been yet another exciting chapter in Entec’s long
history with Gorillaz’ band leader and the company’s support is valued
highly by crew and production management alike. “It’s great having [head
of sound] Jonny Clark at Entec; we’re clearly all on the same side… he’s one
of us,” Guerin pointed out. “I had a problem a couple of days ago and texted
Jonny. He was immediately on the case and had someone here with me this
morning to solve the issue without the slightest fuss.”
Guerin stated: “Damon is still on wedges. It was mostly to clean the
sound up on stage. The more wedges you have on stage, the more sound
sources there are on stage. Some of the band had done it before the ones
who hadn’t got used to it in rehearsals. The only one not on click, again, is
Damon, who is actually singing.
“We’re using Shure transmitters as we found them to be the best, so we
use Shure radio mics too. We had about 47 channels and it was easier to go
to the newer, digital radio mics because they have narrower bandwidths
and you get more within the same frequency range.
Shapiro added: “The whole band is running on IEMs apart from Damon.
There’s 26 channels of our stereo, we also have 20 channels of the Shure
Axient wireless system. We adopted that for the UK tour because we had
a large increase in channel count so it made sense to use a new system.
You can fit more frequencies into a small space, so it was a no-brainer.
We’re running 20 channels on mics and guitars and the whole thing is tied
together with Waves LV1’s.
PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM!
Andrew Hamwee, Playback Tech, is the man looking after all the backing
tracks, which in Gorillaz world, is a mighty task done via the SD11i. “I deal
with the programming and compiling of new songs, mainly. There’s a lot of
new songs on the road and a lot of the time, we rework a old ones too. All of
Gorillaz songs are quite complex; there’s a number of sounds and samples
that come along with their unique sound. We’ve spent a lot of time with
Damon, and a lot of the time with the studio engineers who have recorded
it and mixed the album. Chopping up sounds, sampling keyboards, getting
sounds off the album, recreating them live, so the whole production and
live repertoire sounds as like the album as possible, and even better, that
extra 10% in the flesh,” he smiled.
Hamwee is monitoring over 60 channels. To keep the audio quality true,
a digital signal path runs through all the samples, tracks and keyboard
sounds, as well as the triggered drum sounds. Analogue back-ups are
switched in via a Macro, the main inputs being MADI via an Orange Box to
the Optocore. While Andy has direct control of the SD11i, I control it via an
iPad app. Andy also has a FOH mix into the SD11i and he’s able to check that
everything on the tracks is audible in the FOH mix and advise on any levels
that may need to be adjusted.
“By moving all the shout inputs and outputs to the SD11i, it means
I’m not quite fully maxed out on the SD7, which is why I’m able to fit some
additional performers on there like the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. Having
spare resources on the SD11i means we can split the shout system so that
Andy and another tech can line check all the keys and their MIDI, while at
the same time I can line check everything else with [Entec’s] James ‘Kedge’
Kerridge, our stage tech, without talking over each other.
“In fact, Kedge has been a great ally in all of this. As well as mixing
monitors for the support act, Little Simz [who collaborated on the song
Garage Palace], he is on a headset throughout the show and looks
after the cables. He will often relay stage instructions back to me for
mix adjustments.” Entec’s package also included DiGiCo SD12’s for the
support’s FOH and monitor mixes. The audio team was completed by
James Kerridge, Head of Stage; Chris Speirs RF2, Monitor Tech; Colin
Woodward, Stage Left PA Tech, Kev Smith and Stage Right PA Tech.
Production Manager, Joel Stanley, joined the conversation: “Working
with Entec has been really good and it’s a pleasure to be dealing with
Jonny. No request has ever been too big. Whenever we have identified a
28

GORILLAZ
Stage Manager Ethan Merfy with PM Joel Stanley; Automation Engineer Blaine Dracup.
piece of equipment that we desperately need, Entec has ensured that if
they don’t have it in stock, they will purchase it without hesitation. They’ve
been solid and I feel like we consistently have their complete attention.”
The sentiment was echoed by Monitor Engineer Dave Guerin: “Entec are
great, I wouldn’t go anywhere without them!”
STAGE HANDS
“I was an economics major and took a semester off to build these stages
in Asia… here I am 26 years later!” laughed Stage Manager, Ethan Merfy. “I
guess I’m not a behind-the-desk sort of person and I feel very fortunate to
do what I do.” Merfy was drafted into the Gorillaz camp when the ill-fated
Linkin Park One More Light tour was cut short due to the tragic passing of
singer Chester Bennington. He continued: “I enjoy this camp, it’s made up of
a bunch of really good people. I knew the rigger so I reached out to him and
he told me how welcoming everyone was, so it was a no-brainer. I’m the
only American on this tour, but he was right, everyone was very welcoming.
Joel had wanted to work with me for some time, and vice versa, and for one
reason or another, this time it worked - and it’s been a great experience.”
Merfy’s day-to-day duties include being in control of the floor from
when the first truck door is opened. A lot of the stuff I deal with on a show
of this size actually has nothing to do with being on the stage, but rather
facilitating the end of goal of making the stage come together correctly.
Managing the gear from the trucks, to making sure everyone has a safe
space to work in, to making sure we have storage readily available should
we need it. There’s a lot of equipment and a lot of people involved in this
production, and I believe a lot of my time is spent ensuring that I stay one
step ahead of any problems before they potentially arise.”
HOME COMFORTS AND FAMILY VIBES
Orla Clarke, Tour Director Assistant, has been with the band since their
Return To Plastic Beach tour 7 years ago, and describes it having been like
Wacky Races in the years that have followed. “We went around the world
with Gorillaz, then we did the blur reunion tour before this production, so
we’re sort of like family at this point,” Clark told TPi. She first entered into
the lifestyle via the kitchen, and is now clearly a mainstay for a lot of her
touring family, who rightly told me Orla would make me laugh throughout
our interview. [“It’s Orla, don’t let spell checker change my name to Oral;
that happens too often!”].
Her love for home comforts while not in fact being at home has led
here… “I love baking and travelling, and I was trying to figure out how to
bake my around the world. I ended up helping my friend’s mum cater one
year at Glastonbury, and the rest is history. I actually think catering is one
of the hardest jobs on the road; the hours are so long, but it’s also the job
where you get to know everybody and you hear everything. You’re literally
at the heart of it all, like any good kitchen,” she smiled.
“My first ever tour was with Michael Bublé, it was so much fun; I just
used to feed the Canadians cake and they loved me for it!” she laughed.
“I met Craig Duffy during a Russell Watson tour, and he then asked me
to come and work for him.” These days, although Clark enjoys the culinary
delights of tour caterers’ The Pantry Maid, she’ll typically be found looking
after hotel accommodation for the band. “I love hotels, I’m probably a hotel
nerd… I just get so into it. I like finding like cool places for them to stay, and
it becomes a real challenge when the numbers are this big, but I definitely
seek out the little gems.”
Clarke was a gem in her own right when, upon finishing a Duran Duran
tour as a Production Coordinator, she moved to New York after accepting a
job with the band’s management firm. “I missed the road. I just love being
in different cities and meeting new people all the time. I don’t like being
behind a desk, unless the desk is in a different city every day, and then I can
cope with it!” she noted. “Holly Sandeman, our Production Assistant and
I have basically been in each other’s shadows for 3 years now; we spend
most of our time together. I love working with her, she’s the best. I think
most people will tell you that they have solid pal on every tour… I have just
happened to have toured the world for 3 years with mine.”
Home for the bands on the tarmac came courtesy of Richard PriceDeer,
of tour bus supplier Jumbo Cruiser. He stated: “It was a great tour for us to
be involved in, with 6 of our newest vehicles on the road with them. Gorillaz
tour & production management are a great team, and Craig and Joel have
been a pleasure to work with. Logistically there were some long and hard
drives for our drivers, so a lot of planning was involved on our side to ensure
our busses ran to precision; at one stage there were 18 drivers working on
this one tour for us! It all went smoothly, the band and crew reached every
destination ahead of scheduled arrival times, and we were immensely
proud to be a part of such a well-executed tour.”
It seems the sentiment is felt unanimously…
The Humanz tour heads to Mexico for the first stop on its South
American run until the end of March, before beginning the festival circuit
with Rock Am Ring & Rock Im Park.
TPi
Photos: Andrew Benge, Tony Woolliscroft & TPi
www.productionvalue.co
www.video-design.co.uk
www.unipix.tv
www.block9.com
www.thepantrymaid.com
www.brownnote.com
www.enteclive.com
www.deeraudio.eu
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www.jumbocruiser.com
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www.flybynite.co.uk
www.missioncontrolltd.com
29

PRODUCTION PROFILE
IBIZA CLASSICS
While electronic / orchestra crossover concerts seem to be all the rage these days,
it certainly seemed to resonate that little bit extra with punters when The Heritage Orchestra,
conducted by Jules Buckley, was chosen to provide a high-brow twist to a selection of club anthems
curated and performed by the legendary Pete Tong and his hand-picked band of musicians and
guest vocalists.

IBIZA CLASSICS
Production Manager, Keely Myers, was appointed relatively last-minute
by Tour Director, Paddy Hocken, who has been at the helm since the
start of 2017. Myers began: “Paddy appointed the suppliers earlier in
the year, but they are all ones that we have a long history of working
with. While they’ve been doing festivals in summer and arena shows
in other continents already, this version of the show is quite different
and certainly more evolved. The production has grown in size as well,
particularly since the addition of the automated screens, extra cameras
and a larger stage.”
Although Myers wasn’t that familiar with the recent wave of orchestra
/ electronic shows due to a busy schedule of her own, she soon learned
both the idiosyncrasies of such a production and the market that now
surrounded her.
She said: “Of course there are going to be surprises when 2 worlds
collide but it’s not been too dissimilar from your usual rock ‘n’ roll show -
the fundamentals are the same. It’s true there are certain rules that apply
to the orchestra in terms of unions or working hours but that has been
the case for other shows I have worked on, like Children In Need Rocks.
Essentially it’s just a lot of people on stage and more of a challenge to move
them around in the meantime. Between myself, Jules, Chris Wheeler and
Orchestra Production Manager, Claire Wackrow, we make sure everything is
running smoothly.”
Despite the size of the undertaking for Myers and her team, the crew
were only afforded 4 days of production rehearsals in LH2 while the band
and orchestra were in Music Bank. The entire production then only had a
single day to rehearse under the same roof.
Myers remembered: “We were in a great position after rehearsals, even
though we didn’t have much time. It’s always nice to have opportunity to
finesse things but we’ve done so much in a short space of time.”
Cassius Creative was charged with refining the show’s look from the
previous run, ably assisted by show content from Silent Studios; lighting,
rigging and automation from Neg Earth; video by Video Design; lasers from
ER Productions; and an imposing stage and riser package from All Access
Staging & Productions. The show’s euphoria-inducing audio package came
from Skan PA Hire, while orchestra-specific IEM came from Next Level Audio
and backline came from John Henry’s and Frontline Music.
Logistical support for the tour came from Phoenix Bussing and
Transam, the latter of which supplied 3 52ft ‘Big Boys’ and 6 45ft trucks, with
Bittersweet Catering feeding 150 people per day for dinner. H&S backing
came from Piper Event Services, while Radiotek ensured on-site comms ran
smoothly and The Tour Company got the substantial crew from A to B.
Myers gave her take on the organisational challenges that faced her and
the rest of the crew on this short but complex run of shows. “I came up with
some interesting bus splits and a truck schedule to overcome hold ups
on load-out,” she began. “One bus leaves for the next venue a bit earlier,
so on their arrival next morning can start tipping trucks and markout.
Stage Manager, Dave Murphy and Head Rigger Amos Cotter are part of the
advance team allowing myself, asst. SM Mark Berryman and Rigger Chris
‘Karrit’ Harris to stay back to make sure the load out goes to plan.”
She continued: “Paul at Bittersweet has done a fantastic job as well - it’s
not easy to feed this many people every day! We have a system down for
that too; with allocated time slots to eat dinner for crew and orchestra.
“Our Production Co-Ordinator, Amanda Davies, has been a constant on
this run and fantastic to work with, as has our Production Assistant, Victoria
Bunney, who assists on my other tours. Their support in the office really
has been invaluable for the duration the tour. And I have to say a massive
thank you to all of the crew and suppliers who, as always, offer consistent
support.”
32

IBIZA CLASSICS
CASSIUS CREATIVE
Dates in Australia and the US marked the last outings of the previous Ibiza
Classics look, leaving show Show Designers Chris ‘Squib’ Swain and Dan Hill
of Cassius Creative to conjure the ultimate Balearic nostalgia trip.
Squib explained: “We’ve been involved with Ibiza Classics since
November 2016 and this is its third incarnation. It’s taken us a while to figure
out what exactly it is; we deal with pop stars and bands that usually have
quite a defined visual identity. We’ve taken things that worked before like
the lasers and live video, but everything is more refined, more polished.
“We realised there were three key elements that were important. The
first was Ibiza itself - our crowd are mostly a bit older and have probably
spent some time there, and all the songs are an homage to that place.
There’s an element of nostalgia we wanted to introduce, without being
corny. As management said during production rehearsals; the star of the
show is Ibiza.
Tong was particularly keen to ensure that all aspects of the island were
displayed throughout the night, with almost as much screen time given to
the nature and beauty of Ibiza as to its iconic nightspots. Squib revealed:
“If we started this in May we would have sent a filmographer to Ibiza
with a shopping list of shots to get for us but we couldn’t get over there
before closing parties. We still managed to get some drone footage of the
beaches and old town that’s quite contemporary. We also offset this with
the footage we used for Yeke Yeke, which was sourced from a Channel 4
documentary from 1992; that’s probably the ‘clubbiest’ bit of the show.”
The second factor for Squib to consider was the sheer visual impact of
having so many musicians on stage. “That dictated how much live footage
we used on the screens,” he said. “We wanted to a crowd that might not
necessarily be used to a live orchestra just how each component works.
This ties into the third aspect; which is lighting the show practically. We
have some orchestra moments, some clubby moments, and a few that
are a mixture of both. It’s all about using the lighting to balance those
components and making sure the audience can see them.”
Although there wasn’t a cut and dry narrative that ran throughout the
show, Cassius Creative made sure to add a handful of touchstones during
the set. Squib said: “We start off with footage of a plane landing in Ibiza,
then the second song is of the sunset. The content is a bit more fluid until
the final song, which sees the sun coming up again. It’s not very rigid, more
like little bookends for the show.
“There are no gags during the show as we knew we didn’t need any -
we have the ultimate gag just by having a full orchestra on stage. Even so,
we’ve been conscious to purposely turn the video off a few songs, just to
allow the lasers to breathe and the audience’s eyes to rest a bit.”
The show designer went on to discuss the thought behind the
commanding video presence that loomed large behind Tong and the scores
of musicians below him. He explained: “It always had to be big, but we
wanted something more architecturally interesting than just a massive slab
of video. We ended up going with 4 horizontal screens that could move to
give us some flexibility. We can hide and reveal lights with it and the surface
area means we can make good use of the Notch looks.”
The automated components of the lighting rig consisted of 34 Robe
BMFL Spots, 2 BMFL Followspots, 32 LED Beam 150’s, 31 Claypaky Mythos,
and 72 GLP impression X4 Bar 20’s. Cassius Creative also specified a
number of effect features including 32 SGM Q7’s, 18 TMB Solaris Flares, 5
Martin by Harman 32cm Sceptrons, and 6 100cm Sceptrons.
Lighting Crew Chief, Adam Morris, commented: “It’s quite a
straightforward rig to be honest; we have 4 straight trusses over the stage,
as well as a front truss and side hangs. We have to play nicely together with
all of the other departments during the rig and de-rig because everything is
moving and there’s video and lasers intertwined with the lighting. We’ve got
a nice system going by now, which means that everyone can get on with it
quickly and safely.”
He continued: “Without the rolling stage we’d be working up until doors
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02/02/2018 09:36

IBIZA CLASSICS
Above: Becky Hill lends her vocals to one of the evening’s subtler moments, Sing It Back.
every night but we fly the rig early and can run out the floor lights before it
rolls. The side hangs and front truss are pre-rigged and all stage Claypaky
Mythos and X4 Bars are outrigged, which saves time again. It’s all clicking
nicely now - when it gets to that point it’s great.
“Interdepartmental cooperation is something that I very much enjoy. I
don’t like gigs where everyone doesn’t see the big picture; but you have to
on this because there’s so much stuff in such a small space. We’ve all said
we’d love to tour this for longer than we are as it’s such a nice crew and a
great-looking production.”
He continued to describe some of the more complex aspects of this
inter-departmental cooperation: “I’ve never seen this amount of integration
with video and the Kinesys system before. The video guys are taking all of
the positional information from the Kinesys software and feeding it into the
disguise media servers in order to map the video content. This makes all of
the on-screen content stay in the same position, relative to the movement
of the trusses - kind of like projection mapping but with LED screens!”
This somewhat complicated the networking side of things for Morris
and his crew, with their Kinesys data being sent to the video crew and
an ArtNet feed coming the other way. “Our rig is being controlled by the
MA Lighting grandMA2, using SACN, and then video is sending an ArtNet
feed, which we merge with some of the universes to control the X4 Bars
above the screens. They are pixel mapped to match the video content
underneath, which gives a really tight beam to bridge any gaps between
the screens as they move. Unfinished Sympathy, for example, has this water
scene on the video content and the X4s make it look like its tricking down
the trusses.”
Another standout in the rig for Morris was Robe’s RoboSpot system,
which was used in conjunction with BMFL FollowSpot. He said: “As well as
making things safer by negating the need for crewmembers in the air, it also
means we don’t lose people on the load-in; not to mention the fact that it
gives the guys at FOH full control.”
The lighting crew was completed by Lighting Operator, Jordon Cooper;
Automation, Andy Beller; Andrew ‘Jurgen’ Munford, Tom Bailey, and Tim
Spilman.
VIDEO
The video content was displayed on a set of moving LED screens
immediately upstage of the on-stage musicians. Veteran Video Director,
Mark Davies, was shooting the show, with all video equipment and camera
system provided by Video Design.
“This was no ordinary arena show,” began Davies. “In simple terms,
there was no room for a camera track in the pit as the subs needed to be
placed in advance of the downstage edge to help isolate the musicians
from low frequency energy. Despite this, a track-based system in that
position was essential if I was to be able to convey all the visual dynamics of
this high-energy show. Fortunately, Video Design has been working closely
with Bradley, using their excellent robocams to produce just the solution
I needed. The new Bradley tracking camera proved a great alternative. In
fact, the experience was so good that if this situation occurs again I would
use even more of them.”
A standard 48mm diameter scaff pipe rigged to the front stage edge was
all that the camera system needed. “It’s that easy to rig,” said Davies, “And
that makes it really useful - it takes up almost no room. Luke Collins from
Video Design operated the cameras remotely for me and he was excellent.
That took care of the pit shots, but the other big difficulty with shooting an
orchestra is that there are music stands everywhere, which blocks angles.
To get clean shots you need to be up high, but a tower camera or a jib of
some size on stage was just not a practical consideration. Again, tracking
robocams rigged high up the sides of stage were a perfect alternative.
Unobtrusive, they were barely visible on stage by comparison with the
conventional alternative. You can also control the cameras using DMX so
it’s a simple thing to hook them into a BlackTrax system for sophisticated
programming of motion and focus if you need to.”
Cutting for such a wide screen format also provided its own
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IBIZA CLASSICS
conundrums for Davies. “The screen surfaces were essentially in 2 parts;
IMAG to either side of stage, to which I fed 100% of the show; and an
upstage set of 4 tracking landscape LED screens that moved under Kinesys
control. There were 4 songs where IMAG was used on the stage screens so,
in effect; I needed to think about 2 distinct cuts simultaneously, which took
a while to get my head around!”
He continued: “Otherwise the rear LED ran content, which I have to say
was beautiful. Programmed by Jack Banks and Nathan under the direction
of Dan and Squib from Cassius Creative, the result was really slick. Luckily
for me, between the 2 different cuts, the framing stayed the same, which
made things easier. A lot of what was used on the back screens needed to
be more mid-shot to work, so it was not exactly straightforward. It all went
very smoothly, particularly considering we had just 1 day of rehearsals.
We went straight into 5 flawless shows in 4 venues, back-to-back. That’s
measure of how good the delivery is from Video Design and the great crews
they put together.”
LASERS
Laser system design specialist, ER Productions, has a long history of
working with Pete Tong and his management team on a variety of projects.
Cassius Creative visited ER in 2016 to check the out company’s latest
innovations and flesh out the creative direction for the show. “Having
collaborated with Cassius on countless projects in the past, we instinctively
knew the technologies that would whet their appetite and our latest fixture
Kinekt didn’t disappoint,” said Ryan Hagan, Co-founder of ER Productions.
Impressed by its compact size, capable output and versatility, Cassius
specified 28 Kinekt fixtures to create a central laser feature, which
surrounded the scores of musicians on stage.
To create the look, the Kinekts were split into 2 groups, with 14 attached
to trusses above the stage and 14 rigged across the downstage edge. A
third zone of lasers was installed using 4 of ER’s newly launched Storm
fixtures, which created larger and more detailed aerial effects. With such
a versatile rig at his disposal, ER’s Andrew Turner, who programmed the
lasers, created a range of unique looks for each track in the set list.
“The Kinekts are great, we’re really happy with them,” commented
Squib. “Andrew and Seth [Griffiths, Laser Operator for ER] both did a great
job of programming and the lasers themselves are a big step up; we used to
have just 4 standard heads but now we have them, plus 2 rows of Kinekts.
It’s made the laser looks huge; Pete and his management both commented
how incredible it looks.
“I’ve seen people try and use lasers alongside lights or video, but they
are really at their best when you turn everything off. We light Insomnia
in the classic green - which we wouldn’t usually do, but it’s meant to feel
nostalgic. Kind of a nod to the pre-RGB lasers and that era rather than
something cheesy.”
Griffiths looked after the laser show on the tour, which ran to timecode
using Palgolin software. He explained: “The Kinekts are good for this as
they are so small and compact, and the cabling allows them to be linked up
together, rather than running individual lines to each laser. This means it’s
quicker to rig them and their size means they are less likely to move around
on the truss.”
While laser shows can occasionally be an cause of anxiety for
performers on stage, the Ibiza Classics show had the added twist of
someone on stage [Conductor, Jules Buckley] that was facing the units
for the duration of the evening. Griffiths said: “I zone them up over the
orchestra and terminate on downstage edge, just underneath shoulder
height on Jules. I tweak them so they don’t go too high and, as long as the
person is aware there will be a lot of lasers hitting them, it’s always fine.
I’ve had chats with a few of the musicians that weren’t used to it, to make
sure they don’t move and they are reassured at all times. It’s important that
people feel safe on stage, so they can perform to the best of their ability.”
He continued: “The lasers are always the fun moment and you know
you are always going to see a lot of them on Instagram. I like how balanced
and well thought out the show is; video, lighting, and lasers all have their
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IBIZA CLASSICS
Above: Production Manager, Keely Myers; Skan PA’s Lee McMahon; Stage Manager, Dave Murphy; Cassius Creative’s Chris ‘Squib’ Swain; ER’s Seth Griffiths.
moments. Squib is great at keeping the room dark and pumping loads
of smoke in for the laser moment. It’s nice to work with someone that
appreciates what we do.”
A hefty smoke package comprised of 6 ER Viper deLuxes, while 4 Unique
Hazers provided the all-important atmospheric effects. Hagan concluded:
“This show is a trip down memory lane for many of those involved in the
production. It has been loads of fun and we are very proud to be on board
during 2018.”
STAGING
Stage Manager, Dave Murphy, was tasked with making sure the complex
load-ins and outs went like clockwork each day in spite of the variables
thrown his way. “During the summer we had 47 people on stage, and
to make sure we had a show, sometime back-to-back, with this level of
production was quite bonkers at times. You have to ensure that people who
aren’t used to touring feel comfortable going on stage and performing in
front of all these. The 47 has now risen to almost 70, with a brand new look,
but we don’t do this job for the easy gigs do we!”
Murphy was first on floor each day with Head Rigger, Amos Cotter, to
arrange the trucks, set an unloading order, and coordinate the rigging
process. “We then start bringing out the lights and divide up crew,” he said.
“On this we have a lot of automation, video, and lighting so there’s quite a
lot to manage. We had to work out a system for the 4 moving video screens
as it requires a lot of people to be working in close proximity.
“We decided to stagger them so the lighting and video departments
could leapfrog each other but there are so few shows that there’s not much
chance to develop a rhythm. We’ve had to find where the pinch points are
in a short space of time but it’s been really smooth so far.”
Once Murphy has overseen the build, he then prepares to hand over to
Orchestra Production Manager, Claire Wackrow. Murphy commented: “She
brings the orchestra on in sections, all in space of 15 mins, so it’s a case of
making sure we stick to that. She has a minute-by-minute plan of the show,
and then as soon as Jules and Pete are off stage it’s back over to me.
“As well as the intricate audio gear on stage, there are instruments on
there that are sentimentally important to the musicians and sometimes
worth as much as a house! It’s a daunting task, so we have started letting
the audio boys get on there and take care of it uninterrupted.”
Head Carpenter, Joe Cottrell, gave a more detailed analysis of the 72ft
wide x 40ft deep rolling stage: “As well as the sheer size of it, we have tiered
orchestra platforms ranging from 8ft to 1.6ft. We come in the morning and
build back to front all the way down, at the same time as rigging call. We are
one of the first in and the last out of the arena, as usual!
“The on-stage stuff is where it gets more complicated because of the
height we are working at. There’s are a real focus on safety. It was just a
case of doing everything slower to get technique right, then refining the
process each day.
“The 8ft tier requires platforms to work on, as it’s right at the back of the
stage, so there’s a falling risk. We are lifting a 4ft x 8ft deck over the top of
our heads so there’s a risk of that slipping and going the wrong way. We just
have to be conscious of where we are and who is around us.
“We have 10 local crew guys for the in and out and we have got a good
rhythm going now. Nick Breen and myself are both experienced enough
and it’s been really good
Murphy concluded: “It’s only been a short and sweet tour but it’s been
great to work with and learn from people from different backgrounds.
Seeing how the orchestra managers - what we call the backline techs,
even though they are so much more than that - go about things has been
particularly interesting.”
AUDIO
FOH Engineer Tom Gelissen’s experience of the tour began on something
of a sour note; if only for the fact that he was forced to miss the first day of
rehearsals thanks to the combination of a cancelled plane and the near
shutdown of transport across Europe. He said: “It was a long first day for me
but we caught up thanks to some hard work from everyone involved. The
audience are dancing every night and that’s the important thing!”
Gelissen, something of a specialist in electronic / orchestra crossovers,
gave himself a further challenge when he decided to swap consoles at
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IBIZA CLASSICS
Above: Head Carpenter, Joe Cottrell; Tom Tunney, Tom Gelissen and Ron Peeters; The Ibiza Classics lighting crew; Video Director, Mark Davies.
the last minute - subbing in an Avid S6L only 2 days before we met him
at Manchester Arena. “I primarily did it for sound reasons,” he said. “I’ve
reprogrammed everything now so it’s all working great. We have a full
orchestra to look after, as well as Pete and the band, so it’s a lot of channels
to say the least.
“As well as sounding great, the S6L is very fast and easy to navigate,
even with this amount of channels. You can lay everything out many
different ways and you don’t lose any sound quality if you go to the groups,
with everything staying time-aligned.”
The engineer’s mantra for mixing the show was: “Balance, balance,
balance.” He added: “I create a pyramid in how I control everything; from
channel level, to groups, to the full orchestra. It’s all about the layers of
detail. On one hand you have to make everything audible but you also have
to create a certain impact. We still want to make people dance, which is a
special thing about this show.
“Some people expect to sit down and watch the orchestra but our
crowd want to move, and to help facilitate that you need kick drum and you
need bass. With that in mind, you still can’t get carried away chasing a loud
groove because you want to hear all the details; both from the orchestra
and the additional specifics that are key to each record. I programme
more and more but I like to balance on hand because it means you are still
creating music and push things on the spot, particularly if the crowd react
to a certain theme.”
The majority of these iconic hooks were either triggered by Tong or
the live band, who were armed with a selection of Roland SP-DSXs, drum
machines, synthesisers, and a hard-working Ableton rig.
With the new show design came a number of new songs, which pushed
Gelissen to be more economic with his time. “It’s so expensive to rehearse
with an orchestra that you have to be very well prepared. Mixes are already
done on monitors before they play the first note. Lighting, video and lasers
are all running to timecode but we just have the musicians going to a click;
which is enough of an achievement in itself.”
Audio Crew Chief, Tom Tunney, gave a rundown of the system: “We have
a full d&b audiotechnik SL-Series, with main and side hangs of 16 boxes,
and an additional 4 GSL12’s on the bottom of main hangs to get wider
coverage in the centre. We also have some Y10P front fills and 16 SL-GSUBs
in the pit, underneath the stage in a sub arc.
“With the new boxes you get a wider usable dispersion than with the
older ones because it’s the same frequency response all the way around
now, as apposed to being a bit more woolly round the sides. We use
ArrayCalc and ArrayProcessing to sculpt the room more than we have
before.
“The subs are brilliant as well; I love how smooth the top end is. This is
nice and smooth throughout without ripping your head of. It might sound
a little less sparkly, which some people might have to get sued to, but it’s
definitely more accurate.”
Gelissen interjected: “I like it for that reason! Most PAs sound really
bright and that impresses you at first, but you start mixing and have to take
things out or clean up the top end because there’s too much happening.
Now you have a nice smooth PA and if you want to boost one source like a
vocal or specific instrument, you can do that.”
He continued: “A great feature of this new system is that it’s a cardioid
box, so it cancels more sound on the back, which in turn benefits all of the
stage inputs. We have 140 mics open on stage, so everything in the room is
being picked up by them - including the crowd noise - so whatever we can
cancel on stage is a plus.”
Other new toys included in the crew’s SL-Series package were humidity
and temperature sensors attached to the flying frames. Tunney explained:
“Directly above the first few rows it gets hot and sweaty but above that it’s
completely different. ArrayProcessing relies on temperature and humidity
for its algorithms so this addition has made life a lot easier. There is also
a laser from the top of array that shows exactly how high in the bowl it is
firing.”
As single racks were unlikely to cut it on a gig of this scale, everything
was built up into carts that both simplified and sped up load-ins and outs.
The patch cart itself was 4ft x 6ft x 2.5m and contained all stage racks for
the consoles, all 144 channels of patch in the middle, and all of the sat
looms on top, coiled up and ready to deploy on stage. The substantial RF
inventory and additional amp racks were housed in a separate cart.
Skan PA’s Lee McMahon, who looked after the carts, RF, monitor world
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IBIZA CLASSICS
and served as stage fire-fighter during the show, gave an insight into this
intricate set up. He began: “We build the stage right from the load-in; get
every mic and stand out and work our way down from the top tier. There are
about 50 DPA 4099’s just in the first 3 rows - we leave that until last where
the foot traffic is the least. There are so many inputs, mics and stands that it
becomes a team effort to get it all ready, but once the stage rolls I can focus
on looking after the RF, mic handling and spotting for Ron [Peeters, Monitor
Engineer]; essentially trying to pre-empt any issues that might arise.”
He continued: “I don’t have a tech mix during the show so I just listen to
Ron; we’ve got a really good working relationship now. As soon as we hear
a squeak, pop or rustle, and providing I can get in there, we can respond
accordingly. He’ll mute the channel, inform FOH and I will try to isolate it.
“I have a box of spare DPA clips, 4099 preamps and XLR cables,
but sometimes, if the problem is right in the centre, it’s just physically
impossible to get to it. Then it’s a case of waiting until the load-out to try
and resolve the problem.”
He concluded: “You just have to say hats off to the team at Skan for
designing a really efficient system that makes this gig easy. I’ve done
similar shows where a standard line system configuration has been ratchet
strapped together and it’s a pain - you’ve still got multiple racks, multiple
splits - it’s just chaos. Obviously there’s always room for refinement but a lot
of that is based on muscle memory and, unfortunately, we’re nearly finished
already!”
MONITORS
Monitor Engineer Ron Peeters, who works for the Heritage Orchestra
year-round, was already well tuned in to how the show was going to work.
The keystone of his setup was the orchestra’s use of the myMix system - a
decentralised, network-based, audio mixing system for up to 500 audio
channels that is based on having a dedicated user interfaces for each
musician. The system, provided by Next Level Audio, allowed each orchestra
member to fine tune their individual IEM mix from their own chair, and
meant Peeters could channel his attention.
He said: “There are a lot of people on stage but the myMix system means
I can focus on the band, Pete, Jules, and any soloists or guest vocalists. The
orchestra are used to it now as we introduced it 2 years ago and use it on
other projects besides Ibiza Classics. The great thing is that it enables us to
deal with so many channels; not many systems are capable of handling this
many.”
Peeters opted for a DiGiCo SD7 at monitors with an additional SD11 to
pre-mix the strings and orchestra. “I feed a few stems and they can make
their own mix, dial in their own instrument and click to each section on the
interface,” he said.
Peeters continued: “It’s around 140 inputs and maybe 70 mix buses. We
have the 2 desks in an Optocore loop so I can send mixes from the orchestra
into the SD7 and also have direct outs from all the DPAs on the string section
over fibre to the desk, and then merge them into the monitor system.”
The band and guests were on Sennheiser SR 2050 IEMs, while a
smattering of wedges were used for Tong and Buckley. For Tong in
particular, an ingenious method was used to mimic the iconic (and neckstraining)
headphone swapping that is synonymous with the DJs in Ibiza’s
prime.
Peeters said: “For Pete we have a radio pack that he can switch to
engineer mode in order to pre-listen to a separate channel. It’s a nice
feature.”
He continued: “The band’s mixes aren’t that specific; it’s just a case of
striking a nice balance. It’s more the whole setup that is complex, but the
component parts are relatively simple. I’m really familiar with the SD7 and
it’s fast, efficient and flexible; not to mention the fact that it sounds great.”
The audio crew on site was completed by Onno Ooms, Alvin Russ, and
Fred den Dulk, who managed the myMix system.
TPi
Photos: Anthony Mooney, Carsten Windhorst and Ryan Johnston
www.petetong-ibizaclassics.com
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44

PRODUCTION PROFILE
Opposite: Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme once again led his band of faithful musicians and crewmembers on the Villains world tour.
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE
There are many reasons you may want to pursue a touring career; pure wanderlust, a passion for
live events or just a rejection of the traditional 9 to 5 lifestyle. Some who call the road home embark
on this journey in the hopes of perhaps one day working for their favourite band. Late last year,
Stew Hume’s TPi got to meet a handful of men and women who achieved this particular goal.
For over 2 decades, Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA) have been labelled
everything, from stoner rock to alternative, producing 7 studio albums
and garnering the praise of critics and the wider rock community.
Despite several line-up changes, one constant throughout the various
renditions of QOTSA is the devil-may-care attitude of frontman Josh
Homme who, once again, led his band of faithful musicians and
crewmembers on the Villains world tour. After 2 American legs, the
band made their way to Europe, playing an array of venue sizes, and
culminating in a UK arena run. As TPi met the various components of
the QOTSA touring machine, it was clear just how many of the crew were
fulfilling a dream by collecting this particular tour laminate.
...LIKE CLOCKWORK
Rob Highcroft led the production. No stranger to the pages of TPi, the PM
was last seen with British metallers Bring Me the Horizon. As Sheffield’s
finest take a break, Highcroft took up QOTSA’s management offer to
oversee the Villains tour. “I got a call just over 2 weeks before the first tour
of the cycle started,” began Highcroft, backstage at Manchester Arena.
“Admittedly there was a lot to catch up on but we soon got in the swing of
things. The last few months have been great. The band are a pleasure to
work for!”
For the UK run, Highcroft employed the services of Eighth Day Sound,
Christie Lites, Creative Technology, All Access Staging & Productions,
Outback Rigging and Bittersweet Catering. For travel and logistics, the PM
used Rock-It Cargo, The Appointment Group, Beat the Street and Transam
Trucking.
Highcroft wasn’t the only member new to QOTSA. Two other fresh faces,
who TPi met in the production office, were Stage Manager, Jack Dunnett,
and Production Assistant, Vanessa Correa. “It was great to get the call to
work for Queens when Rob rang,” began Dunnett. Correa admitted she still
couldn’t believe her luck to be on this tour. “I’ve been with the band for the
last 3 weeks, afer meeting Rob when the band passed through this year’s
Cal Jam,” she said while unpacking her brand new, bright pink, Peli Case
- who said touring can’t be stylish? “The tour so far has been amazing. It’s
great to be touring Europe in these arenas.”
GOD IS IN THE RADIO
Those who witnessed QOTSA’s latest UK invasion were bound to notice the
massive wall of vintage guitar cabinets on stage. “In total they have about
5,600kg of backline equipment,” stated Highcroft. “The gear they have is
incredibly specific with vintage cabs and heads making an A and B system
almost impossible. It’s key to the band’s sound, so we plan around this from
the set design to our logistical planning. With many productions you will
have to work around some elaborate stage designs but it’s nice for a band
to put their music and equipment at the forefront.”
Both Highcroft and Dunnett have worked towards maximising the
efficiency of handling such a bulk of vintage gear. “I remember when
Rob and I rocked up on our first day in the States we got a feel of just
how much backline the band had - most of which was still in individual
cases,” commented Dunnett.
One of the 3 backline techs for the band was Wayne Faler who handled
guitarist, Troy Van Leeuwen and keys player, Dean Fertita. Starting out
last year while QOTSA toured with Iggy Pop, Fertita lent a hand during the
recording of Villains and “naturally transitioned” to their road crew.
The wall of amps certainly had some elements that would excite any
vintage guitar lover, including several from EchoPark’s line, and even a
reissue Magnaton. Discussing the impressive arsenal, Faler outlined some
of the technical challenges for the backline team. “During the show all the
amps are live, which can create some issues with gain structures. Also
touring with vintage gear can lead to some surprises.” Although, as Faler
45

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE
Production Manager, Rob Highcroft; Stage Manager, Jack Dunnett; LD Emmanuelle ‘Gigi’ Pedron; Production Assistant, Vanessa Correa, and her famous pink Peli case.
stated with a smile; “that’s all part of the fun.”
He continued: “QOTSA are the furthest thing from a digital amp band.
They like to have control of their volume and have the ability to tweak their
tone without having to put their head into a rack unit. There are certainly
flaws in some of this older gear but that’s all part of the charm and very
much in keeping with the guys’ style. It’s the imperfections that add the
flavour!”
IN THE FADE(RS)
Tending the Eight Day Sound PA was FOH Engineer Stuart Bennett. The PA
consisted of a complete d&b audiotechnik system with 18 J-8 and 2 J-12’s
per side, and 6 J-SUBs flown per side. Also included were 2 stacks of 3 B22
ground subs and 16 J-8’s per side for side hangs. For those fighting for their
place at the barricade, there was a centre cluster of 8 V8’s and lip fills of 8
Y10’s. Across the board, d&b D80 amplifiers were used to power the system.
Out front, Bennett utilised a Solid State Logic L500 Plus console alongside
Waves Soundgrid and a Waves MGO MADI optical to Soundgrid interface for
input and outputs. To replicate several of the effects from the album, the
FOH Engineer used the Eventide H9 effects processor. Aiding Bennett each
day was the Eighth Day crew, consisting of Andrew Gilchrest on FOH Audio
Tech duty, and PA techs Daniel Buckley and Ben Sliwinski.
Behind his DiGiCo SD7, handling the onstage mix and the band’s in-ear
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QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE
Guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen and multi-instrumentalist Dean Fertita, both of whom were looked after by Backline Tech Wayne Faler; Monitor Engineer, Spencer Jones.
mixes was Monitor Engineer, Spencer Jones. Another long-time fan of the
band, Jones pulled out all the stops to secure his space on the crew roster.
“Earlier in the year I had already put myself forward for the FOH Engineer
role but once I heard Stewart was already in place I asked if they had found
a Monitor Engineer. There was a few weeks of silence but then got a call
to see if I would like the gig and fly out to LA the next day for rehearsals - I
dropped everything and bought my ticket!”
On stage Jones handled the mixture of IEM and side fills for stage sound.
The band and 3 techs used JH Audio JH16 with Shure PSM 1000’s. For side
fills, Jones had 2 d&b audiotechnik V-8’s and a J-SUB each side with a
further J-SUB for drummer, Jon Theodore. “After 5 months we have settled
into a nice rhythm and I know what each of the guys likes,” commented
Jones. “But I still like to try new things, especially with Jon behind the kit, as
it gets fairly loud there. For each song I have a snapshot - although the mix
doesn’t vary a great deal apart from the keys that can be more dominate
in certain tunes. Josh’s in-ears, in particular, I treat more as a FOH mix,
altering to the venue we are in and reacting to certain crowd moments.”
Jones explained there was little need for wedges thanks to the wall
of guitar cabinets on the upstage. “A lot of the band are using smaller
cabinets rather than full stacks but they still pack a punch,” commented
the engineer. “Through the tour we have worked out positioning for each
cabinet to minimise as much bleed as possible to the vocal microphones.”
Mike Veres, Monitor Tech, added: “Stewart, our FOH Engineer, came up
with another solution to minimise spill and slap back by deploying a foam
product behind the amp. Especially between Troy’s 2 rigs this helped
isolate each of the mics.”
The Telefunken M80 was chosen for vocal microphones across the stage
due to its “tight pattern and condenser-like HF,” according to Bennett.
“They have worked out great,” added Jones. “They were using another
brand on the last cycle but were open to change.” The Monitor Engineer
went on to talk about the rest of the stage. “On most of the guitar cabinets
we have Telefunken M81. The roll-off on its high end means the brighter
guitars can sound slighter darker and warmer, which fits QOTSA’s sound.”
“DiGiCo is always my go-to,” continued Jones, who handled around 90
inputs and 24 outputs (8 stereo and 15 mono). All RF management was
handled by Veres who used a Shure Wireless workbench to ensure clean
transition for all IEMs. “On this tour we have several LED elements on the
stage [more on that later] which I was originally concerned about,” said
Veres. “However they haven’t affected the guitar rigs in the slightest.”
GO WITH THE FLOW
During the initial design of the Villains tour, the band and management
brought in world-renowned Show Designer, LeRoy Bennett, who came up
with concepts, recalled Highcoft. “In the initial design he had this idea of
LED bars on stage giving a prison bar effect, as well as an overhead beam of
light.” Upon approval, the show was handed over to LD Emmanuelle ‘Gigi’
Pedron, who took the concept and “ran with it!”
Very much at home in the world of rock ‘n’ roll, Gigi has already made
a name for herself working with the likes of Jack White, Jimmy Eat World
and At The Drive-In. Being at the helm of QOTSA’s rig was another tick on
her bucket list. “I have been a fan of them for several years and I know their
back catalogue inside out,” beamed Gigi. “It’s definitely been a dream tour.”
As already stated, backline was of paramount importance to the band.
Many LDs may see this as an issue, working around such a large bulk of
equipment - but not Gigi. “It’s kind of my speciality,” laughed the LD. “I seem
to have specialised in acts like Jack White who don’t have set lists and have
loads of backline across the stage. A concert it should always be about the
music first and then lighting should be built around it.” TPi asked the LD if
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QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE
For the UK tour, Creative Technology supplied the tour with a complete IMAG package;
LD Emmanuelle ‘Gigi’ Pedron behind her custom-taped MA Lighting grandMA2; Video Director, Blue Leach.
she was using any timecode or cues for the show, to which she had the best
response: “Over my dead body!” She elaborated: “The last thing I would
want from my light show is to limit the creativity of the band on stage. This
is why nothing is cued and I ride the show live. It gives the band the freedom
to play whatever they want and at any speed. I’m right there with them. It’s
like their song - I just Go With The Flow.”
Christie Lites’ new UK operation provided the lighting rig for the
European tour. In total it provided Gigi and the crew with 41 GLP impression
X4 Bar 20’s, 21 Martin by Harman MAC Quantum Profiles, 70 Martin Quantum
washes, and 40 Elation Professional ACL 360is. Also on the rig were TMB
Solaris Flares and Elation Professional CUEPIX Blinders. “I was incredibly
happy with the service given by Christie Lites,” commented Gigi. “All the
gear they supplied was brand new out of the box which was a rare treat! I
was also very excited to have a full LED rig. Ever since I saw Andi Watson’s
work on Radiohead’s 2008 tour - when he had the first all-LED show - I
always wanted to tour with one. 8 years later and I finally have!”
Commenting on Christie Lites’ involvement with the tour was Roy Hunt.
“Working with Gigi was a pleasure,” stated Hunt. “We worked with her on
utilising the design to suit the large stock of fantastic equipment we have
at our new UK shop in Coventry, and along with the outstanding crew, led
by James Such, we were proud to have a provided a service that is second
to none. Nothing short of what Rob Highcroft and the production team
deserve!”
Along with the sizable lighting rig, the design also featured 7 custom
LED poles with an industrial spring base, which were scattered around
the stage. “This was an idea from LeRoy’s original design to have an LED
product across the stage replicating a ‘prison bar’ look,” commented
Gigi. In the first rendition of the show in America, Upstaging provided
the production with 8 I-Beams complete with LEDs. “However, Josh and
the guys like to have a bit of danger on stage and want to interact with
the gear around them,” explained Gigi. This meant they needed a slightly
more robust solution that could keep up with the band’s stage antics. In
a very short time, Upstaging produced several prototypes of the new LED
product until they found a solution for both the band and Gigi. The tubes
themselves contained an RGBW LED strip light, which survived the rough
handling of the guys on stage, as well as allowing Gigi to mimic the other
colours being used in the rest of the rig.
Gigi described the changes made to the design throughout the
campaign: “For the first shows in the States the main colours we used
were red and white, echoing the album cover and conveying the idea of
angels and demons - a theme QOTSA often explore within their music. More
recently I have been throwing in some other colours too keep the show
fresh.”
The LD stated that the biggest challenge for the UK run was moving
this show into large spaces. “The design of this show is very theatrical and
intimate,” she explained. “I also use a lot of haze, which can be tricky in
these massive arenas when the AC kicks in. But the addition of the IMAG
screens have certainly helped make the show look good for people at the
back of the arena.”
For control, Gigi put her faith in an MA Lighting grandMA2 desk. “I
have been touring for around 17 years, always using MA. I started out with
an MA Lightcommander and worked my way up. I’ve now been on the
grandMA2 for several years and I really get on well with it. I also have a great
relationship with the team at MA who are always on the other end of the
phone if I have any issues or questions.”
But Gigi’s grandMA2 for Villains has a different aesthetic to others you
might have seen on the road, thanks to the LD’s now-famous custom
tape jobs. Gigi’s customisations have even sparked the interest of the MA
Lighting, which brought the LD out to Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt in 2017
to exhibit one of her tape-masterpieces, a rendition of Piet Mondrian’s
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QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE
Composition with Large Red Plane, Yellow, Black, Gray and Blue. “I strongly
believe the equipment we bring on the road is a part of the design itself. So
a few years ago, I started to personalise my boards according to the tour’s
major colour scheme.” For this run, Gigi created her own version of the
Villains album cover, which many eagle-eyed fans spotted and took photos
of as they made their way into Manchester Arena.
The UK run also saw the addition of automation to the set. “In the
States the rig was similar, although we are doing 3 straight truss rig over
the individual pods,” explained Highcroft. “For Europe we have brought
on Outback Rigging who have brought in a Kinesys system for the lighting
pods.” The rest of the rigging for the tour was provided by audio and
lighting vendors Eighth Day Sound and Christie Lites, respectively. Finally,
supplying risers for the tour was All Access Staging & Productions.
MISFIT LOVE
As QOTSA stepped up the size of their European shows, Highcroft and the
band’s management knew IMAG video was going to be a necessity. For
the UK dates Creative Technology provided the complete IMAG and video
package for the shows. Handling Video Director duties was Blue Leach.
His 4-date stint with the band actually coincided with his 50th birthday,
although according to the Director: “I couldn’t think of a better way to
spend it!” Prior to the UK tour, Leach was drafted in to cover the band’s
Antwerp performance and get a feel for the show. “This was the first time
I managed to have a conversation with Josh and Gigi to get a feel of the
aesthetics of the show. Especially as I’m the one coming into the tour I
wanted to make sure I kept in line with Gigi’s vision.”
Creative Technology’s Head of Music and Entertainment, Graham Miller,
discussed how the company first got involved in the UK tour: “The band
were doing a couple of shows in Europe with one of our sister companies,
Faber, providing an IMAG package. Rob the reached out to us and asked if
we could provide screens for the UK shows too - we jumped at the chance
of course!”
Leach said the last 2 shows had gone great, although it was a “roll with
the punches” style performance. “For Queens, no 2 shows are the same.
You have to be prepared for whatever they throw at you. But that’s how I
prefer to direct - reading the band’s movements and reacting accordingly
rather than a hyper-choreographed show.” Jim Liddiard, Project Manager
from Creative Technology looked after the QOTSA tour and even took on the
role as one of the camera crew for the UK tour. “It is always difficult joining
a tour with such an established crew, especially as an entire department,”
commented Liddiard. “We were very conscious of integrating smoothly into
load ins and outs so as to make our appearance seamless. That being said
we felt very welcome from all departments and the addition of video for
those few UK shows felt very successful.”
Creative Technology provided a Grass Valley Kayak with 16 inputs, 3
Sony HSC-300 cameras and 2 Panasonic robo cams. “I have worked with
Creative Technology for a very long time and they were kind enough to
offer a few extra bits including a track and dolly system for the pit cameras.
They’ve enabled us to get some interesting panning shots,” commented
Leach.
The Director also used his short time with the tour to experiment with
some old school editing techniques. “When I spoke to Josh we discussed
the ‘psychedelic’ influences on the record, which I wanted to try and
replicate with the video footage,” explained Leach. “We dug out a vintage
Panasonic WJ-MX50 - the first desk I ever used in my early 20’s. We have it
down stream for the Kayak and then feed it back through before sending
it to the screens. Through the show we have been doing some old school
tricks, such as still frames in a very horror-esque manner. We have also
used some black and white and block colours, which gives a juxtaposition
between aggressive and smooth looks.”
Leach gave his final thoughts on the tour: “Sadly I’m only on this tour
until the O2 so it’s been short and sweet, but a great birthday celebration.
There have been a few bands I have worked with over the years during
which I really have to pinch myself and QOTSA are definitely among them -
the band are ridiculously good and I can’t believe I got the opportunity.”
AUTO PILOT
Bittersweet Catering ensured all the crew were fed on the UK tour. “While
we were going through mainland Europe due to the logistics and tight
schedule we simply used local catering,” explained Highcroft. “But for the
UK shows we have had Bittersweet following us around.”
Ensuring the 29-strong band and crew got from A to B were Beat The
Street and Transam Trucking. “In total we have 2 crew busses and a band
bus with 5 trucks,” stated the PM. Finally completing the travel team was
Rock-It Cargo. “They were already in place before I was brought into the
QOTSA camp,” stated Highcroft. “However, I’ve collaborated with them
several times in the past which made this transition easy, thanks to Joe
Ryan, our account handler.”
As TPi goes to print, the QOTSA camp were prepping for the next leg
of their American tour. However, Josh Homme and the guys will be back
in the UK soon enough with the recent announcement of a one off show
in London’s Finsbury park this summer - surely a welcome sight for the
QOTSA’s faithful followers from this side of the pond!
TPi
Photos: Shirlaine Forrest
www.qotsa.com
www.leroybennett.com
www.50shadesofbluelighting.com
www.christielites.com
www.ct-group.com
www.8thdaysound.com
www.upstaging.com/
www.outbackrigging.com
http://allaccessinc.com/
www.rockitcargo.com
www.transamtrucking.com
www.beatthestreet.net
www.bittersweetcatering.co.uk
www.appointmentgroup.com
52

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IN PROFILE

LITECOM
LITECOM
Despite boasting offices in Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Georgia [and a few
famous names on its client list] Litecom remains determined - not - to conquer the world.
TPi’s Ste Durham flew to Copenhagen to hear the company’s story first hand.
Litecom’s own CEO, Rasmus Bremer Sørensen, was on hand to play
chaperone to TPi for the day, as we visited the company’s various
operations in and around a decidedly crisp but sunny Copenhagen.
First stop was Litecom’s secluded HQ in Kastrup (luckily, just in time for
smørrebrød).
“My brother Morten and I started Litecom officially in 2000,” Bremer
Sørensen began. “We had worked together before that, but it was always
‘just a job’ - mainly freelancing in conventional broadcast and film lighting.
More by coincidence than strategy, our business became focussed on
moving light, which gave us a clear direction.”
Litecom, in its current incarnation, is built on the twin pillars of lighting
equipment rental and, perhaps more surprisingly, real estate. Although
these areas of business may seem disparate at first, the company’s decision
to buy and develop property for its own use has allowed it the freedom to
expand (or consolidate) as it sees fit.
Bremer Sørensen continued: “The real estate company only has one
client, Litecom, but it still means we can see a building and immediately
start talking about how we can add to it or develop the area around it. We
are very good at lighting, but I would go as far as to say that this aspect of
our business is even stronger.”
This talent for spotting prime real estate was evidenced quite recently,
when Litecom came across a disused electrical research facility that was
located a short drive across town in Brøndby. This imposing structure,
which has been affectionately dubbed The Cube, was snapped up by
Litecom to serve as the city’s new go-to rehearsal studio. While this was an
exciting new venture for the team, reality quickly set it once the doors of
this building were reopened.
“When we first came, the place was rubbish,” laughed the company’s
gregarious CFO, Torben Merrilgdgaard. “It had been abandoned for 5 years
due to bankruptcy and had 1.5m of water in the basement! Even so, we
knew it was going to be perfect for us. There is soul there, and a sense of
expectation that is clear as soon as you walk through the door.”
Although it took 2 years of hard work to whip the neglected building
into shape, the facility is now as enthralling as it is functional. The company
has worked to retain as much of the laboratory’s former glory as possible;
with each piece of apparatus and instance of anachronistic décor conjuring
(most likely inaccurate) visions of Nikola Tesla-esque scientists their hairraising
experiments.
From the subterranean tunnels used to circulate heat around the
cavernous main studio to the reinvigorated observation boxes that
overlook it; many of the building’s idiosyncrasies have been refreshed and
repurposed to complement facility’s new function.
The main studio in particular, which was earthed to within an inch of its
life for obvious reasons, benefits from phenomenal acoustics and natural
soundproofing that would have otherwise cost Litecom a small fortune.
“It has been a long and hard journey to establish The Cube, but we are
almost there,” said Merrilgdgaard. “We have never built a rehearsal space
before, so it was important that we did it the right way. We had to present
our case to the mayor, who was very supportive; to ensure that what we
were planning would be for the benefit of the surrounding community. We
57

LITECOM
Above: One of the preserved breakout rooms in The Cube; Eurovision 2017 in Kyiv was another massive undertaking by the Litecom team.
think this has international potential, particularly given the local amenities,
so it is just a case of making sure we do everything properly and on our own
terms.”
SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL
It’s this steadfast refusal to settle for anything
below the company’s own high standards that
is at the core of Litecom’s day-to-day outlook
as well. Bremer Sørensen continued: “We are
a small company and very happy about it. We
don’t need to conquer the world.”
Despite this stance, the company has
experienced enviable growth in recent years;
growth that Bremer Sørensen and the rest of
Litecom’s management have approached with
caution. “That last 4 years have not been healthy
for us,” he said. “We’ve had lots of opportunities
but we grew so rapidly that we became in
danger of becoming a corporate shell with
nothing inside it. Prospects arise and you run to
them because you just expect that they aren’t
going to come around too often. By doing so we
perhaps forgot our core values - we remembered
the clients but we forgot ourselves.
“It’s like in a relationship; you need to cherish
them at all times, but the fact is that, when you
lose something you love, you quite often only
“Prospects arise and you run to
them because you just expect
that they aren’t going to come
around too often. By doing so we
perhaps forgot our core values -
we remembered the clients but
we forgot ourselves.”
Litecom CEO,
Rasmus Bremer Sørensen
58
realise once it’s too late.”
He continued: “We have around 50 or 60 people in the group but only
about 20 rainmakers, so when we are all out of the house in China, the
US, Germany, Sweden, or the UK, then there’s no one back here to pull
the strings. We decided the best thing to do was to try and shrink a little
bit - the old feeling of Litecom is coming back
day-by-day.
“That’s why The Cube is such a good
opportunity. If we can get a client in there then
we can care about them from start to finish;
whether that is solving any technical issues or
coming down to barbecue with them!”
As well as attempting to recapture the
more personal side of its day-to-day business,
Litecom has also had to develop the corporate
maturity and self-assurance to say ‘no’;
particularly when saying ‘yes’ has the potential
to jeopardise the company’s cherished core
beliefs.
Bremer Sørensen explained: “We had a
German client come in during our busiest time
- a client we really care about - but we didn’t
have the ability to succeed with them. We tried
to lay out our options, but we discovered we are
fooling ourselves and we decided it was better
to say no. It’s taken 17 years to have the balls to
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LITECOM
been good for us in the long run.”
Morten Bremer Sørensen added: “We like growth as much as the next
guy but our core values need to be built up again or we will be just like
everybody else. We want to be doing things together with the client, on our
terms, instead of not having the time and saying, ‘just sign here’, which is
rubbish. We want to make people feel safe with us and be assured from the
start that they will have their expectations met.”
Bremer Sørensen agreed: “This year our Sweden office has gained
some of the best productions available and our German operation has
doubled their inventory. For the right job we can move anywhere - we
have such good supplier relationships the world over - and we will strive to
provide that service that gives clients security.”
The “right” jobs that Bremer Sørensen alluded to have included some
incredibly prestigious and high profile shows over the years, including
one of the most widely viewed broadcasts on earth, the Eurovision Song
Contest (ESC). “The ESC is a landmark relationship for sure, particularly in
terms of spectators and so on,” he said. “They’re certainly the biggest jobs
we’ve had in terms of the sheer amount of items we supplied but there
other jobs that are smaller in scale but even higher in expectation, such
as the Victoria’s Secret show in Shanghai where we supplied our remote
followspot, the SpotDrive. To be involved in something like this, where a
huge company’s life is essentially on the line for a 40-minute show, is great
for us.”
One of Europe’s most iconic festivals, Roskilde, is another of Litecom’s
regular haunts, and a recent involvement in the world of sport has
added yet another string to the company’s bow. “The most complex
thing we’ve done is providing full production for the World Boxing Super
Series,” enthused Bremer Sørensen. “We had to travel around the globe,
coordinating equipment from different suppliers and getting everything
into one venue in time for doors each night on a show of this scale - quite
an achievement.”
WORKING 24/7
The final stop on our tour was in the north of Copenhagen, where Litecom’s
full film equipment cache could be found in an unassuming nook of TV
studio Twentyfourseven, where shows such as Denmark’s Got Talent and
Wonderkids (whose production rehearsals were currently set up in The
Cube) were filmed. “We always make sure what they have is state of the art
and we regularly come close to maxing out our inventory here,” explained
Bremer Sørensen.
As well as strategically distributing its considerable stock around
Copenhagen in order to maximise its use, Litecom also has its other
branches to think about as well. Bremer Sørensen said: “While the Sweden
office is more or less equipped to the same level as us, our German
operation is mostly concerned with rigging. All of our Cyberhoists are there,
as well as a large proportion of our MX1 trusses, which are manufactured in
house.
“Our Georgian office is more or less servicing the same kind of think as
we do in Denmark, but on a smaller scale. This includes their version of The
X Factor, Georgia’s Got Talent! and some small festivals. It’s still a limited
market because of budgetary constraints, but Litecom Georgia is having its
own good life out there.”
In addition to its own line of truss, Litecom has pioneered a number
of in-house inventions that can be seen on some of its most prestigious
shows. For instance, the company’s SpotDrive remote followspot system
was used to full effect at the aforementioned Victoria’s Secret and on
a number of high-profile tours and other events; often to considerable
praise. “It was really fun to develop the SpotDrive as it basically came out
of nowhere and was built from standard items,” said Bremer Sørensen.
“We never intended to develop a full system; we just wanted to put it
together as a remote that could be used by any desk on any fixture. I think
we accomplished that really well and we’re already working on a V2 that’s a
totally different approach.
60

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Specialist Stage & Lighting Auction...
On behalf of various TV production & event hire companies
Held at the massive Cardington hangar by kind permission on Elstree Light & Power
Auction close: 20th March 2018
Viewing: Thursday 15th March 9:00 - 18:00 | Friday 16th March 9:00 - 21:00 | Saturday 17th March 10:00 - 18:00
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View the Catalogue: www.ramco.co.uk

LITECOM
Above: At the time of TPi’s visit to The Cube, the Wonderkids production rehearsals were taking shape.
“Having the height and distance in The Cube means we can ensure that
the accuracy is representative of what it would be like in bigger venues. The
system is getting more and more precise and further removed from being
just a remote followspot. It’s certainly exciting to see where we take it in the
future.”
Another of the company’s innovations, spearheaded by its Network
Manager, Michael ‘Havdrup’ Nielsen, is the Litecom app. When production
starts on a job such as the ESC, so does the app; essentially serving as a
communal space to share designs, video maps and lighting plots, preproduction
records, fixture information, crew history and so on. As well
as helping to coordinate production before the crew’s arrival on site and
during the job itself, the app can serve as a treasure trove of information
for production managers, manufacturers and rental houses on how every
single component performed throughout.
As Bremer Sørensen explained: “This means that every part of the job
can be broken down and analysed after the job. Fixtures’ performance
can be assessed, and the timing of each part of the load in and out can be
recorded. This will allow anyone to break down an event in terms of hours,
how many crew are needed to accomplish each task, and which tools are
best for the job.
“Every time you feed the app, you can retrieve data and grow the
catalogue. This makes quotations become more precise as well. This is
invaluable when working on big jobs and, while you don’t always get that
production where the app fits, production value can be improved and
other costs streamlined in the right situation. It’s in constant development
and has proven another great tool at our disposal when pitching these
larger jobs.”
UNTIL NEXT TIME...
With such an enviable arsenal of unique tools at its disposal and an
unshakable ethos at its core, it is clear that Litecom remains in the position
to act as the architect of its own future.
Bremer Sørensen concluded: “We’ve invested a lot to get into the
position where we can have this control over our business, particularly
in the last 5 years. We haven’t spent the money on cars or flights to the
Maldives or holding companies for our pensions. This company is our future
and it is so important that we can point to where the money has gone.
“It’s important for us to be respected for our quality, transparency and
reputation and still be among the best in the market. That is fulfilment to
us.”
TPi
Photos: Ralph Larmann & TPi
www.litecom.dk
www.spotdrive.net
62

Photo: Johannes Krämer
Vero is a large format sound system, which has been
engineered for superior levels of audio and operational
performance. It was designed and developed by
some of the most knowledgeable and experienced
audio engineers in the world.
Vero’s unique flying system ensures absolute driver
alignment, which guarantees coherency and results in an
incredibly immersive stereo sound stage. Angle adjustment
can be made under load, allowing for arrays to be transported
and flown in a straight line prior to being tensioned to
exact angle settings. Load ins and load outs
have never been more straightforward.
Its meticulously crafted proprietary waveguides
and driver technology produce naturally even
frequency response and coverage. The result is
uncompromised system dynamics, headroom
and coherency, which is why Vero is appreciated
by sound engineers all around the world.
www.vero-system.com

This month we speak to TPi Breakthrough Talent Award winners Matt Didon
and James Walton about their blossoming company, ON LX, and what the
future has in store…
Before enrolling at the
University of South Wales,
Matt Didon and James
Walton already had business
nous. But after being paired
together for High End
Systems’ Hog Factor in 2014,
the duo thought they would
apply their skills to the live
events industry. Three years
later and ON LX provides
bespoke lighting, video and
technical services for events,
installations and everything
in between. TPi spoke to the crack team about what the future holds for their fledgling
venture and the challenges of juggling a new business and university work.
“Both Matt and I worked in the live events industry when we met,” began Walton, who
worked for Shock Solutions, which was acquired by White Light about 4 years ago, while Matt
started his own rental mobile DJ package company. With several years’ experience under their
belts, Didon and Walton enrolled at the University of South Wales for a Bachelor’s Degree in
Lighting Design and Technology. In their first year, both continued to work on extracurricular
ventures. Walton explained: “Matt was already building the foundation of what would become
ON LX while I was working on my own business called Spektrum Systems where I would build
custom media server packages. After our successful collaboration on the 2014 Hog Factor, we
decided to join forces, effectively merging Spektrum Systems with ON LX.”
Since the dawn of the partnership, Didon and Walton have been walking the line between
live events specialists and startup tech company. From providing the visual package to The
Giant Tree at Glastonbury 2017 to producing a custom control systems for gym studios,
the brains behind ON LX have certainly proved themselves in several fields. “We are really
focussed on keeping both sides of the business going,” commented Didon. “It’s been really
great working on the app side of the business and we have certainly got people’s attention.”
The goal of their app venture is to provide an “incredibly simple interface that can control
some fairly complex operations”, with features including the ability to “analyse audio in a live
scenario and simultaneously sync and operate lighting automatically.” But Didon and Walton
are both determined to keep in touch with what’s going on in the field rather than pigeonhole
their skills into an exclusively software company.
“Glastonbury was certainly one of last year’s highlights for us,” recalled Walton. ON LX
supplied a bespoke lighting solution with 40 universes of WS2811 pixels with which festivalgoers
could interact. “I had worked in the Greenpeace part of the site for the last few years
and have known Ben Bailes, who oversees the project, for some time. This year Matt oversaw
the all the programming of the show and I handled all the servers and networking of the
event. It was certainly an intensive few days but it looked fantastic.”
Having graduated last year, Didon is now working full time for the company while Walton
finishes his final year of university following a placement year in Australia with Enttec. “To say
it’s been tough is an understatement,” laughed Walton, as he described the balancing act
of holding down a new business as well as a full time degree. But he credits the University
of South Wales’ course as being “incredibly helpful” in developing their business. “As well
as having experienced lighting professionals as lectures, we also have guest lectures from
industry professionals who come in throughout the year. We have both been able to learn a
great deal from these individuals on the business side.”
Looking to the future, the dynamic duo already have some interesting projects on the
horizon. Didon and Walton both recently completed their Notch training and are hoping to
provide even more options for clients, both in the install world and in live touring. “I think
because of how specialised our skill sets are, there is no limit to how big ON LX will grow and it
being our own company means we have the freedom to pursue a myriad of different projects!”
As winners of this year’s TPi Breakthrough Talent award, both Didon and Walton will next
attend this year’s TPi Awards in February.
TPi
www.productionfutures.co.uk
www.onlx.co.uk
64

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TPI MAGAZINE HALF PAGE.indd 1 06/06/2017 07:40

INTERVIEW
BARCO’S WOUTER BONTE
The Belgian manufacturer’s Strategic Marketing Director, ProAV / Events, discusses the future
of AV with TPi’s Ste Durham, and gives a glimpse into the thinking behind Barco’s quest for
immersive simplicity.
Given the incredible change your corner of the industry has experienced
over the past 5 years, what has Barco done to remain at the forefront?
What we do is make sure designers can continuously rely on Barco
technology to put their ideas into reality, as well as bring far more
simplicity into this space. We aren’t here to throw 75 new technologies over
a wall and hope that people like them; and creatives are not waiting for 75
new technologies anyway. What we want to do with Barco moving forward
is to provide simply immersive solutions.
What does “simply immersive” mean in real terms? For us, it’s a world
where any surface can become a canvas for an AV experience. It’s a world
where the lines between real and virtual experiences become irrelevant. A
world where more pixels, brightness and colours help create unforgettable
moments, in an “immersively simple” way.
But of course, “simple” means different things to different people
depending on whether you are an integrator, a supplier or an end client;
simplicity in setting it up; connecting it together; avoiding multiple
conversions and manual interventions; having fewer links in the chain;
being easy to transport - all of these things are part of being simple.
Is this being driven by new technology?
From the Barco perspective, the heart of the processing is a key part of
the value proposition to enable new immersive experiences as well as to
simplify the whole chain. This is driven by the outcome, not just by the fact
that it has creative technology inside. Just look at what happened over the
past few years with projection mapping. The same thing happened where
we’ve added LED technology to almost every situation where you have
light.
Having more light means you can show things in far more situations. But
it also gives us the opportunity to think about the ambient environment, or
situations where you want to have some other action going on. That I think
is a big move.
In Barco’s thinking, offering more brightness and processing power is
going to drive more simplicity in the way we accomplish things, as users will
have extra capacity to play around with. This gives people more freedom
when developing their projects and when choosing the best technology
to get the job done. It’s all about making it accessible, manageable, and
simpler.
What is the industry telling you?
What’s interesting is that this is not just a Barco thing. There really is a
demand for smarter technologies that handle a lot of things that might
have been done manually before. So again, simplicity is the way to go. Less
human intervention leads directly to faster set-ups, to give one example. Or
the same size team can provide more sophisticated mapping.
Let’s push this idea further, as simplicity could sound like an empty
catch phrase. What would it change for you if the projector could be placed
66

BARCO’S WOUTER BONTE
Opposite: Carl Rijsbrack, VP Events, and Wouter Bonte,
Strategic Marketing Director, ProAV / Events.
close to the screen - and behind any speakers or performers - rather than at
the back of the hall? That way, you skip the need to work around projected
shadows and the set-up has a smaller footprint. What about being able to
project files in their native format? Wouldn’t that save time and preserve
the content’s integrity? How about being able to reduce the number of
projectors you need to just one that is bright enough? How about being able
to put projectors alongside fireworks or smoke machines and not have to
worry about them?
The common theme here is simplicity and immersion. More pixels, more
brightness, more freedom and more simplicity; we maintain that they all go
together. It seems obvious when you think about it.
How do you see these trends specifically influencing the way in which
touring show designers and crews select and apply technology moving
forward?
The speed at which new show requirements are adopted forces production
companies to include a longer-term perspective in any of their investments.
Futureproofing equipment has become increasingly important. Even
if certain video requirements or installation flexibilities are today not
common, they still expect the AV equipment to be ready. At the same
time, reliability is essential for any touring designer. They will select the
technology that enables new future experiences, while not compromising
on reliability for their shows.
Does achieving immersive simplicity in relation to concert touring and
live events also mean looking at other disciplines, such as lighting, audio
and special effects, for guidance / trends?
Absolutely. Interoperability and simplification should be looked at from
a holistic AV perspective. Disciplines can learn from each other, yet at the
same time should synchronise. One example: rushing the VideoOverIP trend
to reduce the number of fibre converters and simplifying connectivity is of
little value if each discipline is using a different ‘language’, IP protocol for
instance. Standardisation across disciplines will be critical to accelerate
simplification.
Is the seemingly inevitable move towards energy efficiency also an
important factor for Barco’s R&D teams to consider when looking ahead?
Sustainability has risen on the R&D agenda of likely any technology
company, including the teams at Barco. Power consumption of visual
display technology and its recycling (lenses, for example) are listed by
customers as new important evaluation criteria, not only because of the
direct implications for their total cost of ownership but also to match with
the sustainability objectives that many brands have set themselves.
TPi
www.barco.com
67

ROAD DIARIES
DAN WOOLFIE
Tour Manager & Drummer
In my pre-Tour Manager days, when I was a drummer (circa 2013), my
band had just finished our first night on an European support tour. It
was my first ever ‘proper’ tour, one of those tours where, due to the
routing, we should have had forked out for a tour bus rather than a
splitter van and hotels. We roped in an ex-ambulance driver (because,
well, you can’t get safer than that!) to help us drive the splitter
while the rest of us took turns in the driver’s seat too. He was also
coincidently a huge fan of the headliners, so on the promise of getting
to see them play every night, he was more than keen to be there. Until
show number 2...
We’d arrived in Salzburg, Austria, and got some sleep before our
drive to Geneva. After lunch we were accompanied by a whistling sound
coming from the engine. We pulled over, opened the bonnet, couldn’t see
anything obviously wrong. And we blew, with 200 miles to do in 4 hours.
After a bit of back seat Googling, we’d figured out that the sound we were
hearing was a rip in the turbo hose. “Sorted,” we thought. “Gaffa tape,
we’ve got tonnes of the stuff.” We were of course, wrong. We plastered
the hose with gaffa, convinced we were mechanical geniuses and were
quite pleased with ourselves for the 5-or-so-miles we got before the
whistling noise came back. Even louder. We located an SOS phone at the
side of the road and managed to call a local mechanic. ETA unknown.
We were contemplating making the call that we weren’t going to make it,
and possibly opt to go to Milan in time for the next show, but by the time
we’d decided to do so, the mechanic miraculously appeared. Hope soon
turned into a “ah, nope!” Though, as what we witnessed (for €450 - that
we definitely didn’t have) was a Swiss mechanic take off our black gaffa
tape and replace it with his silver gaffa tape. Less than half a mile down
the road, his more-inferior-gaffa-job-than-ours blew off and had us back
on the side of the road. We asked for our money back but suddenly his
English was no good.
We made the call to the headliner’s Tour Manager and from what I
remember, the response was “Try to get here… we’ll wait for you.” Now,
try as we might, Switzerland is proper hilly. We had so much hope that
everything was going to be OK while we were going downhill at a normal
speed, then utter misery as we tried to get back up the next!
I woke up in the back of the van around 7:30pm, our intended stage
time. We still had an hour to go. There was another call. We’d now play
at 8:30pm. We were all peering over the front seats and watching the
miles tick away, while simultaneously screaming “FLOOR IT” at our exambulance
driver, who was now having a mild heart attack in the driver’s
seat.
8:25pm. We’d made it. I’ll never forget the moment where the guitarist
& I, loaded with our gear, burst onto an empty stage to a full crowd of
around 4,000 people. No one told us the doors had opened already! It
was so frantic; I was being handed parts of my drum kit fully assembled
by people I’d never met before, I could hear our FOH Engineer through
my wedge “Woolfie, gimme kick, gimme kick… snare, gimme snare!” We
played. And we were only 6 minutes late. I remember very little from the
actual show other than it was one of the best we’ve ever played.
As soon as the headliners had finished playing, we had to set off as
early as we could to give our best chance making it to Milan with our
broken van. Our FOH Engineer had been pretty quiet on this part of the
journey, he was trying to figure out how we could fix this turbo hose if
we couldn’t get the part from a Mercedes garage. We needed a solution
to finish the tour. As soon as we got into the venue in Milan, he was
rummaging around for a beer in the fridge. He came back out, opened
the bonnet and said: “Woolfie, get me a knife and some more gaffa.” He
opened the beer, necked it, chopped both ends off the can, slit it down
the side, wrapped it around the turbo hose, gaffa’d both ends and shut
the bonnet. Now, I know you might say it’s no good drinking on the job,
but I swear, that bloody can of crappy beer got us from Milan to Madrid
via Toulouse, then to Lisbon and Luxembourg before landing back in our
hometown of Manchester. 3,500 miles. Full speed, zero problems. Forget
the rip off mechanics, turns out gaffa tape and a desperate beer can solve
all.
Dan Woolfie
68

After its successful launch in 2017, Daytime TPi returns
with a new home at the Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel.
This is an exclusive event for all attendees of the TPi Awards 2018 dinner.
The panellists will discuss current issues affecting the live event and touring industry,
with encouraged audience participation, followed by an afternoon of networking.
2018 Programme:
11.00 - Registration and coffee
11.30 - The PSA AGM
12.30 - Networking lunch
14.00 - In Discussion: Training, Education and Career Development
Host: PSA General Manager Andy Lenthall with special guests Backstage Academy’s
Glen Rowe, Talks on Tour’s Estelle Wilkinson, Adlib’s Andy Dockerty, Clock Your Skills’
Denise Stanley
15.00 - Coffee Break
15.30 - In Discussion: Crew Welfare and Mental Health
Host: TPi Editor Kelly Murray with special guests Production Manager Jim Digby,
Tour Manager Andy Franks of Music Support, The Fifth Estate’s Sarah Rushton-
Read and the PSA’s General Manager Andy Lenthall
Demo Rooms courtesy of Sennheiser and HD Pro Audio.
To register for Daytime TPi please contact Hannah Eakins: h.eakins@mondiale.co.uk

GEAR HEADS
OUT BOARD RCX SMART REMOTE
Out Board Director, Dave Haydon, discusses the R&D process behind the company’s latest venture
into user-friendly digital rigging control.
What was the original goal for RCX SMART Remote rigging control
handset?
We’re fortunate that Out Board LV & DV motor controllers have become
something of a staple workhorse for belt and braces tour, event and venue
rigging over the last dozen or more years. In that time we’ve learnt how
much lighting, staging, video, audio and studio riggers value their reliability
and simplicity, but are also being faced with larger numbers of channels
to manage at one time, and quite often more complex lift configurations.
We had been servicing this demand with 16- and 24 channel variants of our
traditional ‘analogue’ RC handsets that use straight multichannel 24Vdc
control, but these were becoming increasingly unwieldy and inelegant in
terms of heavy handsets, splitters and remote cables. RCX is specifically
designed to deal with these higher channel counts in a more convenient
and handy package. Most importantly, it can be retrofitted to every 6-, 8-, or
12-channel Out Board LV or DV controller already out there in the field, not
just for new purchases.
What are some of the key features that were included in this new product?
The RCX is digital with a robust serial comms protocol, but uses switches
and LEDS for programming and display as opposed to a touch-screen, in
order to make it more instantly familiar and straightforward for hardpressed
riggers to learn and use quickly.
There was a desire to move on from the expensive, heavy and trash-able
24Vdc RC remote handset cables. RCX works with CAT5, ie standard off-theshelf
IT cable, although we do equip the RCX SMART Remotes and interfaces
with Ethercons so they are roadworthy, and most customers use them with
proper armoured touring-grade Ethercon cables.
Being digital meant we could create 16, 32, and 64-channel RCX units
in relatively compact packages, and also add group Memories to make all
those channels more manageable. And because what goes up must come
down, the Memories are non-volatile and reversible, so you can pull the
RCX out of the rack drawer at the end of the show, power it up, double-click
a Memory button and all the channels in that lift will switch to Down for
flying in. This also helps with bumping, where you can temporarily clear the
selection to solo one hoist to bump it, then recall the memory to continue
the lift, or you can double-click the Memory to reverse the lift then deselect
a hoist and bump the rest in the opposite direction. These were subtle but
crucial details came to us through discussion with master riggers we’ve
been fortunate to get to know over the years.
There’s also been a growing interest in Load Cell monitoring, partly due
to the complex lifts and also evolving safety standards, so RCX provides
a data path back up the control CAT5 interconnect that can take status
data from load-cell computers and will instantly flag over- or under- load
conditions on the RCX SMART Remote, by flashing the channel LED’s
70

OUT BOARD RCX SMART REMOTE
Below: Dave Haydon, Out Board’s Director.
and sounding a bleeper. We are currently canvassing opinion on having
a selectable mode to make it automatically stop the lifts until the error
condition has been identified and eliminated. Load Cell status monitoring
is currently implemented for Mantracourt Broadweigh load cells, through
work with our UK Dealer AC Entertainment, but it can be made to work with
any load cell system.
It seems like the linking element of the RCX SMART Remote was a
paramount feature. Can you explain why this is so important?
We had received growing numbers of requests for handsets capable of
increasingly larger channel counts: 32, 48 and 50+ channels. The compact
size of our controllers with 6, 8 or 12 channels in just 3U rackmount
packages is very popular for inventory and deployment versatility, so it
made sense to stick with that and just link them together. You regularly
see 24 and 32-channel LV & DV racks, so a CAT5 link within the rack and
also between racks works really well. We chose to avoid Ethernet in favour
of a more robust serial protocol, and we designed the RCX interfaces to
automatically figure out the channel layout on the RCX SMART Remote in
the order they are plugged up in the rack – avoiding having to prod numeric
displays or DIL switches to address the controllers. We also made them
hot-pluggable, because it would be inconvenient to have to power down to
change a hook-up or add a further controller.
How do you make sure you are developing a product that really answers
the market’s needs?
The RCX SMART Remote System was developed to address the changing
demands placed on our conventional handset systems mentioned earlier.
We have good longstanding relationships with major rigging companies and
master riggers, and their constant feedback has been invaluable towards
evolving the basic concepts and spec details of the RCX SMART Remote
System.
Before the product was released commercially, we tested and retested
prototypes on shows and tours which and this process was invaluable in
drive subtle functional amendments via tweaks to the software. This is a
product specifically developed in the market, for the market.
What has been the initial feedback to the device?
Rigging companies and riggers have reacted very favourably to the
convenience and utility of the RCX handsets. We faced a slight challenge
with switch cap LED diffusers getting washed out in bright daylight
outdoors; it’s a custom component so we were able to re-specify and
re-tool it with virtually transparent lenses – you can now see the LEDs in
direct sunlight even with your RayBans on. These new switch caps can be
retrofitted to all existing RCX units if customers wish. We may also add a
software bright/ mode election mode in due course so riggers can tailor the
LED brightness to their particular environment.
Will there be any features added soon?
Further Load Cell status monitoring will be added for brands other than
Broadweigh as demand arises. We are now also working on a wireless
interface link between RCX and the LV/DV controller racks. We’re using
proven serial data RF technology from the industrial control sector, avoiding
the busy and variable wifi fog that many other disciplines share. We’re
adding our own battery management and failsafe mechanisms for optimum
reliability and safety, and RCX will retain the digital E-Stop. There will always
be users who prefer to stay wired to benefit from our dual-circuit hybrid
digital and DC E-Stop system, but our TV and film customers, for example,
are very interested in wireless so they don’t have to drag handset cables
round large studio sets when asked to make quick changes by the lighting
director.
TPi
www.outboard.co.uk
71

PSA: THE BIGGER PICTURE
IMPROVING OUR APPROACH
TO MENTAL HEALTH
The PSA’s Andy Lenthall discusses the ostensibly different ways in which our industry deals with the
physical and mental health problems faced by its employees; and what we can do to change things
for the better moving forward.
I had flu recently. I don’t believe in man flu. I had flu and some of you will
know what I’m talking about. It was impressive, it had my full respect
and admiration - I was useless. In my case, the flu lasted 5 days; 3 days
off work and a wasted weekend. For others it took longer, perhaps due
to a different strain, perhaps due to their physiological ability to cope
with a viral invasion. So what? Because I managed to shake it in a few
days, does that make me better that someone who felt the effects for a
fortnight? Do they not need to just man up? Who am I to suggest they do?
Physical illness affects different people in different ways, I understand
that and that’s my approach to the physical wellbeing of my family,
friends and colleagues. Can the same be said for our approach to mental
health? We think there’s room for improvement.
Hence the title, we make no apologies for the amount of times we will
repeat that phrase. We’re not raising awareness, we’ve had quite enough
of awareness, too many people have lost too many friends, we’re all very
aware. What we now need is a better understanding of how to be more
open, make it easier to talk and be better at encouraging people to seek the
help that they might need.
The great news is that some of the answers are out there already;
it should be easy to make a positive change. We’re keen to encourage
companies to sign up to the Time To Change employer pledge. As they say,
when you sign the Employer Pledge you demonstrate your commitment
to change how we think and act about mental health in the workplace
and make sure that employees who are facing these problems feel
supported. For those who need more than just the ‘it’s the right thing to
do’ motivation, there are financial benefits. Looking after the mental health
of your employees makes business sense: tackling stigma can make a real
difference to sickness absence rates, presenteeism levels, staff wellbeing
and productivity, and retention. Since signing the Employer Pledge, 95% of
employers said it had a positive impact on their organisation.
This is the point where we throw in a few figures:
• 1 in 4 British workers are affected by conditions like anxiety,
depression and stress every year.
• Mental ill-health is the leading cause of sickness absence in the UK,
costing an average of £1,035 per employee per year.
• 95% of employees calling in sick with stress gave a different reason.
Look at that last figure again. Ninety five percent of people with a valid
reason for absence feel that they need to give another reason. How can an
employer address the cause when employees don’t feel able to report the
true problem?
We do like to think that we’re a caring bunch, our door is always open,
72

PSA: THE BIGGER PICTURE
we’re happy to lend an ear. Is that passive approach enough when so
many don’t feel comfortable with sharing the real issue? Perhaps we
could get better at spotting the signs, become more effective at opening
the conversation rather than waiting for the call; maybe populating our
industry with people who can approach,
talk, listen and signpost people to seek the
help they need - there’s a lot of it out there.
Sometimes, a person suffering from mental
illness doesn’t want to bother a friend or
colleague with their troubles - a more active
approach may be needed.
Of course, there’s an answer. It’s called
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), and it’s a
thing. To become a Mental Health First Aider,
you need to attend a 2-day training course.
Companies can and should have MHFA
trained staff as part of their commitment to
improving their approach. This, though, is
where we run into a slight issue: we’re not all
about employers and employees, we have
a huge proportion of self-employed people,
put together in teams to work on various
events. Many of those individuals are in a
supervisory or management position and
could benefit from MHFA training. Of course,
training costs money - in this case, up to
£300. To soften the blow, Stagehand, the
industry charity set up by PSA members over
20 years ago, has committed to subsidising
MHFA training for up to 100 self-employed
members, offering 50% of the cost on proof
of completion of the 2-day course; a serious
commitment that has itself been subsidised
by a significant donation from the PSA’s
reserves.
Of course, the administration of first aid
means that there’s a problem to address.
Physical damage can be caused in the
“Accidents in the workplace also
cause injury, employers apply
resources to reduce the likelihood
of those accidents; our sector has
worked extremely hard on reducing
physical injury, addressing the
causes. Can the same be said for
mental wellbeing?”
73
workplace, mental wellbeing is no different. I could break my leg skiing and
bring that injury into the workplace; I’d hope my employers would support
me through recovery. Mental ill health can be caused by factors outside
work too. Same applies. Accidents in the workplace also cause injury,
employers apply resources to reduce the
likelihood of those accidents; our sector has
worked extremely hard on reducing physical
injury, addressing the causes. Can the same
be said for mental wellbeing? Prevention is
better than cure and we perhaps need to
have a good look at ourselves, perhaps risk
assess our working environment, just as we
should for physical hazards.
We don’t yet have the answers and
different people handle things in different
ways, but night working, long days, long
periods away from home, lack of sleep, lack
of job security, periods of unemployment,
they’re all prevalent and all potential causes
of mental ill health. The pledge and the
training are simple first steps, but only by
developing the conversation can we fully
address the causes.
And that flu? I’m over it now and still
trying to catch up. I think I’m handling the
stress OK.
Interested In Mental Health First Aid Training?
Self Employed PSA members can claim back
50% of training costs. Email gm@psa.org.uk
for details.
TPi
www.psa.org.uk
www.time-to-change.org.uk/get-involved/
get-your-workplace-involved/employerpledge
www.mhfaengland.org
www.smhfa.com
www.mhfa-wales.org

INDUSTRY APPOINTMENTS
Sponsored by
www.interfacio.com • +44 208 986 5002
INDUSTRY APPOINTMENTS
Above: AC-ET’s Technical Director, Chris Millard; VUE audiotechnik’s George Dreyer, Jon Garner, and Brandon Rinas; Allen & Heath’s Pat McConnell; TSL acquires Blinding
Light; Creative Technology welcomes Richard Rogers & Chris Jordan.
Absen Europe has announced the appointment of Thomas Klukas to the
position of Business Development Manager for Germany, Switzerland and
Austria (DACH). Prior to joining Absen, Klukas held a Director position with
Shure Distribution.
He will oversee the development of the retail, corporate and DOOH
sectors across the 3 markets, plus sports and rental in Austria and
Switzerland. His remit will encompass the development and extension of
Absen’s partner network of system integrators, consultants, architects
and end customers, also working to define and evaluate key partners. In
setting the sales strategy for the region, Klukas will work hand in hand with
the sales team in addition to the marketing, research and development
and project management groups in order to feedback market needs and
requirements.
A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) has appointed Chris Millard
as Technical Director to the company’s Board of Directors. He joined
AC-ET from his role as Technical Director at Panalux, where he spent 22
years. Millard now oversees the further development and growth of the
company’s Technical Services department and in-house Tourflex Cabling
bespoke cable assembly service.
Adamson Systems Engineering has appointed Lin Buck to the position
of Director of Sales for the United States, working as an integral part of
the team led by Marc Bertrand, Managing Director of Adamson Americas.
Buck will collaborate closely with Adamson’s Partner Network and
manufacturer’s rep firms to continue driving sales and growing the brand’s
profile in the ever-important U.S. touring and integration markets.
“Our comprehensive strategy for building a long-term, sustainable sales
structure in the Americas fits very well with Lin’s experience, as well as his
philosophies with respect to customer relations and the Adamson brand,”
commented Bertrand. “We’re very pleased to have him aboard, and we
expect great results.”
Allen & Heath has appointed Pat McConnell as its Central Regional
Sales Manager. McConnell will promote sales growth and strengthen
existing relationships across the Central Region of the United States.
Tim Schaeffer, Senior Vice President of Allen & Heath USA, commented:
“We’re pleased to welcome Pat to the team. He not only has deep technical
ability, but also firsthand experience of the region and the skills to push
Allen & Heath sales to the next level.”
McConnell was a sales representative for them at a previous company.
He added: “I am excited to contribute to the amazing team at Allen & Heath.
I’ve been using their products for years and I’m looking forward to being a
part of their continued growth and success.”
Creative Technology has recruited Richard Rogers and Chris Jordan to
work as Senior Project Managers in its Audio Team.
Mark Boden, CT’s Director of Audio, spoke highly of the duo: “Having
worked with Richard and Chris many years ago I am really excited to be
working with them both again, bringing with them yet more experience and
knowledge to an ever-growing audio team.”
Chauvet Professional has established Chauvet Germany, a wholly
owned subsidiary to serve the German market. Based in Bremen, the new
subsidiary will distribute and service Chauvet Professional, Chauvet DJ
and Iluminarc products. The opening of the new facility represents the
company’s first direct presence in the German market.
74

www.interfacio.com • +44 208 986 5002
INDUSTRY APPOINTMENTS
Below: Elation’s Matthias Hinrichs; Tim McCall, L-Acoustics’ Regional Sales Manager; Paul Mulholland, Jands’ Managing Director;
Outline’s Deputy General Manager Of Sales, Leonardo Dani.
Thomas Fischer, formerly Owner and Managing Director of Fischer
GmbH, has been named Managing Director of Chauvet’s German operation.
He is joined by Henning Oeker, who will serve as Regional Sales Manager.
Green Hippo has appointed ESL France to be its French distributor.
The agreement sees ESL France exclusively distribute Green Hippo’s line of
cutting-edge hardware and software throughout France.
James Roth, Head of Sales and Marketing at Green Hippo,
acknowledged the importance of the French economy: “France is a crucial
market for Green Hippo. We fully recognise not only the size of the French
economy, but also its population’s enduring love of live events. ESL France
brings the necessary understanding of this region - as well as of the Green
Hippo line - to help further grow our brand during 2018 and beyond. And we
thoroughly look forward to helping them succeed.”
Elation Professional has hired Matthias Hinrichs as a Product Manager.
Hinrichs is a well-known face in the industry, having worked as a lighting
and control systems product manager at Martin Professional since 2003
and prior to that as a well-respected freelance lighting director and
programmer. Over the years, the self-described product designer and
innovator has worked in staging, audio, lighting, as a DJ, in technical
support, business development and finally as a product manager for
lighting control and automated lighting fixtures.
ETC’s international subsidiaries, ETC Ltd and ECT GmbH, are now
responsible for the distribution of High End Systems products in Europe,
the Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA), taking the reins from the former
European master distributor, AED Distribution. Meanwhile, ETC Asia will
take control of distribution for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. ETC welcomed
High End Systems into the family in April 2017 and has already made
significant investments in stocking, personnel and product support. This is
set to continue, with a particular focus on EMEIA and APAC.
L-Acoustics has appointed Jands as its certified distribution partner for
Australia. Jands is set to provide L-Acoustics with an increased penetration
into the Australian marketplace, whilst adding L-Acoustics to its roster
further solidifies Jands’ position as the go to distributor for premier brands.
“My first introduction to L-Acoustics was when, along with Peter Ratcliffe
from JPS, I visited the factory in 2000,” said Paul Mulholland, Jands’
Managing Director. “It was clear from our first introduction to the V-DOSC
speaker cabinet that L-Acoustics was destined to become a dominant
force in live sound. JPS became the L-Acoustics rental network partner for
Australia and I watched as the pioneers of line array continued to develop
ever more innovative products.”
Tim McCall, L-Acoustics Regional Sales Manager, said: “We’re delighted
to have Jands join the L-Acoustics family. We have had considerable success
in Australia over the last decade and aim to build on this strong base. We
have a natural synergy with privately owned, technology and solutionfocused
partners. I think we now have that with Paul and his team.”
Meyer Sound has named Audio Brands Australia as their exclusive
distributor down under, with the appointment also extending to New
Zealand through a partnership with Pacific AV. Audio Brands Australia will
be responsible for sales, technical support and service of Meyer Sound
products across all markets, including touring and AV rental, performing
arts venues, houses of worship, hospitality, cinema and studio.
“In Audio Brands Australia we have found an ideal partnership for
strengthening and extending the Meyer Sound presence ‘down under’,”
said Antonio Zacarias, Meyer Sound Vice President of Global Customer
Engagement. “Audio Brands Australia has a solid, strategic approach in the
product lines they represent, as well as a proven track record of responsive
service and support.
Outline has appointed Leonardo Dani to the post of Deputy General
Manager Of Sales. Dani joins the company during a period of strong growth
and expansion, driven mainly by the success of Outline’s GTO loudspeaker
family in global touring and by the growing number of high-profile
installations of the Stadia Series, including those for the 2018 FIFA World
Cup in Russia.
TSL Lighting has announced that Colin Paxton will now be managing
its busy Dry Hire department as Hire Manager. Alongside Paxton’s
appointment, John Beer, TSL’s previous Hire Manager, will progress into
the role of Operation Manager. Beer now takes a wider responsibility with
an overview of the company’s operations and will be concentrating on
improving and expanding all areas of the business.
The company completes a busy month, having recently acquired
Blinding Light. Both companies and locations will continue to operate as
normal under their respective individual brands.
ULA Group has announced a new partnership with SGM. Cuono
Biviano, Managing Director of ULA Group, commented: “We are extremely
proud of our new partnership with SGM, which came just in the right time
when our company is growing and expanding into new market segments.
The SGM products are of a superb quality, incorporating groundbreaking
technology which makes them unique and a perfect fit for both
entertainment and architectural lighting markets. The core values that ULA
Group has been built upon align with those that SGM proudly represent
throughout their business practice. We are very excited to be able to
partner exclusively with SGM in Australia and New Zealand and to help
grow their network globally.”
VUE Audiotechnik rang in the new year with 3 new hires as part of its
ongoing expansion. VUE has announced the addition of Senior Product
Engineer, George Dryer, and Sales Representatives Jon Garner and Brandon
Rinas. The trio are based out of VUE’s headquarters in Escondido, CA.
According to Ken Berger, VUE founder and CEO, the new hires will play
a key part in the company’s aggressive growth trajectory. He commented:
“Ask any VUE client and they’ll tell you the attention and expertise they get
from our team is matched only by our impeccable product performance.
Thanks to our clients’ continued faith in us, we just wrapped up the best
year thus far. To sustain that growth and our benchmark performance
levels, I’m thrilled to welcome George to our engineering group, and Jon
and Brandon to the sales team. I am excited to have them join the rest of
the VUE family in bringing the future of live sound technology to market –
today.”
Dreyer will lead amplifier and electronic development; Garner, with an
8-year track record in sales management with Powersoft, will focus will be
on expanding VUE’s growing momentum in live sound and touring; and
Rinas’ main focus will be on furthering VUE’s already strong reach into the
house of worship market.
TPi
www.tpimagazine.com/category/industry-jobs/
75

TPi PRODUCTION GUIDE
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88

TPi PRODUCTION GUIDE
CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
E NTEC
SOUND & LIGHT
517 Yeodlng Lone Northoll Middlesex U85 6LN
T•I 020 8842 4004 Fox 020 8842 3310
E moll solesOentecLIVE.com
Web,ite www.entecLIVE.com
CONTACT
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07737 929381 NOW!
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T: +44 (0) 20 7434 7408
Equipment we offer:
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To advertise here enquiries should be made to Lauren Dyson or Georgia Guthrie
Lauren Dyson - Tel: +44 (0) 161 476 8360 Email: l.dyson@mondiale.co.uk
Georgia Guthrie - Tel: +44 (0) 161 476 8399 Email: g.guthrie@mondiale.co.uk
JANUARY 2018 ADVERTISERS
10K Used Gear 15
Adam Hall 43
ADJ 39
All Access Staging & Productions 85
Area Four Industries 17
AVIXA
IFC
Avolites 35
Barco 53
Brilliant 49
Capital Sound 25
ChainMaster 5
Chauvet Professional 31
Claypaky 27
CLF Lighting 58
CODA 73
Colour Sound Experiment 59
Crossland 6
d&b audiotechnik 36 & 37
DiGiCo 51
Digital Projection 73
diguise 18
Duratruss 79
Follow-Me 29
Funktion One 67
GLS Lighting 65
Green Hippo 81
John Henry’s 56
L-Acoustics 13
Leisuretec Distribution 4
Millennium Studios 50
MTFX 11NAMM show 87
NEXO 61
Nitelites 47
Philips Vari-Lite 92
Phoenix Bussing 23
Pioneer Pro Audio 57
Pro Tapes and Specialities 81
Messe Frankfurt 79
Protec 3
Pyrotek Special Effects 30
Ramco 75
Riedel Communications 91
Robe 19
Schnick Schnack Systems 7
TRUCKINGBY Brian Yeardley 83
TW AUDiO 71
89

BACK CHAT
DAVID ‘WEBBY’ WEBSTER
Global Marketing Director, CODA Audio
You’ve changed jobs recently but you’re a familiar
face in pro audio. What are you relishing about your
new challenge with CODA?
Technically speaking, I didn’t really change jobs. I’d retired
last April having thought I’d achieved all my goals - it’s a
long story but when I discovered CODA Audio I knew there
was another challenge that I just had to get stuck into! I’m
relishing unleashing the best audio systems in the world,
on the world. Every so often (in an audio sense, of course...)
something comes along that blows your mind and you
know it’s the real deal. There are all sorts of flashes in all
sorts of pans but this isn’t one of them. The challenge is to
get people to listen - and I will - the systems can speak for
themselves!
You recently attended Tour Link and The NAMM Show
in California. What has the reception for CODA been
like in North America?
I’d say it pretty much chimes with the response everywhere
else in the world - that is to say we’ve had a fantastic
reception in the States and we’re looking forward
to putting serious dents in the market. Our US team
comprises some very experienced and highly respected
figures who knew a good thing when they heard it, and
joined us without hesitation. Three major US Rep firms, for
whom I have a huge amount of respect, have also got on
board after realising what CODA has to offer. Anyone who
hears these products and then looks a little harder at the
advantages they can bring, finds them hard to resist...
How did you initially get into pro sound?
I blame my mother. In her estimation, the majority of longhaired
singer / guitarists (like me) were destined to fail at
that endeavor, so she took it upon herself to line me up
with an interview at Klark Teknik. I got the job and thus
ended another potentially glorious rock ‘n’ roll career…
After a long stint in console manufacturing, what
have been some of your career highlights?
There have been far too many to single out. I’ve been
involved throughout my career in helping to develop
cutting-edge technologies - the products of the future,
you might say - and when you bring them to market it
changes the way people look at and design their shows.
That means that there are several highlights every year.
CODA is already proving to be another case in point.
What are your goals for the brand in 2018?
To firmly demonstrate that a CODA system is without a
shadow of a doubt the best sound system you can get -
and then to sell truckloads of them all over the planet! As
you might expect, our sights are set very high - when you
have confidence in a product like this, there’s no reason
to moderate your ambitions, so we’ll be pushing hard in
every direction.
When you’re not busy telling the world about PA
Systems, how would we find you relaxing?
Guitar in hand (my mother never completely destroyed the
dream!), sun shining, poolside, in the company of great
friends. Oh and perhaps afterwards, a glass or two of a
fine red accompanied by a cheese of distinction…
78

TOURS | FESTIVALS | LIVE EVENTS
01773 811136 | helenh@kbevent.com | www.kbevent.com
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