System Of A Down's lighting designer, Chaz Martin chose to incorporate four 36 lamp pods with 600w ACLs, 20 atomic strobes, 12 Martin 2k washes and 12 Martin 2k profiles (six moving lights on each pod). Martin used a Martin Maxxyz console with a Martin Maxedia linked to the console.
Martin said that the general idea was to create something unique for System Of A Down. With only 15 minutes for the previous band (Disturbed) to get all their equipment off and System Of A Down to get their equipment on, it presented a bit of a challenge. In order to work within the time restraints, the pods were self-contained and rolled into position ably with help from Chaz Martin's lighting tech, Jason Workman.
"From a lighting standpoint, the band's music is very dynamic with very intense passages, the pods acted as huge audience lights silhouetting the band," Martin explained. "This I felt answered well."
An innovative team, System Of A Down and Chaz Martin added a video wall to the rear of the stage. Bass Player, Shavo, came up with the idea to paint a series of paintings, one for each song. The colour palette for the lighting was based on that particular painting. The final product illustrated a great deal of depth, something unique in this setting.
Bandit vice-president Richard Willis comments on the relationship between Bandit and System of a Down. "The band is a fantastic group of guys- fabulous, dynamic, and always visually stunning. Working with the management at Velvet Hammer has always been a great pleasure."
(Chris Henry)
