CEO Michael T. Strickland says: "The entire Bandit global team is very proud of the Pollstar Award and considers the award as the voice of the industry. We wish to thank Pollstar, the people in our industry that have allowed us to work with them, and our wonderful clients that made it all possible."
As 2006 unfolds Bandit is involved in a variety of projects globally. The Queen Reunion Tour continues with the US leg starting in March and it carries on into the year as it travels around the world with full service and support from Bandit Lites. The patented Bandit motor control system, Moto Data, is on board to provide the intricate control of the Baz Halpin designed lighting system that illuminates one of the world's greatest bands. Also in us is the all new Thomas Broadway Truss which is a swing wing style truss that is wide enough and deep enough to accommodate all the fixtures on the market today. Bandit is currently the only company in the world with this new truss.
Bandit is working on the NBA All-star Game with designer Randy Nordstrum and gaffer Rob Baxter using Bandits proprietary 36 lamps pod systems. Designer Seth Jackson and production manager Scotty Ross are again working with Bandit Lites on Hilary Duff as she tours Canada and Europe with full support from the global Bandit team.
London Fashion week is an all Bandit affair with designer Simon Tutchner giving Bandit the opportunity to service his extravaganza which boasts a lot of different gear, and a little bit of everything!
The world famous Billy Joel play Movin' Out has opened in London on the West End with designer Don Holder weaving his craft on this musical spectacular. The Bandit London office is providing full lighting support for this production, which will also move into a touring version this summer.
Bruce Rodgers has out done himself with a stunning set design as country sensation Rascal Flatts takes the road in 2006 with a must see show. Lighting design is by long time band LD Andy Knighton. Together the duo has produced a very high-energy show.
Jonathan Smeeton delivered this year's CMA entertainer of the year Keith Urban with a total show production that confirms Urban's position at the top of the industry.
Country Superstars Kenny Chesney and Gretchen Wilson have both just purchased lighting systems from Bandit Lites. The genius of designer Mike Swinford is behind these two shows and Swinford has again proved his place in the upper echelon of the industry.
Dream Theater is again on the road for a world tour with LD Ben Richards. The Bandit support team is supplying Richards with all of his needs.
System of a Down is launching out on leg three of their 18 month global assault with Chaz Martin at the helm. Bandit has delivered a wide array of equipment including Thomas PixelLines, Colorblocks and many Bandit designed custom devices.
WWE continues its world wide growth as Bandit provides production designer Jason Robinson with every conceivable service and piece of equipment possible. The new Coemar Halo is an addition in 2006 as well as the Coemar Parlite LED fixture.
(Chris Henry)
