Encompassing the unexpected fell to Tait Towers. "We've worked with Doug many times before and he always challenges us," said Adam Davies Tait Towers VP. "His designs are theatrical in that they are complex underneath, but always look simple in execution and never detract from the artist."
Played 360 wherever possible, the stage is an ellipse within a circular walkway with automated lighting towers and robotic LED platforms to the rear. A video screen sits above. "These shows are even more elaborate than the last tour," said Bon Jovi's veteran production supremo John 'Bugzee' Hougdahl.
"The venetian blind style segmented video you saw last time was spectacular, but now that the whole system has been augmented by the ground based robot controlled video screens. These screens allow 360 degree audience viewing as well as creating another performing area for Jon Bon Jovi. Eventually combining with the suspended expanding screen system they become one massive LED screen - much to the delight of the audience. This show will be a tough one for us to beat next time around."
The suspended screen comprises 12 columns of eight V-9 panels from Nocturne. Each LED panel is mounted to vertically interconnected pantographs; all hung from a circular track overhead the stage. Screen sections are double sided so whatever the orientation the audience sees image; the pantographs are all individually automated to rise and lower, and each column is motorized to travel around the circular track.
"For the majority of the audience with a front view of the stage, what we didn't want was any IMAG screen to look at," said Brant. "We wanted them to look at the stage all the time. Yes there are camera images of the band on the screens, but because of the variable location of the screen and how it works, their viewing field is all inclusive, screen and stage as one."
The robots, five in total, are fully actuated 'arms' with five axis of motion, each supporting a 6' by 9' V-9 panel. "We protected the LEDs with a high impact clear cover," said Tait's project leader Matt Hales. "Doug wanted Jon (Bon Jovi) to be able to walk across them like moving stepping stones."
(Jim Evans)
