"I first saw Sharpys at the Ultra Music Fest almost two years ago," says lighting director Mike Cooper. "The lighting designer had a huge Clay Paky rig and a row of Sharpys on the stage, and I was blown away. I thought I had to use them."
Since then Cooper has deployed Sharpys on the Godsmack/Staind tour and Motley Crue appearances in Europe. "I love them: Their speed is awesome, and they can cut through anything," he reports. "We have a full rig of 1500-watt lights, but the Sharpys just cut through everything."
Lighting and production designer Sooner Routhier and Robert Long call Sharpy "an amazing light that's perfect for rock 'n roll. we've used them at some festivals and have been specking them for tours. We love the sharp beams, brightness, speed and great lensing - Clay Paky has always had amazing lensing."
On the Motley Crue tour Routhier and business partner, Robert Long use Sharpys on the floor and surrounding the band's Tommy (Roller) Coaster in a 360 for "cool circular effects". Cooper notes that "the Sharpys are able to handle the vibration" of the roller coaster with no ill effects.
Francesco Romagnoli, Clay Paky area manager for North and Latin America, adds, "Rock and Roll tours are really where the Sharpys excel. It's great to see them on so many tours this summer and we're proud to have them on Motley Crue."
(Jim Evans)
