Working with video director Blue Leach for Pearl Jam Inc. Creative Technology (CT) provided the video equipment to complement Blue's visual directing for the 12 date European leg of Pearl Jam's international tour. Until this tour, Pearl Jam has never toured with cameras and screens, however Blue quickly established a creative connection with the band after warm up shows in London, Ontario and Wrigley Field in Chicago last July (2013).
Renowned for having a streamlined stage presence and historically performing with no video support until now, the superb live photography element captured Pearl Jam's explosive stage performance which featured predominantly black and white camera shots.
To visually enhance the shows CT provided IMAG Screens with, for the arena shows, two projection screens utilising 21K Panasonic projectors to deliver the photographic displays at either side of the stage. Four Sony HXC 100 Cameras were also provided; one at front of house, two on track and dolly and one handheld on stage.
In addition CT built HD mini cams with fisheye lenses that were used onstage in various locations providing a vignette optical effect. Controlled via a Kayak 2ME Desk / HD Production system, all cameras were recorded for each show, totalling 11 HD ISO Records, utilising the impressive Blackmagic hyperdeck system.
Outlasting and outselling many of their contemporaries of the 90s, Pearl Jam was one of the key bands that heralded the grunge and alternative rock movement and has lead to them being considered one of the most influential bands of that decade. Still going strong in 2014, the band's sell out Lightning Bolt tour reached Europe in June for their 12-night European leg and has received critical acclaim for their latest album and supporting tour.
(Jim Evans)
