Dropkick Murphys and Rancid fuelled by Chauvet
- Details
Along with the relentless energy, non-stop crowd surfing, and big explosive sound, the tour is serving up some searing visuals for both groups courtesy of a Cody James designed lightshow that features Chauvet Professional Maverick and Rogue fixtures supplied by JDI Productions. “There’s a great amount of energy on this tour,” said James. “Neither band ever takes its foot off the pedal, so our goal is to create a continuous flow of punchy looks for two 90-minute sets.”
Meeting this challenge can sometimes get complicated, since the two bands alternate opening for one another. This means that James has to fight the sun for one of the two groups at every venue. The intense output of the six Maverick MK1 Hybrids in his rig has made this task easier.
“The Maverick Hybrids are my go-to fixture for this tour,” he said. “I begged for them. Their power is first and foremost what stands out. I can use them as a beam that cuts through the stage at 3 pm, and then as a wash and great back light at 9 pm.”
To expand the looks of his show and accommodate the wide variety of stage sizes and configurations on the tour, James and the JDI team added six custom light carts to their rig. Each cart has a Maverick MK1 on top and at least one Rogue R1 FX-B positioned at various heights on its side. (There are eight Rouges in the rig.) Adjusting the position of the carts makes it easier to meet the design demands made by different venues.
The Rogue FX-B units on the carts are used to fill out the floor behind the rig’s four set pieces. At other times, they’re directed upward and used as aerial washes. “I love the power and punch of the FX-Bs,” said James. “They give me a wide coverage area and create a glowing wash over the bands.”
(Jim Evans)
