With the experience gained from involvement with the Wembley Pavilion project where a large back stage area was required, the Star Events Group design team began looking at the possibilities of utilizing similar technology for the REM shows. After several drawing revisions and some number crunching, the VerBit (VerTech/Orbit Hybrid) stage was developed. REM's production requirements were plotted on the new stage format and group development director - Roger Barrett and Vertech divisional director- Peter Holdich met with Dick Adams and the REM team during rehearsals in Grenada to confirm suitability of the new design, before pressing the 'GO' button on the fabrication of the new components.
The Star Design team liaised closely with the in house project managers for the tour to ensure any new developments would not compromise the tight schedule. With three shows taking place over four days, restricted access and one 'virgin' venue, a need for stringent scheduling and slick installation was essential.
Allthough planned originally for the CCE promoted football ground shows, Regular Music and SJM also opted to use the same VerBit system for Loch Lomond and LCCC, Manchester respectively. SEGL also provided two ground support systems to support the video screens for Cardiff, Millennium Stadium show.
In keeping with all SEGL's constructed stage products the new VerBit stages are completely modular and are available with a 20m span, 11m trim and depths from 15- 30m, set up times of 2-3 work shifts and strikes of 1-2 shifts the new systems are expected to be busy in 2006.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
