The BMFL Spots are in three key locations on the stage. The first batch of fixtures are rigged on an upstage arch of trussing - the arch and ten trussing 'fingers' are an integral set element - where they are equally spaced apart and utilised for massive beams and powerful breakup / gobo looks.
The next position is far upstage on the floor behind the 'chicken run' which is an up-and-over riser on which the band whizz about. These BMFLs are the primary fixtures in the reveal of the famous AC/DC cannons that emerge ominously at the start of For Those about to Rock (We Salute You).
The same fixtures are also used to up-light the huge inflatable Rosie character which bursts into life and takes over the stage for the AC/DC anthem Whole Lotta Rosie.
The next BMFL position is above the left and right delay side screens. Six units a side blast out across the audience, reaching up into the air for those mega looks that shoot the energy and the excitement coming off stage right into the atmosphere and to the back of the venue.
They are also positioned to highlight Angus as he rises up above the crowds on a big circular satellite dish hydraulic lift at the end of the thrust - complete with full-on guitar mayhem.
Terry Cook, Patrick's lighting associate designer for the project explained that he and Patrick chose BMFLs because they wanted 'impact fixtures' with "Enough fire power" to stand up against the rest of the rig and the FOH 4000w follow spots - but a luminaire that was also lightweight and user-friendly.
WBD has used BMFLs on a few other shows this year including Rock in Rio, Las Vegas. The lighting vendor worldwide is Chicago-based Upstaging, who invested in more BMFL Spots specifically for the tour, and delivered by Robe Lighting Inc.
Upstaging's account handler for the tour is John Huddleston. Lighting was programmed by Dave Hill and Pryderi Baskerville and lighting director / operator on the road is Charlie 'Cosmo' Wilson.
Rock or Bust kicked off in Europe in April following 10 days of full technical production rehearsals at the GelreDome in Arnhem, the Netherlands, and the tour will conclude in Australia and New Zealand in December.
For more on AC/DC's latest tour, see the Aug-Sept issue of LSi - COMING SOON!
(Jim Evans)
