"Also used on Madonna's last tour, grandMA is our board of choice," says lighting programmer Troy Eckerman. This year's tour integrates some new technology into the mix. Eckerman attests that for this type of show, "90 percent is all about key lighting for her. We're presenting a very big picture - very high trim and a very white stage." The out-in-front B stage, used a lot to bring Madonna closer to her audience, has four small lifts that come off of it to front of house. Video screens and archive tape serve to supplement the look.
The Sticky & Sweet Tour lighting fleet, headed by designer Roy Bennett, also includes director Mac Mossier and programmer Cory FitzGerald. "We're using two consoles on line," says Eckerman. "And Syncrolite large format lighting systems are playing a key role in this year's tour."
The two grandMAs plus five MA NSPs control 101 x Vari*Lite VL3000, 52 x VL3500, 12 x VL2500 and four Source Four Leko as well as various Martin products, Thomas Pixel Line and Color Kinetic LEDs. All equipment was supplied by PRG.
(Jim Evans)
