Mike Oates project managed for HSL, once again working closely with the tour's LD Davy Sherwin, production manager Wob Roberts and tour manager Neil Mather. Mike Oates comments, "It's been really interesting to see how Snow Patrol's show has evolved and changed over the year. Each section has been different, and of course it's been excellent working with Wob, Davy and Neil again - they are a great team."
Snow Patrol Reworked was a departure from their standard five-piece rock band set up, with 12 extra musicians onstage, bringing an orchestral feel to the show. These all had to be fitted into appropriate stage positions with due consideration for aspects like the separation needed between brass and strings etc., which was achieved with a series of risers.
The risers were all at different heights to avoid a uniform look, and the show featured a more intimate and close feel than the rock set up. This was also reflected in the itinerary, which included several theatres and concert halls rather than just the standard rock 'n' roll venues.
The songs were all rearranged, so Davy Sherwin went back to the drawing board with his lighting design, and come out with a collection of completely new looks and ideas to accompany the new format. He programmed a total of 42 songs into his Hog 3 console, from which the band would choose the two and a half hours of material to be aired each night.
The main lighting fixtures in the rig were Vari*Lite 3000 Spots, which were used as specials and for plenty of gobo work; 12 of the new Robe ColorBeam 700E ATs, and Vari*Lite 1000s, which were used as elegant profile spots and key lighting.
HSL commissioned Touring Custom Products to build mirrored rotating snowflakes which were hung from the back truss and used in the first half of the show. In the second half six Rosco screen columns were dropped down at the back onto which custom content was projected from a Catalyst media server, operated by Dave Lee using another Hog 3.
HSL's other crew were crew chief Johnny Harper, Kinesys operator Rupert Reynolds, lighting techs Tim Oliver, Rob Anderton and production rigger Jerry Hough.
Davy Sherwin concludes, "As always the equipment was in immaculate condition, HSL paid much attention to all the details, and working with Mike Oates is always a great experience."
(Jim Evans)
