The first significant show uniting the two companies was back at the start of the 2006 festival season in May - for the BBC's Radio One Big Weekend in Dundee, where HSL supplied most of Electric Fly's lighting hardware requirements. Jevons says: "I was really impressed, so we've continued to develop a very fruitful working relationship" . He works closely with HSL's live music project manager, Mike Oates.
This was followed by MTV's Pimp My Ride in Manchester, where HSL supplied all lighting fixtures - moving and generic, rigging and control as a dry hire.
"Well prepped gear is absolutely essential when you're working like this with a supply company," says Jevons. "We often don't have time to go into the warehouse and work on the prep ourselves, and rely implicitly on the experience and professionalism of HSL's staff to ensure that when the road cases get to site, they contain everything we need. They continue to deliver every time."
In July, HSL supplied Jevons and his production team with lights for two Christina Aguilera shows for Sony Eriksson - one at London's Koko, and one at the Olympia, Paris. Jevons produced the design closely consulting with Aguilera's LD Baz Halpin and also operated the shows. Special features included a Jevons-style Art Deco stage set utilising lots of Pulsar Chroma products and JTE PixelLine LED battens - of which HSL has a large stock. These were driven by video content run through a media server also supplied by HSL.
Lighting equipment for Mogawi's September tour - culminating in a show at the Royal Albert Hall - came from HSL, including seven brand new A&O Falcon Beam 3Kw searchlights plus Martin MAC moving lights, the new i-Pix Satellite LED fixtures and strobes. Jevons has designed the band's lights for several years. "HSL will always go the extra mile to ensure I get precisely what I need to do the job" he says.
Lily Allen's recent tour was another Electric Fly production with lighting supplied by HSL. Designed by Jevons and operated by Paul Moss, HSL supplied Robe ColorWash and ColorSpot 250 AT fixtures, JTE PixelLines, generics and control.
Jevons adds that the sheer range of gear that HSL has available is a great asset to a design and production house like Electric Fly - with massive stocks of Robe, Martin and Vari*Lite moving lights, i-Pix, JTE, Pulsar, CK, Mainlight Industries and many other LED sources, plus complete rigging and control departments, HSL is capable of servicing several major tours and events simultaneously.
Jevons is currently working with Jarvis Cocker, the legendary former Pulp frontman who's just launched a solo career with his Jarvis album. HSL is supplying assorted LED fixtures and 'specials' including i-Pix Satellites and PixelLines for a series of one off showcases.
Other rock 'n' roll work with HSL has included Incubus shows in London and Berlin, with HSL supplying lighting and the full production handled by Electric Fly.
Jevons says: "HSL look after me really well. We all know the importance of getting the show on, are all perfectionists and can all see a long-term future."
(Chris Henry)
