Having a 'grand opening' event was fully endorsed by the Mayor of Florence, Matteo Renzi. It was attended by a host of local dignitaries, politicians and celebrities, plus about 10,000 members of the public who pitched up to enjoy a free concert headlined by British rock superstars Simple Minds in the prime location of the Piazza della Repubblica, Florence (the venue is on Brunelleschi, 1 - just off the Piazza).
LarMac LIVE won the contract to produce and co-ordinate all technical production elements needed for the event through their previous work and connections with the client. They have worked on Women of Rock shows and Hard Rock Calling events in Hyde Park, London among others. They were also highly recommended for their ability to deliver a show that would meet the expectations of a leading global brand.
LML's Anthony Norris led their team. Their brief included specifying, sourcing and arranging the full technical and site production package required to stage the event, including band's backlines, staging, lighting, sound, crowd barriers and general site infrastructure.
LML asked Italian production company Amandla Productions, run by David Lapini, to collaborate with supplying the sound, lighting and backline equipment needed and also to source an appropriate stage.
Explains Norris, "It was essential to have a strong and well-connected local partner to help bring everything together, and one with good local knowledge familiar with the area and all the nuances, rules and regulations for staging events in a busy public space".
The stage measured 16m wide and was located on the West side of the Piazza. It had a roof, but no side covers as the Piazza della Repubblica is a listed space, so ballasting for a fully skinned stage was ruled out. Simple Minds supplied a basic technical spec and this was used as a starting point for lighting, sound and backline requirements.
LML also co-ordinated production of all the custom site branding, which was created by Impact Promotions, one of their regular UK suppliers, with the graphic designs approved and signed off by the client.
(Jim Evans)
