"I really like the versatility of the console," he says from Glasgow's SECC. "It has loads of ins and outs, a lot of features and the recall is essential. I means I don't have to tour with the desk - I just pick one up in whatever country we're in, insert my card and there are all my settings! Plus it's very easy to use."
The venues on the European tour have been wide ranging, which has kept the sound team on its toes. "One day recently we were playing in a tent, then a few days later to 150,000 people in a square in St Petersburg," Richardson continues. "We've played bullrings, private shows - there has been a lot of variety.
"For this tour I've got the desk set up with 46 inputs, 24 outputs and 5 stereo returns," he says. "Elton has two sets of wedges, one for his vocals and the other for a whole band mix. Nigel Olson (drums) has headphones and does his own monitor mix, while the rest of the guys (Bob Birch - bass, Guy Babylon - keyboards, Jon Mahone - percussion and Davie Johnson - guitars) are on in-ears, so I do a mix for each of them."
(Jim Evans)
