Ilfracombe, Devon-based drapes, starcloth, LED and visual effects specialist S+H has invested in a large quantity of these new LED panels which are very light in weight at just 4.5 Kgs per panel and 9.5 Kgs per square metre, which is made up from two panels. They are also quick to deploy and exceptionally user-friendly.
This multi-purpose 12 mm pitch product has been specially developed for S+H and is manufactured in China to their spec.
Holmes first used the S+H screen last year, just after the first batch was delivered, for the Kim Wilde tour, and was so impressed he decided to use it again when Steve Hackett went out.
The current Steve Hackett tour design - on which Holmes worked closely with lighting designer and programmer Russell 'Tigger' Matthews - incorporates three squares of screen, a 3 x 3m central surface flanked by two at 2 x 2m. There is a metre gap between each section of screen to create an epic wide 'stretched horizon' look.
Holmes also created all the video content shown on the screens, which is an eclectic mix of ambient footage, digital sets and scenic locations. The choice of the three screens was inspired by the song Blood on the Rooftops where they wanted to turn the stage into the interior of a room as a series of black box style inset scenes.
Steve Hackett, who takes a very active interest in the show, commented, "I wanted the audience to enjoy the journey with the songs, at times casting them into space and at other times catapulting everyone back to childhood or into areas combining fantasy with altered reality."
After seeing clips of the show he's pronounced himself "Very pleased" with the effect, and has already re-booked the equipment for additional summer shows and is looking forward to further European dates in the Autumn, added after the positive response to the first leg.
(Jim Evans)
