Lighting designer Jay Waddell, who recently wrapped a successful tour with Needtobreathe and Bandit Lites, worked to match The Band Perry's energetic sound with dynamic illumination. The package he required included fixtures with plenty of impact, ground stacked, and capable of getting on and off the stage quickly.
To meet those needs, almost 100 fixtures make their way on stage in less than 12 minutes. Multiple video carts are rolled out with four Clay Paky Sharpys on top. Additionally, two pods with Bandit 5x5s topped with Martin Mac Auras and Vipers are utilized. Finally, two more towers with Auras, Vipers and Bandit 5x5s are used.
Due to The Band Perry performing occasionally during dusk or twilight hours, Waddell relied on the Bandit 5x5s to provide impactful lighting.
"They read really well in the day light," explained Waddell, "so you can still get impact and see them, even if it's not all the way dark, or if we're outside and the haze isn't hanging very well."
Bandit prides itself on its unwavering support, and Waddell said he experienced that support through project manager Shawn Lear, client representative Mike Golden, and technical service support with Jake Tickle.
"I was just telling someone the other day that Bandits' customer service is really the best part," said Waddell. "If I bring something in, I never have to worry about getting it replaced or fixed: it'll get taken care of, and it's really nice."
(Jim Evans)
