This year it was GLP's new impression X4 that was brought into focus at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, where acts including Green Day, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Pink, Alicia Keys, Lil Wayne, Frank Ocean and One Direction all graced the futuristic stage, which was lit by a massive lighting rig containing over 5,000 light sources.
"The show itself has become a social network event and a focal point of fashion - and so it was a fabulous place to show off this stylish new light," remarked Kenny. "It's always a policy of mine to try out new technology and styles of lighting on the VMA's and every year we have a standalone product that catches the eye. This year I needed a sleek white fixture to complement Florian's concept, and I knew the white finish of the X4s would fit the part perfectly."
The 50 or so fixtures were supplied by Video Equipment Rentals (VER) of Glendale, CA and it was their lighting manager, Susan Tesh who first introduced the LD to the new washlights. VER have been Ton Kenny's regular vendors for West Coast shows and he says he is fortunate that the company has a policy of investment in new products.
At the VMA's, the X4's were hidden in the set and positioned behind the main 'string art' onstage - "as well as anywhere that we wanted some clever eye candy."
(Jim Evans)
