WIcreations for Us + Them outdoor shows
- Details
A pair of 16.6m-high circular PA towers grace the stage, complete with integral tracking systems on the onstage side for the rigging of 10 moving light fixtures, and on the downstage side for the sound cluster’s wind brace.
The second WI object is an industrial style stage roof - ‘roofette’ as it’s known on the tour - comprising a set of imposing cantilevered steel beams which can be fitted with clear roof skins in case of rain.
The third area in which WI is involved is a truss and beam rigging system, devised to securely rig and retain in place the impressive 65m-wide upstage LED screen.
WI’s account and project manager Koen Peeters is overseeing all the WI elements, after being approached by Jeremy Lloyd of Wonder Works, the tour’s production designer. The creative director is Sean Evans and Chris Kansy is the tour’s production manager.
These sleek PA towers are completely different to anything expected at a standard gig. Each one is a half metre diameter, matt black coated round steel tube, for a fully streamlined and modern aesthetic.
The PA rigging cradles holding the slim Clair Brothers arrays are rigged to the towers via an i-beam hoist system. The hoists are at the base of the tower and the arrays are built and raised up until complete. Then an adjustable stabilising arm is attached to a trolley riding up the mast while the whole assembly is flown up to trim height.
Another 1 tonne hoist is attached to the base of the tower with its steel travelling up the offstage side of the mast, hoisting a stack of 10 Robe BMFL moving lights up along the integrated PA mast track. Individual transparent rain shields offer clean looking and effective weather protection for the moving lights. When in position,
Seven identical cantilevered heavy-duty steel roof beams mark out the 18m wide by 12m deep stage space which constitutes the band performance area, all keeping with the industrial vibe of the overall stage design. Variants on this theme have been a characteristic of Roger Waters’ live looks over the years.
Each roof beam features eight integral Martin Mac Aura LED wash moving lights and all the cabling required which is enclosed in the beams. The Auras plug in with a short 25cm tail maintaining the tidy, high-quality finish prevalent throughout the whole stage area.
On the end of each roof arm is an SGM Q7 LED strobe / flood fixture.
Video and visuals have always been an essential part of Roger Waters live shows which are a cerebral mix of music, activism and thought-provoking juxtapositions.
The 65m-wide by 12m high video wall is being supplied to the tour by UniPix from the UK and is built in situ in 7.5m wide sections.
WI’s new proprietary MCA automation system controls the 18 motion hoists used for the LED screen rigging.
The tour is carrying two systems of PA towers, video screen rigging structures and two roofette bases, and the gig build schedule is based on two advanced days and one production day at each venue.
The next outdoor shows will be in October on the Latin American leg of the tour.
(Jim Evans)
