The highly innovative projection-based visual design was originated by Tobias G Randler, and then modified on the road by lighting director and lighting/video operator Michael Straun.
The design has evolved and grown, and currently five projectors are being utilised in total. Two Barco FLM22 22K projectors are positioned at FOH, and separately either projected across a white backdrop or carefully masked and beamed onto the band members, or as the set reaches its climactic conclusion, onto an imposing 12 x 12 ft three dimensional transparent X which is revealed for the final three numbers.
The Perspex X is also filled with smoke at certain times to produce an opaque surface adding another dimension for the projection.
The other three FLM 22s are fitted with short throw lenses and positioned onstage directly behind each band member and project straight out into the house.
More recently, the design has undergone a further evolution by incoming show director Willo Perron of WP & A, which has seen the addition of 48 Stealth LED panels mounted directly onto the back of the X, fed by another Hippotizer also supplied by XL.
The Hippo server system is run in the UK and Europe by John Montague, and Projection is looked after by Bjorn Parry.
XL's Project Manager Paul Wood says, "It is a pleasure working with artists and a creative team who are prepared to take some creative risks and producing something that's very stimulating and eXciting."
(Jim Evans)
