From this starting point, Byars
designed both lighting and video (the
latter supplied by leading UK live
video specialists XL Video). He decided
to take an ambitiously large rig into
the Astoria to realise his ideas -
an imaginative gamble that definitely
paid off!
The first part of the show saw a
false ceiling formed by a drape lacerated
by a series of irregular triangular
shaped holes, manufactured by Hangman.
This was lit from above, sending dramatic,
intense shafts and slices of light
firing through to the band below.
Six numbers into the set, the roof
flew out to reveal a 30 ft wide upstage
projection screen. This featured various
footage and effects for the rest of
the show, including clouds, sunsets
and assorted abstract patterns.
Byars incorporated a wide variety
of fixtures into his rig. Up above
the roof were 8 Clay Paky Stage Scans
and 8 Vari*Lite wash lights, joined
by 12 VL2202 Spots around the edge
of the drape box truss.
On the front truss he used Martin
Mac 300s and 600s, Source Four profiles
and Molefeys with scrollers. On the
floor was another eight MAC 250s,
four MAC 600s and four Diversitronic
strobes, and out-front, two x Pani
1202 follow-spots.
Byars also used 12 of the new James
Thomas Engineering Pixelline 1044
LED battens, purchased by Entec specially
for these shows, and now resident
in their rental stock.
Byars thinks the Pixelline's are
"Amazing". He used them as backline
'dressers' to bath the whole area
in saturated colours, emanating a
cheery or an eerie glow - depending
on the chosen colour. He also utilised
the Pixellines for exciting chases
and effects lighting in the faster
numbers. He likes their coverage,
fastness, brightness and glow-like
qualities when used in these contexts.
Coemar 2.4K Supercycs completed
the "new toys" line up - a definite
must have lighting design accessory
for 2003!
Byars ran all lighting from his own
Avolites Diamond 3.
With so many lights squeezed into
the Astoria below the house rig that
was flown out the way, it was essential
that the show was rigged quickly and
efficiently.
An Entec lighting crew of 5 loaded
into the Astoria led by Simon Howarth
(Boff). Their enormous efforts, in
particular of the rigging team headed
by Steve Clements, ensured Byars could
maximise all available programming
time on the day before the first show.
"As usual, Entec's crew, attitude
and attention to detail was excellent"
he comments.
