Faithless 2010: Brixton
Big London show, done.
A massive hit with the crowd, the show looked and sounded amazing. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get any photos, I had to stay side of stage to look after the video kit and run the visuals.
Using 'Pilot' (the media server chosen for the tour) for the first time was interesting. Always a little unnerving using something for the first time on such a big show! For the most part the show went without a hitch; the video for 'We Come One' (which was changed just before the show) wouldn't fire but seeing as the lighting was so strong for this song, I don't think it mattered at all. I'm always against last minute changes, a little out of my hands on this occasion.
There's still work to be done, good job this was only a warm-up!
James
Faithless 2010: UK Tour Preparations
So after 4 days at PRG in Longbridge, the lighting and video prep is complete.
I've had the entire 10m x 6m Martin LC screen hanging in the warehouse to build the cable looms that will allow us to rig the screen in as short time as possible (so I can get back on the bus and get some sleep!). The control rack with processors for the LC and MiTRIX screens is built and wired.
I've experienced the typical video problems over the past couple of days; phantom flickers, shifted images, dodgy cables and connectors. After a few phone calls and some extra kit, we're there.
All that remains to do now is install it all at Brixton on Thursday including building the MiTRIX screens to go along the risers, a job which could take a while while using a lot of cable ties and even more patience...
James
Faithless 2010: Amsterdam Show Photos
So, here are my first photos of the show, possibly my only as explained...
During the shows that Andy Hurst operates, he likes to have someone front of house to spot any problems with the lighting and relay these to whoever is on stage. Tonight, since crew chief Paul Solino is on follow spot duty, that job fell to me. So taking the chance, I decided to get some photos of the show.
This is one of the last shows to have lighting only, after this leg my responsibilities switch to video, I'll try and get some photos of this online from Brixton.
James
Faithless 2010: Relaxed in Amsterdam
Well after a couple of hectic days in Oslo and Copenhagen, it's great to have a true day off in a wonderful place.
We arrived on the bus at 11:30, leaving plenty of time to check out the bars and shops of Amsterdam. I'm writing this post after a couple of pleasant pints of Amstel and some local grub.
The show tomorrow is our earliest yet and in a club venue, after which we are straight to Brussels for our final show of the European leg.
James
Faithless 2010: Munich
After a relaxed and much needed day off yesterday, and a stay in the luxurious 5 star Sofitel in Munich city centre, we're at the Tonhalle for tonight's show.
The venue is in the middle of a massive ex-industrial area with loads of graffiti and lots to entertain. There's a 30m climbing wall, a few bars/cafes and bike/skate areas, however on our arrival it felt more like an old war zone for a minute.
The get-in was painless, with lots of access around the stage making cable runs nice an easy. Another small stage unfortunately meaning a slight change in riser arrangement, but nothing too serious! Today's crew were a massive help, needing little instruction to help load the GLP Impressions on to the towers (they are removed for transport).
Tonight we are off to Cologne for another much needed day off, a chance to check out the city and eat some hearty German grub.
James
Faithless 2010: Zurich
So we're in Switzerland today and the weather is absolutely beautiful. The venue is a big change from the industrial/modern locations we've had so far. The Volkshaus is an old assembly hall style venue, with a very tight stage for the Faithless performance.
After our slick get-in a few of us went for a stroll and came across a Hooters, had to be done.
The gig went well with the best crowd and crew to date.
James
Faithless 2010: Hello from Serbia!
Hello from Serbia!
Our first show in Skopje, Macedonia went well last night. The day leading up to it was tough going since most of the cable looms (which we use to make the get-ins easier) had to be built on site, the hectic schedule didn't allow for a production day before the tour commenced.
Andy Hurst has designed and programmed the show while Dennis "Bear" Brown and I build the rig. The set looks incredible with more LED than you could shake a stick at. For this European leg we are only touring our LED towers and some additional floor lighting including more LED, Palcos and Alpha Wash 300s.
Tonight's show is in Belgrade then we're off to Milan for the next show on Tuesday. More photos and details of the rig to follow.
James
James Leaving on Faithless European Tour
This afternoon James set off to Macedonia for the first leg of the Faithless European tour.
For the first leg, the rig will be a festival style, floor based LED system using GLP Impressions, ColorBlock DB4s and Palcos. Moving lights and PA will be provided by local promoters. From the first UK date in Brixton, there will be some video goodies added with full lighting and sound production for the UK tour.
James will be working with Dennis Brown aka 'Bear' to implement Andy Hurst's designs with equipment provided by PRG.
Britannia Row are running the sound department with Mark Kennedy at front of house.
Keep checking back for updates!