latest news headlines
Elvis Spotted Again with Bandit
Bandit Lites are supplying a full lighting production and crew package for the current Elvis Costello tour. This follows hot on the heels of their work with the ‘other’ Elvis tour ‘Elvis The Concert’.
Elvis Costello – one of the world’s most loved and acclaimed multi-disciplinary musicians – has been a Bandit account on both sides of the Atlantic for some years. The current LD is Liam McCarthy, one of a number of candidates put forward by Bandit three years ago, when Costello last sought an LD. This leg of the tour sees a step up in production size which is project managed by Bandit’s Lester Cobrin.
The essence of lighting Elvis is keeping it understated, subtle and in the background – so it’s not a distraction to him and his music, explains McCarthy. There’s specific things he doesn’t like – including smoke, spotlights or audience lighting, and certain things he does like – like keeping it simple and effective. Other than this, McCarthy has a creative free rein.
“One of the great things about working with Bandit is that you know the gear will come out to the first show immaculately prepped,” says McCarthy. “The support is excellent – not that we need much as the equipment is always so well cared for. It means I can relax and fully concentrate on getting the show looking good.” Being well prepared was essential at the start of this UK section, with no production rehearsals, straight into the first gig in St David’s Hall, Cardiff.
The rig consists of three straight trusses, with the gear spread between them. The moving lights are Martin MAC 500s and MAC 600s – although, true to the ‘house’ style – they are rarely seen to move.
These are joined by PAR 64s and Source Four profiles for key lighting Costello and the band, which can vary from gig to gig with guests, etc.
Different variations of this rig are toured as well - a recent acoustic tour saw them take MAC 2ks on two trusses for very basic beams of light.
He runs the show with a WholeHog II console and a Wing, describing the latter as his “Get out of Jail” card for improvisational moments, of which there’s plenty - with a pool of over 80 songs to choose from - and a different set list every night that’s often not followed “you definitely have to keep on your toes,” says McCarthy.
The lighting looks are kept simple and either single or duo colour. Apart from the primary job of illuminating Costello and the band, he adds some gentle texturing on the upstage backdrop for certain numbers. Other than that, it’s a clean, straightforward show, with Costello unpretentiously centre stage.
McCarthy’s crew are Ray Whelan and Keith ‘Teff’ Harrison.
McCarthy adds that another excellent Bandit bonus is having the continuity of working with one company both here and in the US, and knowing he’s assured of “excellent crew in both territories”.
Costello has just returned from a 10 week North American tour. He returns there for another month after this European stint, where they will again be serviced by the Bandit Nashville and Knoxville offices.
27th May 2005
HEADLINES
news archive
search stories
FOOTNOTE: Select the news type you require in the red band above; this will enable you to see the current news stories from that section
© 1999 - 2012 Entertainment Technology Press Limited News Stories
