HSL supplied lighting equipment, a Kinesys automation system and crew to the final leg of Snow Patrol's 2009 world tour, "Snow Patrol Reworked." As the tour's name suggests, there was a departure from the group's standard five-piece rock band setup, with 12 extra musicians onstage, bringing an orchestral feel to the show. These all had to be fitted into appropriate stage positions with due consideration for aspects like the separation needed between brass and strings etc., which was achieved with a series of risers.
HSL had previously serviced of all the band's U.K. and European shows for the tour, which kicked off in January 2009.
Mike Oates project managed for HSL, working closely with the tour's LD, Davy Sherwin; production manager, Wob Roberts; and tour manager, Neil Mather.
"It's been really interesting to see how Snow Patrol's show has evolved and changed over the year," Oates said. "Each section has been unique and different, and of course it's been excellent working with Wob, Davy and Neil again – they are a great team."
Sherwin has been equally as happy working with HSL, commenting that "They absolutely rock" as an equipment supplier.
For "Snow Patrol Reworked," the risers were all at different heights to avoid a uniform look and the show featured a more intimate feel than the rock setup. This was also reflected in the itinerary, which included several theatres and concert halls rather than just the standard rock ‘n' roll venues.
The songs were all rearranged, too, so Sherwin went back to the LD drawing board and came out with a collection of new looks and ideas. He programmed a total of 42 songs into his Hog 3 console, from which the band would choose the two and a half hours of material to be aired each night.
The main lighting fixtures in the rig were Vari*Lite 3000 Spots, which were used as specials and for gobo work; 12 of the new Robe ColorBeam 700E ATs, with their bright pencil beams used for the larger scenes, and Vari*Lite 1000s, which were used as profile spots and for keylighting.
HSL commissioned Touring Custom Products to build six two- and three-foot mirrored rotating snowflakes, which were hung from the back truss and used in the first half of the show. In the second half, six 2.5-meter-wide Rosco screen columns were dropped down at the back. Using a Catalyst media server and another Hog 3, Dave Lee projected custom imagery on these scenic elements.
HSL crew members also included crew chief Johnny Harper, Kinesys operator Rupert Reynolds, lighting techs Tim Oliver, Rob Anderton and production rigger Jerry Hough.
"As always the equipment was in immaculate condition, HSL paid much attention to all the details, and working with Mike Oates is always a great experience," said Sherwin.
