With their costumes and masks, the dark metal band Ghost gets into the spirit of the Halloween season on any given night. And as such, LD Erich Bertti claims to have “a trick up my sleeve” for the audience. The production is a spectacle that combines theater and rock, says the LD, who has been with the artist, a.k.a. Tobias Forge, since 2018. “The set, backdrop and wardrobe all make part of the storytelling behind Ghost’s history, therefore have to be taken into consideration when lighting them,” he says. “The ghouls’ masks and outfits have particular differences that are highlighted from uplighting and different colors, while at other times the heavy backlight creates silhouettes and shadow games to bring out the darker side of some of the songs.”
He describes his design process further. “The backdrop glows in some songs that are more related to the clergy, and fades on heavier tracks leaving the set LEDs to make their appearance on a rock look. For such an interesting combination, I always try to design a rig that can be versatile, from big aggressive rock looks to intimate minimalistic scenes. It’s fun and refreshing to explore Ghost’s world through lighting because the tracks differ a lot, and with the lighting following that same plan, I always have a trick up my sleeve to present to the audience.” He agrees that it is “definitely different” from any other production on the road at the moment. “Ghost brings comic, emotion, hard rock and showmanship into a pleasant trip through a setlist of hits,” he notes. The tour, which started earlier this year, ends prior to Halloween.
Here Come the Mummies
Here Come the Mummies tour all year round, delivering their brand of “terrifying funk from beyond the grave.” Swathed in bandages, the band are dressed for the occasion when Halloween rolls around. LD Thom Roberts officially wrapped up his eight years with the Mummies in December 2021. But he is still involved as a consultant and advisor/mentor to the new LD, Alex Johnson. “And coincidentally, I did go out with them last weekend while Alex dealt with a previous commitment,” he notes. “I miss the shows, but not the traveling,” he adds. “For what it is worth, I am still working around town on various projects that all allow me to sleep in my own bed! A lot of work at The Franklin Theater, in particular.” The bandaged band has dates set until Nov. 12, 2022.
‘Harryween’
Harry Styles has observed the annual Halloween tradition in recent years with his special costumed “Harryween” shows. Last year the entire band dressed as The Wizard of Oz characters, with Styles as Dorothy. This year’s event takes place on Oct. 31 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, CA during his Love On Tour production, designed by Baz Halpin and his creative colleagues at Silent House Studios.
‘Haunt Inspired Decor’
Duran Duran just finished their Future Past tour, designed by LD Vince Foster. But because of their fondness for the October tradition, they are making a special trip to the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas with two Halloween-themed shows on Oct. 30-31. The “haunt inspired decor” of the shows will intersperse Halloween classics in with their hits.
Death Cab for Cutie
Production Designer Michael Brown and Co-Lighting Designer Matthew Greer recently sent Death Cab for Cutie on the road with a new show in support of their new album, Asphalt Meadows. The two also worked together on The National’s Summer 2022 tour, which did a month-long run in Europe and headlined festivals, with the U.S. leg ending in September.
Smashing Pumpkins Tour
Luke Stratton is lighting designer and director for Smashing Pumpkins’ Spirits On Fire Tour. Prior to its Oct. 2 launch, Stratton was reluctant to divulge any secrets, saying, “The show will be sweet. I can say that!” The North American arena tour launched Oct. 2 and runs to November.
‘Darker’ Mumford
Ed Warren designed the production and lighting for Mumford & Sons’ lead singer Marcus Mumford’s solo tour. The British singer-songwriter’s show, to promote his new solo debut album, Self Titled, “definitely won’t be lit like a typical Mumford & Sons show. There are strobes, for a start!” Warren says. “But it’s also much darker and more laid back. More focus on the amazing musicianship and music with the lighting taking a back seat to complement it.” Lighting Director Afton Carpenter is on the road, with the North American leg running mid-September to early November.
‘Weird Al’ Goes Without?
“Weird Al” Yankovic, known for his musical parodies and comedic theatrics, is leaving the wacky wardrobe behind on The Unfortunate Return of The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour. No costumes, no props, no video. LD James Hergen is focusing on a set list that changes each night, featuring non-parody songs pulled from the artist’s 14 studio albums. The comedian actually came up with this new format a few years prior to the pandemic.
“This tour is really great fun when it comes to lighting,” Hergen says. “We rotate between 90 songs, including a cover song per night. I have about 40% of the songs cued and programmed whereas the other songs/covers I get to build nightly with color, effects, etc. It keeps things super fluid, and it’s a pleasure getting to run lights for a great artist like Al and his band each night.”
Touring Career Workshop Returns
Founder Chris Lisle announces the return of The Touring Career Workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at the Soundcheck Annex in Nashville, TN. “It has been three years since we have been able to do our big fall flagship event live and in person,” says Lisle. “We are so excited to return in 2022 with our theme of ‘Better and Together.’ We have put together a fantastic evening of relevant content for those working in the live entertainment industry. As always, our event is free as made possible by our amazing industry-related sponsors.” Lisle looks forward to seeing colleagues there. Registration is now open at www.touringcareerworkshop.com.
Reach out to Co-Editor Debi Moen at dmoen@plsn.com with your non-scary news for November’s Designer Watch.
