Multi-platinum artist Dierks Bentley, spent a great deal of time thinking about his Gravel and Gold tour, which concluded with its September 21 show at the American Family Insurance Amphitheatre in Milwaukee. The tour celebrated the landmark 10th album in Bentley’s incredibly successful career, and he wanted to make it especially memorable. Talking to a reporter, Bentley described how the concept behind this tour grew out of a single question. “What we do if this was the last time we were going to play this city? What kind of show would we put on?”
With a mandate like that, Bentley and his production team strove to create something special, which is precisely what they did on this 30-city tour. Featuring a production design by Bruce Rodgers, lighting by Chris Reade, and video by Luz Studio, the stage pulled together A-level world class talent.
Collectively this team created a massive, wide open panorama with minimal props and fixtures on the stage deck, a potent flown lighting rig overhead, and large, multi-layered 3D video wall that made it possible to change overall looks dramatically. The net result was a set that captivated fans and drew them into the moment as it reflected the wide range of emotions in Bentley’s music.
Helping Reade set the tone with light was a collection of CHAUVET Professional STRIKE 1 fixtures, which, like the rest of the rig was supplied by Christie Lights. Arranged on towers, the STRIKE fixtures were used to create cross light effects.
“The STRIKE fixtures gave us an old school feel, and created a beautiful tungsten look,” said Reade. “We used them for a dramatic element, as well as mix tungsten looks into sections. We picked and chose when to use them, calling on them when they could have the biggest impact. Overusing them would have been a mistake — you can get such a cool impact by being picky.”
Reade noted that the STRIKE 1 fixtures were key to creating one of his favorites looks in the show. It occurred in the solo section of the song “Say You Do.” The subtle use of the warm white fixtures at that moment created what Reade described as a “great visual within a large, beautifully textured video look.”
Such looks created many memorable moments for fans who packed venues on this largely outdoor shed tour. That’s something that Dierks Bentley himself could relate to. “Some of my favorite memories are going to outdoor concerts,” he said to the newspaper reporter during the tour. “There’s nothing like those outdoor shows in the summertime.”
Everyone who saw the Gravel and Gold tour this summer would second that.
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