LITITZ, PA – Tait provided a variety of staging, rigging and scenic elements for the Rolling Stones’ 50th Anniversary worldwide tour, continuing a long-standing relationship of nearly three decades. Mark Fisher was at the helm of the set design, which made use of the band’s iconic lips logo with a tongue-shaped runway.
More details from Tait (www.taittowers.com):
LITITZ, PA – Tait provided a variety of staging, rigging and scenic elements for the Rolling Stones’ 50th Anniversary worldwide tour, continuing a long-standing relationship, spanning nearly three decades, since the artists’ 1994 Voodoo Lounge tour. Mark Fisher was at the helm of the set design; a visually striking stage concept with a pert sense of authenticity for the artists’ famed emblem.
Tait constructed a rolling MagDeck mainstage that measured 25.6m (84 ft) wide by 12.1m (40 ft) deep, which provided full use of space underneath for storage of backline and band gear.
A custom, tongue-shaped MagDeck runway offsets the inflatable lips and teeth that are suspended above the band. Automated by 22 Tait Smart Winches, the massive lip is made from an inflatable printed fabric and measures 24.4m wide (80 ft) by 3m (10 ft) deep by 9.1m (30 ft) high and weighs 270 kg (595 lbs.).
Scenically carved, painted lip shelves sit below the inflatable lip and were custom treated to match lip fabric for consistency of design. When the lips are removed, the shelves become stand-alone scenic pieces.
Two B-stage walkway bridges allow access to the pit via spanning decks connected to the mainstage.
Additionally, Tait crafted a pleated curtain, fabricated from antique gold banjo cloth, which hangs from a 30.4m (100 ft) high lighting truss and is attached to a curved arch truss below. The curtain moves via a series of counterweight lines to remove slack and uses 1900m (6,233 ft) of fabric.
A stage apron with grills for monitors and double decker side monitor mixes was also provided.
