LONDON – Tait worked alongside designer, Ric Lipson of Stufish; production manager, Dean Roney and LD Kurt Wagner to create a multifaceted staging concept for Michael Buble’s “To Be Loved” tour, which opened this month at the O2 arena in London. The set features 58 axes of motion, with aesthetics and functionality designed to provide a versatile performance environment. The set has a modernistic, refined look and the ability to seamlessly transform into various configurations.
More details from Tait (www.taittowers.com):
Tait’s 17 by 15 meter MagDeck mainstage features a high-gloss finish and includes a downstage monitor shelf, a thrust with two scenic painted stairs, Austrian curtain and a custom, RGB LED scenic edge trim.The LED trim highlights the bold, architecturally derived lines of the mainstage, providing a subtle strip of color along the edges of the tech bunkers, monitor shelf and automated band risers.
There are 13 video flippers integrated into the main stage to provide a complex, moving LED display. The 1.06 meters wide by 3.65 meters high panels move independently from one another with wave-like fluidity; at any angle and up to 90 degrees in four seconds. The panels can also come together in a fixed formation, either lowered in static, angular position or raised to form a subtle partition.
When raised to a stationary position, the flippers create an intimate atmosphere by reducing the perspective size of the stage. The central panel was fitted with an actuated counter rake platform at the top to create a performance platform for the artist. Tait/FTSI’s Navigator Control System maps the movement of the flippers and outputs data directly to the video controller. The communication software allows the show’s video content to automatically adjust depending on the flipper placement.
Tait also provided automation for a 10 meter high by 18 meter wide tracking video screen, held by 26 meters of video track truss. Controlled by Navigator, the video screen moves in seven sections for a dynamic visual effect.
One of the tour’s most distinct features is the B-stage, which was positioned at the opposite end of the house, bringing the artist closer to fans seated farther away. At 14 meters wide and deep, the u-shaped stage features the scenic LED trim and incorporates custom stairs ascending from the 1.2 meter catwalk to the 2.4 meter upper level.
To meet the needs of the tour, the complete system was manufactured in eight weeks.
