The LED battens are controlled by a new and soon-to-be-released Beta version of the Catalyst software, which now includes control of LED lighting fixtures amongst a host of other new features. The LED fixtures are used for around a third of Radiohead's set to achieve a variety of effects from searing white-outs and text messages to a complex, mesmeric sine waves and oscillating effects that match the tone of a particular song. There are also strobe lights hidden within the grid and strobes mounted on the top of the rig to light the audience. Each type of fixture used plays a specific role in Watson's intricate visual equation for the band.
Software guru Richard Bleasdale developed and wrote customized code for the High End Catalyst system, allowing Watson to program and control the Pixelines with ease. Though the Pixelines are a main focus of the stage, they are not the only fixtures employed by Watson. Custom-built police beacons, Martin Atomic Strobes and Martin MAC 2000s also feature in his design. The show is controlled from a Wholehog II with extension wing and using a Hog Remote Focus. "Working with Andi is working with an artist," said Richard Willis, Bandit Lites vice-president. "His designs are always complex and beautiful." The Hail to the Thief tour is currently in North America, but returns to Europe later in the year.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
