Steven Wilson wanted to create "a show that I hope will raise the bar both musically and visually from my previous tours, with a set list based around the new album, as well as casting the net further back into my song writing past for a few surprises".
Steven Wilson's lighting designer, Matthew Jensen, came to Mick Freer of Hawthorn with an idea of creating a strong visual impact for the shows. Jensen visited Hawthorn's head office in Leicestershire where Freer demonstrated the super light semi - transparent Glux 1m x 0.5m LED panels. Jensen formulated them into a video wall of 81 panels, which he uses to show the bespoke video footage commissioned for the tour.
The video wall has been combined with the other stage elements including the lighting and media package supplied by Hawthorn. This consists of Clay Paky Alpha 700 spots, Aleda B Eye K10's, Thomas Pixel Par 90's, Sharpy Washes & SGM P5 LED floods and Avolites Ai servers all controlled and run from a High End Hog 4 Full Boar. Jensen uses a complementary palette of colours to create a stunning backdrop to the music, with lighting and video technician Dan Oswald providing technical support.
Mick Freer of Hawthorn comments, "It's been great working with Matt Jensen and everyone else involved in this production and I look forward to supporting Matt with his staging design throughout Europe."
(Jim Evans)
