Old Dominion hit the road with GLP’s Force 120
- Details
Having used the company’s new revolutionary JDC1 hybrid strobe with his long-time charge, Enrique Iglesias, he has now become the first major adopter of GLP’s new Force 120 high speed, variable direction fan unit with internal RGB LED lighting - this time with country rock band, Old Dominion, having been introduced to the five-piece on their previous tour by manager, Will Hitchcock.
In mapping out their touring plan for 2018 the band chose to embark on their own arena size tour before supporting Kenny Chesney on stadium dates later in the year. “There was a determination to have a presence throughout the entire year, whether in a support or headlining capacity,” acknowledges Travis.
With the need to be adaptable between both scenarios, the LD had become aware of the Force 120’s impressive launch at last year’s LDI Show, and subsequent videos of the unit in action at the expo confirmed his belief that this could provide a unique design solution. He duly spoke with his vendor, David Haskell, president of Nashville based Morris, and the two men were soon heading to GLP’s US HQ in Los Angeles to take a first-hand look.
They spent a day at the facility, thoroughly checking suitability for the design, as well as the deployment requirements. “The moment I saw it I knew it would be perfect for the band,” Travis confirmed. “We wanted to look at the light and durability as a whole.” And he could see clearly that the Force 120 would deliver his expectations.
Travis found that 15 of the Force 120s delivered ample coverage when the tour first opened in Canada “It was a very large look for the size,” he said. “There is a simplicity to the fans that will make them a perfect element for many instalments, whether that be an Awards Show, Corporate gigs, or in my case, a tour.”
The Force 120s are concealed behind kabuki drapes and revealed as required to create the element of surprise. Speaking of the rationale behind this, the designer said, “Much as we are a fan of the fans - pun intended - we wanted to have a bit of reveal when it came to showcasing them. Therefore, we designed a series of banners and drapes that hang in front of the fans. Each drop is concealed by several kabuki solenoids that eventually reveal the fans just after the halfway mark in the show.”
The Force 120s have also won the band over. “Considering they have to play in front of them every night I think the band is extremely happy with the product and design choice.”
(Jim Evans)
