Drew Gnagey of Magneto Live Design and Raj Kapoor of Raj Kapoor Productions collaborated on the production design, where the core concept focused on everything wrapping around the band. By utilizing curved trusses, curved band risers and a curved video wall to encapsulate the band, they mimicked an engrossing look that could be communicated to audiences even in large arenas.
"Since the band was looking for a more intimate looking show, it really changed how we had to look at the design," Gnagey explained, who acted as lighting designer and Co-Production Designer. "Instead of being techy and automation driven, this year's tour design really lends itself to the visceral experience they are looking to create."
To create that experience, the majority of the rig utilized conventional-type fixtures including ETC Source4 Pars, ShowTec SunStrips, 2K SkyPans as well as MR16 Bulbs built-in to the set and a vintage light bulb chandelier, creating warm, intimate tones throughout the show. Automated fixtures for the tour are comprised of Vari*Lite VL3000 Spots, Vari*Lite VL3500 Washes and Chauvet Rogue RH1 Hybrid fixtures.
"We have definitely given the show a new look from anywhere it has previously been," Gnagey said. "With the use of so many conventional fixtures we get to have the best of both worlds: Intimate and warm looks as well as huge, old-school rock show imagery. Our Associate Lighting Designer and Lead Programmer, Andre Petrus did an amazing job using the full functionality of the GrandMA2 system to get some unique and stunning looks out of the conventional and automated rig. Matt Mills joined us for additional programming in Nashville and did an outstanding job tying everything together."
Crediting co-production designer Raj Kapoor with a "clear and directed vision of how the audience should view the show during the course of the tour", Gnagey also praised Bandit Lites saying, "Working with Bandit has been great. Everything we have needed has been provided on-time and with a great attention to detail. Mike Golden is a true professional and working with him again here was very easy. As the bands' long-time LD, Andy Knighton does a great job keeping the show running and looking consistent night after night."
Bandit vice president Mike Golden echoed those sentiments saying, "Drew and I worked together many, many years ago and it was fantastic to get the opportunity to do so again. I have a very sincere appreciation for the entire Rascal Flatts team that has been assembled and it has been a pleasure watching Raj Kapoor, Drew Gnagey and Andy Knighton create this show. Jay Schwartz and the Flatts Management team are incredible, and I consider it an honor to work with them all."
(Jim Evans)
