While the tour had picked up production from Tour Tech on the UK leg, in northern Europe they were flying solo, dependent on whatever the house threw at them. For instance, the previous night they had had the luxury of playing through a brand new Line Array at Het Paard in The Hague, while in Brussels it was through a classic, but ageing conventional stacked system.
After being introduced to Venue by Robbie Allen while babysitting the Manic Street Preachers last year, Richards then spent three weeks in Brazil on the board, taking over the Placebo reins from Ian Nelson. "Venue is sonically brilliant," he appraises. "I've worked with all the digital desks and would say that this is the most user-friendly."
Aside from optimising the house PA's, Richards' other big challenge was to bring consistency to Huey's voice. "It has to be a very hands-on mix because sometimes he disappears to a whisper, and you have to pull back the rest of the mix." Richards admits that he is thoroughly enjoying his experience on Venue. "Fortunately now I'm having to wear glasses, it's very logically laid out," he quips. "It's also highly responsive and you can hear the EQ straight away."
At the end of the tour, Richards will return to do more dates with Killing Joke, with whom he worked earlier this year, but says he will relish the chance to drive Venue again at the first available opportunity.
(Jim Evans)
