USA - The stars gathered onstage, backstage and at the stage right artists bar in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena packed with music fans and anticipation for a special concert – Toby Keith: American Icon, a tribute to the late singer-songwriter, who in addition to being a successful musician and performer, was a philanthropist and supporter of those who served their countries in the military.
Tom Kenny was asked by producers Adam Freed and Alex Colletti to light this show, which was filmed for broadcast on the NBC network, and Kenny’s lighting rig included three different types of Robe moving lights – eight BMFL Follow Spots on RoboSpot systems, 12 iForte LTX WashBeams and 61 MegaPointes. The lighting vendor was 4Wall, who supplied from its Nashville shop.
Kenny’s task was to ensure the broadcast had a sumptuous ‘big rock show’ aesthetic that looked great on camera, as well as live for the 20,000 Toby Keith fans packing into the venue to enjoy a set performed by his studio band and a lineup of special guests, including Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, and many more.
“It was an evening of many very special moments,” recalled Kenny, with his characteristic enthusiasm. He has worked with Toby Keith a few times over the years, but highlights the synergy and teamwork that united everyone on the production side to bring all the elements together and deliver a magical show in a short timeframe.
Tom Kenny worked closely with scenic designers Bruce Rodgers and Marcia Garcia in developing the style and look.
“We had absolutely the best crew,” he stated, “a massive amount of talent, and everyone was committed to giving their all and producing an outstanding event” to honour a popular, much-loved and sadly missed artist. Keith passed in February this year after a battle with stomach cancer.
Kenny used the iForte LTXs as high-impact beam and accenting lights to punch in from the side and up from the floor.
The LTX output was so strong that Kenny reckons they mostly ran them at around 10%! He describes the fixtures as “beautiful” and in these positions they provided some amazing cross stage and back-fill shots for multiple camera angles, all directed by camera director Alex Coletti.
The eight BMFL Follow Spot fixtures on the RoboSpot system were positioned four at FOH, two on the side trusses and two at the back; used extensively for following and key lighting.
“They have stood the test of time, and are still an awesome light, especially for arena follow spotting,” he noted, adding that he loves the colours including the whites.
MegaPointes were dotted around the overhead trusses and used extensively to light around some scenic trusses that Rodgers had introduced resembling RSJs and industrial oil extraction and pumping equipment – inspired by the Oklahoma landscape where Toby Keith grew up.
