Söhne Mannheims is a popular German music band with massive energy and dynamics, featuring up to 17 members (with 13 on this tour) encompassing several musical genres including rap, R 'n' B, soul, hip hop and rock all fused into a distinctive style, achieving considerable commercial and critical acclaim.
Hecker's lighting design studio is based in Werne. He started his lighting career in the theatre 20 years ago, and now works on a host of live events, TV shows and bands - also including LD'ing the Die Fantastischen Vier and Tokio Hotel. He has worked with Söhne Mannheims since 1999
Hecker had been wanting to try out the Robe Robin LEDWash 600 since its launch at the end of 2010, and when the itinerary for this Söhne Mannheims tour was revealed, It presented the opportunity.
The gigs varied from 200 to 6,500 capacities. For the full size stage format, all 22 of the LEDWashes were located along the back just forward of the backline, around the sides and across the front of stage. Where there was the space, an expedient overhead rig - six bars of 6 PARs - and the PA was flown from a six-legged ground support system.
Other than the LEDWashes and the PARs he used four 8-lite Moles, and two Atomic strobes. The set was equally minimal - 21 panels (in full size configuration) of white canvas squares flown off the back and front trusses to add some architectural definition and depth to the stage.
All lighting equipment for the Söhne Mannheims tour was supplied out of Satis & Fy's Werne office, including the Road Hog console that Hecker used to run the show. He worked alongside his two crew - Hanna List and Ralph Hackstedt.
(Jim Evans)
