World - An inspired mix of Philips Vari-Lite fixtures are providing the hub for a visual fusion of lighting, video and automation on Seal's current world tour.
London-based lighting designer Theo Cox, who has designed lighting for concerts by performers such as Bon Jovi, Kylie, The Killers and The Rolling Stones, has specified VL3000 Spot and VL3500 Wash luminaires, with the addition of VL2500 Wash luminaires for key lighting and kickers, and VL2500 Spot luminaires for back lighting.
"I chose Vari-Lite fixtures because they are reliable, bright and offer the level of functionality and familiarity I require," explains Cox. "The VL3000 Spots were the main workhorse luminaires and I specified them for their wide zoom and brightness. The VL3500 Wash luminaires provide a great chunky beamage, rather than just wishy-washy wash and the tight column beams had no problem cutting through, even when I used deep saturated colour downstage of video screens. The VL2500 Wash fixtures offer the intensity and zoom to work as band keys and give me the scope I need in terms of colour."
A LED starcloth and 32-inch mirror ball have also been incorporated into the design, complementing Cox's tasteful beam structures, fluid movement and sharp timings. "The VL2500 Spot as band specials are perfect mid-range lights with exactly the attributes I require to give each band member a multi-use backlight," says Cox.
Since Seal's tour completed its first Australian and US legs earlier this year Cox's lighting design has won industry acclaim. The show opened in the UK on 5 November at Bournemouth's Pavilion Theatre before touring the rest of Europe for the remainder of 2012.
"This was a great opportunity to design a beautiful, vibrant show for an artist I really respect," says Cox. "I am extremely happy with the result."
