MagicDot-XT diamond formation for Lenny Kravitz
- Details
The main set changes at different venues, but the backdrop setting and lighting design stays the same and consists of 14 diamond-shaped pods with 16 MagicDot-XT fixtures tightly packed into each one, with just a 250mm offset between each fixture within each matrix. The pods are rigged in two rows of seven and partially concealed behind a massive louvre blind back wall.
Bennett, who was keen to use the MagicDot-XT fixtures for this particular lighting design, explained, “The idea for the design was based on Lenny’s being inspired by the venetian blinds set I designed for Prince’s Controversy Tour. I have been using the MagicDot-XT for quite a while and like their reliability and versatility. They are small and quick, and I like their continual pan and tilt feature the best. We were able to get multiple looks from them including using them in a cluster to emulate a large lighting fixture. I think that was my favourite use of the light here, to create a large beam.”
Throughout the shows, which are mostly held in large arenas, the MagicDot-XT fixtures have demonstrated their versatility. At times they can be seen twinkling through the louvre slats, refracting the light to create a tender mood or, when used with full-on intensity, drenching the louvres with saturated colour. MagicDot-XT’s high output and 2° beam can be used to create different patterns in light, with Bennett making the most out of the diamond formation. The fixtures are also used individually, sometimes partially obscured as a large light source behind the louvre slats, creating different a different mood for every song.
“The MagicDots were the main effect lights of the rig,” confirms Bennett’s lighting associate and programmer, Harry Forster, “partly due to the design and partly due to the versatility of the product. And, as always, Roy’s design was so versatile, that throughout programming the 20 or so songs, we managed to get a different look out of the MagicDot-XT every time.”
The tour which included the UK and mainland Europe continued to the US taking in Atlanta, Louisville, Washington, New York, Broomfield, and San Francisco in October and Las Vegas, before finishing up in Los Angeles. A further European leg is planned for early summer 2019.
(Jim Evans)
