MAROON 5 ROCKET WITH MAC 550
LD DEBOER SPECIFIES FULLY-FEATURE MOVING HEAD FOR EUROPEAN DATES
LA-based lighting designer Jason Deboer specified eight Martin MAC 550s for the European section of the Maroon 5 tour, which completely sold out as the band's album and singles sales continue to rocket.
The 550s are the core of his rig and the basis of most scenes and looks. Four are rigged on the rear truss and four mounted upstage on vertical trussing sections. The rest of the rig otherwise comprises 60 Par cans and 11 strings of ACLs. Deboer created plenty of bold, colorful classic rock'n'roll style looks and 'beam technology' for the band's all-action set.
He likes many features of the 550s, including their intensity and power, and the functionality of the animation wheel. "They've been really consistent and reliable as moving fixtures," he said. "The colour wheels have a nice selection of very rich shades and hues and there's also a great selection of gobos."
Deboer was first turned on to Martin moving lights by fellow LD Joe Paradise (Incubus), and specifically introduced to the 550s by Noel Duncan at Martin US. He joined Maroon 5 a few months ago after originally lighting them as an opening act. The lighting design for the European tour went through many evolutionary stages, and one of its most important aspects was that it be adaptable - to fit the vast range of venues, from small clubs to arenas.
Although he currently uses another console, Deboer is looking forward to trying out a Maxxyz. Neg Earth, which recently purchased the MAC 550s from A.C. Lighting, supplied lighting equipment on the European and UK sections of the tour. The tour visits the US this month.