LXCO & DLD GO WEST
Ten times Grammy Award nominee Kanye West recently completed his sell-out UK tour which comprised of three dates supported by lighting companies LXco and DLD.
After working with Production Manager Hot Dog on the Jay Z tour last year, LXco was invited again to work with DLD at Carling's Brixton and Manchester Academy with Kanye West and a selection of support acts.
Hot Dog had specific ideas regarding some parts of the lighting. The brief was to make the gigs look gorgeous, with simple yet stylish lights, suited to the diverse nature of the show. Hip-hop and R&B artists do not always use colourful lighting, preferring a simple darkened lighting effect on stage, however, the Kanye West gigs featured a full light show.
The LXco and DLD rig, consisting of two main trusses, front and back, incorporated a mixture of Martin MAC 500s and 600's and Par cans, as well as Source 4s. Eight light blinders were used facing the audience, who were lit for much of the gig, as requested by West.
The show was designed by LD Michael 'Pickle' Harper, who created dark and atmospheric scenes, with colour wash lighting for the bulk of the show and intricate lighting combinations for the livelier numbers.