PROMAG THIRD QUARTER 2014 - VOLUME 22 NUMBER 3 | Page 17

feature

the Screens, over the audience, and finally backstage to distros and
processing. Gearhouse rose to the occasion and had the job done
within a load-in time of only two days!
Twenty DMX universes distributed on a redundant fibre network
from a Grand MA2, with a second Grand MA2 for backup. One of the
unique features was a matrix of 60 x Martin MAC 101 fixtures flanking
the massive 21m x 6m LED Backdrop. Amassing so many little fixtures
allowed the crew to create a wall of light that literally blasted into the
crowd, or created subtle pixel mapping effects.
This show had beams … LOTS of beams! There were Robe Pointes and
Clay Paky Sharpies all over the set. At the best of times it’s difficult
to compete with the sheer power of all these beams, but inspired
programming by the Armin Only crew brought out the best in the
workhorse Martin MAC Vipers. Break-up gobos, which usually let
through so little light, were also used, but in this case there was more
than enough to totally dazzle the audience. The trusty Martin Atomics,
along with the moving lights’ mechanical shutters and irises, were
given a thorough work-out throughout the evening.

Lighting Equipment List (excluding trussing, power, etc.):
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

72 x Martin MAC Viper Profiles
67 x Martin Atomic Strobes
120 x Martin MAC 101
23 x Varilite VL3000 Spots
19 x Varilite VL3500 Spots
54 x Robe Pointes
68 x Clay Paky Sharpys
96 x LEDForce 18 RGBW LED Par Cans
4 x BB4 LED Wash Light
24 x Molefay Blinders

After an hour of warm-up Armin took the ravers on a four hour journey.
This included a combination of live singing, drum and guitar solos,
trampoline artists, and a huge balloon drop. Armin then surprised and
delighted fans with an hour-long, old school set on vinyl, playing inside
the Front of House (FOH) area among the technical crew. This not only
brought him really close to his fans, but also drew in his whole crew.
As he started the vinyl set his entire crew descended on the crowded
FOH area, and proceeded to dance on the tables: quite a sight for the
throngs of fans pushing against the crowd barriers.
The quality of equipment, the ability of Gearhouse to supply a full
technical service, and most importantly the talented, hardworking
men and women behind the scenes all goes to prove that South Africa’s
technical event industry ranks with the best. This may be Africa … but
we are world class!
Many thanks to Stuart, Robert and Herman for their support in this
article. Thanks and huge respect to Gearhouse Crew Bosses Peter
Abrahamse, Acacio Lacita and George Majola on an excellent job. Well
done!

PROMAG

– third quarter 2014

15