NEW YORK – Garth Brooks returned to the Big Apple for the first time since 1997 for two big shows at Yankee Stadium July 8-9, with lighting provided by Bandit Lites. The artist was the first country musician to hold a concert on the baseball field, where tens of thousands gathered to see the best-selling solo album artist of all time do what he is best known for: put on tremendously entertaining concerts.
More details from Bandit (www.BanditLites.com):
Working with lighting designer Bob Peterson, Bandit supplied over 770 fixtures, including Robe BMFL, Robe BMFL Blades, Clay Paky Mythos, VL 3500 Washes, VL 500D, Chauvet Rogue Hybrids, Bandit 5x5s, Clay Paky B-EYE K20, GRNLite Par 64s, Colorblast TRX, GLP X4, Aryton MagicRing-R9, Chauvet Nexus 4x4s, Solaris Flares, 2 Lite Fixture Inline, Lycian M2 Spots and two grandMA 2 Full consoles for control.
With Garth Brooks known to put on an enthusiastic performance, twenty-one follow spots were used to cover all the possible playing positions.
“Thank God for Dave Butzler,” said Peterson, referring to Garth’s long time lighting confidant, “quite a magical dance he led.”
Garth’s recording smashing ‘Man Against the Machine’ Tour has been on fire for nearly two years now, and shows no signs of slowing down, with additional dates and cities being added constantly. For his performance at Yankee Stadium, Garth, in true Garth Brooks’ fashion, wanted to change things up a bit.
“Garth asked that this show feature Yankee Stadium, that is be a unique event and not mimic the tour, and that all the ideas be BIG!” explained Peterson. “He then provided us with all the tools, time and people to deliver exactly that.”
The result was a massive stage that included a 160 foot diameter circle thrust and lengthy screamer runways. Two enormous 4k screens flanked either side with lighting incorporated around the entire thing, and with potentially millions of eyes watching, special attention was given to creating the custom content.
“It was such a massive set of surfaces, assuring it was interesting and appropriate at all times was a serious challenge, as once again, we built it just for this show,” said Peterson. “Shout out to Troy Fujimura and Chase Simmonds all the help with that.”
With the concert being recorded, Peterson paid careful attention to color temperature and level, but didn’t concede any design elements saying, “Given quality of the cameras we use, I believe you need not compromise either.”
The colossal concert was a huge undertaking, but an incredible success.
“Our Project Manager Monica Rose, Gaffer Dave Hunkins and Programmers Kevin Lawson and Tyler Roach all just shined.” Peterson said. “(Bandit’s Vice President) Michael Golden worked with Monica and me from the very beginning to assure we had all the right tools and people,” also adding, “The crew was outstanding.”
Bandit’s crew included Project Manager Donnie Lockridge, Chuck Hastings, Steve Strickland, Adam McIntosh, Joe Eberle, Aaron Swetland, John Hoffman, Billy Willingham, Jon Houle, Patrick Cowden, Sarah Eucker, David Hamilton III and Greg Ogne.
“Working with Bob and Monica has always been a genuine pleasure, and this event was no different,” added Mike Golden. “The attention to detail from their team was impeccable and my hats off to them all. I would welcome the opportunity to work with them anytime and anywhere.”
