NASHVILLE – Yes, Peter Frampton and Stevie Wonder are among the big-name acts from the previous millennium hitting the road once again in North America and Europe, with support on both sides of the Atlantic from Bandit Lites. Time marches on, of course – Steve Wonder's infant daughter, Aisha, the inspiration for "Isn't She Lovely," is now a mother herself, and Peter Frampton's shoulder-length curly hair is a memory.
But live music retains its ability to bring back the status quo. (And speaking about Status Quo, Bandit Lites is supporting that band's tour this summer, too – see below.)
So here's a look ahead at Bandit-supported tours that will serve, for many, to be another chance to look back:
Yes and Peter Frampton: Bandit is supporting the North American tour, with production manager Billy Heaslip, Yes LD Jeff Young and Frampton LD Candida Boggs. The show hit the road after eight days of programming in the Bandit rehearsal facility Venue One in Nashville. Gear includes an array of Vari-Lite products, including VL 3000 Washes and VL 2500 Spots, all run by an Avolites Pearl Expert. Bandit Lites' Dizzy Gosnell is handling the details for the company.
Stevie Wonder: LD Mark Cunniffe is relying on Bandit Lites for the Stevie Wonder European tour, with Bandit CE Lester Cobrin playing a key role providing a gear list that includes Vari-Lite VL 3000 Spots, Martin MAC 3s, PixelRange PixelPars, Vari-Lite VL 2000 Washes, MAC 2000 Spots and Washes, PixelLines, strobe lights and other fixtures, all controlled by an MA Lighting grandMA 2 console.
Elvis the Concert: Bandit is supporting this series of shows once again in Europe, providing gear to designer Greg Hamm, tour manager Bill Thompson and production manager Peter Edmonds.
Ronan Keating: Lead singer for 1990s-standout Irish boy band Boyzone, which reunited after disbanding in 2000, is once again filling stadiums in Europe, with Bandit providing gear for designer Hunter Frith, producer Ian Whitehead of Production North and tour manager Paul Bultitude.
Status Quo: Designer Pat Marks continued his long relationship with Bandit using them again on the European tour for Status Quo, whose band members have been performing since the 1960s. Production manager Glen Smith was assisted by stage manager Lloyd Gilbert.
Other events and shows supported by Bandit Lites UK include the FA Carling Cup Finals (soccer), the British Open Show Jumping Championship (equestrian events), Crufts (a dog show) and The X Factor.
For more information, please visit www.banditlites.com.
