The English band Coldplay is currently out on a world tour to promote the new album A Rush of Blood to the Head. The LD is Bryan Leitch, who has created a moody, dramatic design dominated by expressionist blocks of deeply saturated colors, alternating with large video images of the band. To achieve these striking effects, Leitch took a chance on the relatively new Giotto 400 Spots, from SGM.
Leitch's company, Siyan, is one of the UK's more successful lighting design and rental companies. (Siyan is known for its ability to forge relationships with new bands and follow them on their way up the ladder.) The designer-owner purchased 14 Giotto 400 Spots for the Coldplay tour, having first encountered them at a Duran Duran show in Chile last year. He was struck by the unit's stamina, when they programmed all night long, then ran all day long in the heat, with no glitches. He was further impressed by sales agent Lightfactor, then spec'd them for the Coldplay tour.
Coldplay recently came to New York, appearing on MTV2's $2 Bill series to promote the new album. Again, they opted for the SGM equipment. Taped at the VIC club in Chicago, Leitch's rig included five Giotto 1200 Wash units, 12 Giotto 400 Spots, four Giotto 400 Wash units, six ETC Source Fours, four SGM Flasher DMX 1.5 units, and one Swefog Ultimate 3 DMX hazer, with control provided by an Avolites Pearl 2000 console.
In addition, Siyan has begun putting the Giotto 400s out on other tours, including Beverly Knights and JJ72. When Coldplay began playing arenas last month, Leitch increased the number of Giotto 400s in his rig.
Coldplay's tour is currently scheduled to last through November.