The second leg of Bon Jovi’s current tour opened in Bulgaria earlier this month, revealing an exquisite Americana-themed set, designed by PEDG’s Spike Brant. Serving as Production / Lighting Designer / Show Director for the tour, Brant turned to TAIT to create the 30 metre inflatable 1959 Buick Electra, which spans the length of the main stage.
TAIT supplied all the staging for the tour, including a 34 metre wide main stage, a band riser and a 30 metre rounded b-stage catwalk. The Buick Electra’s hood sits above the band and is made of three, cold-air inflatable pieces. The three separate pieces measure 30 metres in total length, and are capable of full inflation in 30 minutes. The inflatable surface has been scenically airbrushed and UV treated for the outdoor shows. It is externally lit from various lighting positions during the show, creating many different looks.
To complete the Buick’s grill which sits beneath the inflatable, TAIT manufactured a grill section which houses 60 custom V9 frames and custom light poles for four Impressions.
Four scenic car headlight surrounds were also manufactured to be situated beneath the Buick. The 2.5 metre diameter surrounds were scenically carved, hard coated and covered in chrome vinyl auto-body wrapping to provide the chrome featured on the Electra.
A four metre by two metre Bon Jovi ‘Garden State’ license plate with integrated LED sits across the middle of the inflatable car, adding to the scenic intricacy of the set. Atop the edge of the inflatable Buick is a metal rain gutter structure, created by TAIT to move any water away from the stage when performing in inclement weather. The gutter interfaces with the inflatable roof and is scenically painted to match the silver blue of the car.
The project build took TAIT just ten weeks from start to completion; reinforcing TAIT’s ability to create artistically impressive, yet extremely tourable scenic structures in a short time period.
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Since 1978, TAIT has been building touring systems for the top entertainment acts in the world, working with clients such as U2, Rolling Stones, Metallica and beyond. TAIT also serves as the global leader in the production of LED and scenic elements for the live event and architectural markets, as well as the provider of automation and control equipment for the theatrical, motion picture, touring production and themed attraction markets. With TAIT offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Japan and China, clients across the globe are assured a unique blend of revolutionary technology, high-quality craftsmanship and personalized service.