Florida Georgia Line Lights Up Virtual Performances with Bandit Lites at the Steel Mill

posted:

02/04/2021

Florida Georgia Line’s highly-anticipated fifth studio album, LIFE ROLLS ON, launched February 12 to worldwide acclaim. As part of the album release, the superstar duo, comprised of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, filmed multiple promotional performances at The Steel Mill, a turnkey studio and production space that features a Bandit Lites rig outfitted with more than one hundred moving light fixtures, a video package from MooTV, staging from Gallagher Staging and a sound system from Clair Global.

Following discussions with management, lighting designer Scott Cunningham worked with production manager Todd Ortmeier to craft four distinct looks out of two different rigs.

“The existing house rig provided a lot of fixtures, mostly wash,” said Cunningham, referring to Chauvet R2X LED lights. “This allowed for an even wash, which is of course pivotal for TV lighting. The overall design layout allowed for many different looks, whether based on fixture positions or truss moves.”

The full production studio includes a 60’ x 40’ stage area with a system comprised of Bandit’s GoGo truss, under hung with GLP X4S, flanking an LED video wall. GLP X4 fixtures along the front truss offer key light while Claypaky Sharpys spread throughout the rig act as beam units.

The versatility of the rig meant the band could stage multiple concerts, giving each press partner a distinct performance.

In addition to the Bandit Lites rig, Cunningham utilized sixty additional fixtures including Mega Lite Circa Scoops, Ayrton Khamsin S, Ayrton Ghibli, Elation SixPar 100, Elation Color Chorus 72 and GLP JDC1 LED Strobes.

“I love the JDC, as it packs a huge punch so that was a no-brainer for the songs selected,” said Cunningham. “It was my first time using the Khamsins, but knowing the Ayrton line, I was certain it would fulfill our needs. Also, with the existing rig already having them, it was easy to plug them into the show and match perfectly for color and gobos.”

“I spec’d the Mega Lite Circa Scoop fixtures for the acoustic set,” explained Cunningham. “They offered that traditional visual with multiple features that allowed for different looks throughout the entire acoustic setup.”

Music is resonating more than ever these days, and with millions of fans eagerly anticipating FGL’s new music, the team at Bandit was thrilled to have the opportunity to help illuminate artists once again.

“Bandit’s service was top notch,” finished Cunningham. “Their techs went above and beyond with the prep/setup of our supplemental package and ensuring the “house” rig was at one hundred percent before we walked in the door. Any issues while onsite were taken care of and fixed promptly without hesitation.”

“Bandit’s service and support has always been top of the line,” added Ortmeier. “I have never had any issues in any touring situation I’ve used them on.”

Crew Credits:
Bandit Lites Project Manager: Jimmy Hatten
Bandit Lites Techs: John Lucksinger, Craig Richter, Mark Scherer
Bandit Lites Client Representative: Mike Golden

Full Stop Management
Production Manager: Todd Ortmeier
Lighting Designer/Director: Scott Cunningham
Media Server Programmer: Marshall Blair

About Bandit Lites, Inc.
Bandit Lites is a global leader in the entertainment lighting marketplace. From touring productions to fixed installations, Bandit Lites has a full staff of highly trained professionals to deal with all types of lighting needs. Bandit’s global presence will ensure seamless transitions no matter where your next show takes you.

About Florida Georgia Line:
GRAMMY-nominated duo Florida Georgia Line have been making history since 2012. The global superstars are the first and only Country act to achieve two RIAA Diamond-certified singles with 11x Platinum, No. 1 breakout “Cruise” (the best-selling digital Country single of all time – SoundScan) and 10x Platinum, No. 1 “Meant to Be” with Bebe Rexha (holding the longest reign on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at 50 straight weeks). With their fifth studio album, Life Rolls On (BMLG Records), featuring current Top 5 hit single “Long Live,” FGL keeps proving themselves as in-demand collaborators and “one of the format’s premier musical shapeshifters” (Esquire), including recent releases “Lil Bit” (Nelly), “It’s About Time” (Russell Dickerson), plus “Drinkin' Beer. Talkin' God. Amen.” (Chase Rice). FGL’s tallied 17 career No. 1 singles, 13.2+ billion global streams, sold more than 40 million tracks and 4.7 million albums worldwide, logged 1.7 billion video views, and played to over 4 million fans spanning massive arena and stadium headline tours. Honored by ACM, AMA, Billboard, CMA, and CMT Music Awards, their creative empire also includes FGL House Party Radio with Florida Georgia Line on Apple Music Country, and thriving business initiatives: FGL House, meet + greet, Round Here Records, Tree Vibez Music, Tribe Kelley, Old Camp Whiskey, and Wolf Moon Bourbon (with Jason Aldean).