Philips Vari-Lite VL6000 Beams on heavy metal duty with Iron Maiden

Lighting designer Robert Coleman chose fixtures to reproduce where possible the ‘classic’ look of an Iron Maiden rock show. The production features three distinctly themed but equally spectacular sections. Beginning with War, the set then changes to a stunning cathedral interior, and finally to ‘Hell’ – and the broad reflector face and punchy output of the VL6000 Beam fits the bill perfectly.

Coleman makes full use of the VL6000 Beam’s heavy duty output and unique good looks. “They are incredibly powerful - they’ve been hitting the back wall of the stadiums,” he said. “And the beam doesn’t look like any of the others in the rig, so it’s nice to have something else to go to: it adds another gear to the show.”

Coleman said, “I needed a fat beam light to sit on the stage set, mainly to create a searchlight effect. As the fixture would be very visible, it was important that it looked good itself. There are other lights I could have used, but didn’t like the look of physically.”

He added, “The searchlight effect worked perfectly for the War section of the show, but it has also been great for lighting the cathedral arches. They have a nice architectural quality to them.”
In performance, Coleman praises the VL6000 Beam’s color reproduction and effects capability. “I had some reservations about using a non-CMY fixture,” he said, “but the combined colors from the color wheels have been stunning. I have particularly enjoyed the strobe, especially when blasting the audience.”

The verdict? “I love the fixture and I would definitely use it on future tours,” he said.
Signify became the new company name of Philips Lighting as of May 16, 2018.
Signify Entertainment Lighting comprises the Philips Vari-Lite, Philips Strand Lighting and Philips Selecon brands, as well as the Philips Showline range of LED stage luminaires.