Naming a tour The Next Level, the expectation for a great production was already set, yet when it comes to decorated Hollywood composer, Hans Zimmer, whose shows are already equal parts epic and cinematic, TPi wondered what more could be in store for audiences. TPi met the team behind the tour at The O2 in London to uncover what pushed this live show up a level.
Production Manager, Jim Baggott, and Tour Director, Michael Weiss, took care of the 150-strong touring party and the 20-truck production. The suppliers included Neg Earth Lights (Lighting, Rigging and Automation), Britannia Row Productions – part of Clair Global (audio), BBM Clair (video), All Access Staging & Productions (staging), Beat The Street (bussing), Trucking Service, North House (content), Eat Your Hearts Out (catering) and Lightswitch (lighting and concept design).
“The joint effort between Michael and I has been about curating the whole experience of the spectacle of a Hans Zimmer show,” Baggott commented, having been part of the camp since 2014.
“We have been out on the road for a while, but this show in particular is the full experience; we have 20 band members on stage, a 16-piece Kenyan choir, plus a 10-cabinet synthesiser as the focal point of the show.”
Baggott shared the changes made to ensure this tour was The Next Level: “This show is multi-layered, both conceptually and physically,” Baggott said.
“We are now reaching higher on the stage than we ever have previously, and we have quite a significant lighting and automation rig. However, despite this, we have been able to keep our wings quite open to be able to have a 220° audience.”
Baggott closed by giving an overview of this latest venture: “I have done my fair share of tours, but this tour has an especially good atmosphere,” he commented. “Some of our suppliers and touring crew are new, but everyone has really come together to work hard and put on a great show.”
Words: Alicia Pollitt
Photos: Susan Teressa and TPi
