Celebrating over four decades since the release of their first two albums, 1982s Kissing to be Clever and 1983s Colour By Numbers, Culture Club toured arenas across the UK and Ireland with special guests Tony Hadley and Heaven 17. Considered by many as British music icons who captured the zeitgeist of the ’80s, they were accompanied by exceptional production values and a modernised sound, supplemented by impressive session musicians on stage, and supported by a dedicated, almost completely Northern touring crew behind the scenes.
Advance Production Manager, Joe Stenhouse of SJM Concerts and Touring Production Manager, Peter Shorten of Axiom Events were the integral cogs between production and artist camps, charged with delivering an “impactful” and “memorable” show, which saw everything from a kabuki drop through to a multitiered riser package, several video surfaces including “blow through” LED panels, an 11ft telephone box on multiple lifts and further custom set elements.
SJM Concerts promoted and produced the show. In addition to production management, Axiom Events provided lights, rigging, and video infrastructure; Solotech, who share a longstanding relationship with the band’s engineers, supplied audio; Hull-based Ox Event House created custom set pieces and lifts; Fly By Nite transported the tour’s equipment and handled carnets; Phoenix Bussing transported the artists, musicians and crew; John Henry’s provided backline; and Saucery Catering kept everyone well fed. Before hitting the road, the production was assembled and rehearsed at Essex’s Backstage Centre. “Our suppliers are known quantities and were entrusted to meet the brief, despite asking a lot from them in a tight timeframe,” Shorten said.
“Pete and I share a great working relationship and were able to meet the dynamic creative vision for this show within the budget,” Stenhouse added, further praising the support of the touring crew and technical suppliers. “It was great to get out on the road, working alongside the local promoters and crew, to deliver an extravagant show.”
Shorten also enjoyed the process of producing a show that was engaging and fresh for the multigenerational crowd. “We upscaled the production values, and there were some nice individual moments within the show like Victims, where Boy George is lifted during a beautiful, modernised arrangement of the original track. It was a ‘more is more’ moment – fading to dark, the screens glimmering with stars and an epic Phil Collins-style drum riff with a choral entrance. Seeing the reaction of the crowd every night is special!”
Tour Manager, Ian Faddie has been with Culture Club since 2000 and believes this is by far the most complex production to date. “The entire production team were a pleasure to work with. The end look achieved was visually stunning and a fitting tribute,” he said. “George, Roy and Mikey worked tirelessly to recreate these first two albums and many of the tracks had never been played live for over 40 years! It was a very successful tour for the fans and everyone behind the scenes.”
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Words: Jacob Waite
Photos: Matt Eachus
www.boygeorgeandcultureclub.net
