WINTER 2018 // ISSUE 1

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Tour Link Magazine 2 Tour Link Magazine 3 CONTENTS

Winter 2018 // Issue 1 LARRY SMITH PUBLISHER TOUR LINK CONFERENCE

6 // Tour Link Conference 2018 10 // Sponsors 17 // Lifetime Achievement Awards A new year is on us, so we decided that this would be a good time to reflect [email protected] 30 // Schedule on the U2 tour, one of the mega-shows of our time. This is always a treat for us 31 // Panels since we have so many good friends working this show. This is the time for planning new tours, checking inventories and reflecting on FEATURED ARTICLES the goals to set for this year. This is also time for the annual Tour Link Conference, so we thought it would make sense to turn this into the conference issue as well. 34 // U2 Joshua Tree Tour Every year, we gather to discuss issues, renew friendships and do some busi- 34 // U2 Joshua Tree Tour ness. Although the conference is structured with discussion topics and events, 49 // Silver & Gold, Thirty Years on, the goal as always is to promote person-to-person relationships. To this end, Stagco Tours the Joshua Tree with U2 we have been successful. To those of you who are attending, we welcome you. To those who are unable to join us, we will deliver a recap of the conference in a future issue and we hope you can join us in the future. ARTICLES

14 // Nationwide Logistics & The Growing of a Company with Tour Link Larry Smith 53 FESTIVAL NEWS Publisher

52 // Fest Forum Cannabis Forum Get the Magazine app for 49 // Silver & Gold, Thirty Years on, Stagco 14// Nationwide Logistics & The Growing exclusive interactive extras! 53 // Van Warped Tour: All Thing Must the Joshua Tree with U2 of a Company with Tour Link Come to an End 57 // UK Festival Awards 2017 Winners 59 // In Bloom Music Festival Publisher & Advertising...... Larry Smith - 615.260.6699 STAFF 61 // EPS Australia offers GIGS Editor ...... JJ Janney - [email protected] Barriers in New Zealand Accountant …...... Sharon Baldwin - [email protected] Ad Traffic ...... Rachel Janney - [email protected] Layout / Design … Warehouse Multimedia Inc.- ph: 615.420.6153 • f: 866.929.9651 3050 Business Park Circle suite 500 Goodlettsville, TN 37072 www.warehousemultimedia.com For the latest info on Websites Graphic Design Online Marketing Video the industry’s leading Contributing writer & photographer: Jordan Haymaker; StageCo Story & Photos courtesy of conference check out - StageCo and Mark Cunningham. www.tourlinkconference.com Cover Photo.... CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Photo credit: Danny North 6 // Welcome To Tour Link Tour Link Magazine 4 Tour Link Magazine 5 WELC OME toTOUR LINK

TheThe HottestHottest TicketTicket InIn EntertainmentEntertainment Touring!Touring!

LarryLarry SmithSmith andand RandyRandy WadeWade ExecutiveExecutive ProducersProducers

Tour Link Magazine 6 Tour Link Magazine 7 2018 TITLE SPONSOR 2018 TITLE SPONSOR Power-up Your Credentials! Title Sponsor full page ad 2 with InteTitlegra tSponsored Cre dfulle npagetial adSo 1lutions From ACCESS. Supremely Dependable. Outrageously Noticeable.

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Prevost Service Locator Mobile App T . 7 7 5 . 2 2 9 . 7 2 2 4 Available for iPhone and Android For more information Steve Zeigler, Director of Business Development 800.837.0895 or visit www.prevostcar.com The ultimate class. T r u s t e d L e a d e r i n E v e n t C r e d e n t i a l s a c c e s s e v e n t s o l u t i o n s . c o m Tour Link Magazine 8 Tour Link Magazine 9

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Tour Link Magazine 10 Tour Link Magazine 11 2018 TITLE SPONSOR 2018 TITLE SPONSOR

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GLOBAL FREIGHT FORWARDING Tour Link Magazine 12 Tour Link Magazine YOU CAN TRUST 13 24/07/365 Nationwide Logistics & the Growing of a Company with Over 30 Years Experience Nationwide Logistics provides thrid - party transportation of freight. Tour LInk Conference We began in 1985 as an Ohio based motor carrier. Over the years we saw a need for better brokerage services and Story by JJ Janney began to fill that need with our own brokers. Nationwide Logistics builds long-lasting relation- brella of Nationwide Logistics. And while the official ships with their customers and carriers. Consid- company may be new, it comes with thirty years ering it has been in existence only four years now, of experience after humble beginnings as an Ohio We are committed to exceding expectations by developing that promise would seem a bit premature— but based motor carrier. strong long lasting relationships with customers and carriers. only if you didn’t know the names at the heart and helm of the company: Josh Klebanoff and Rory Klebanoff and Hegarty oversee event-to- event lo- Hegarty. gistics for concerts, festivals, sporting events and other large events. Some of their major gigs now Klebanoff and Hegarty had been doing on-site include Lollapallooza, Races Top Modern, numer- coordination for a major race company and oc- ous Country Music Festivals and Coachella. www.nationwidelogistics.events casional festivals. They were both in agreement that delays and other frustrations with transporta- Catching up recently to find out if the Dynamic-Duo tion and logistics were at the top of the list when behind Nationwide would be at the Tour Link Con- it came to headaches and barriers to putting on ference this year, Hegarty mentioned that a lot of [email protected] the best event possible. their growth in the past few years is directly linked to the conference. We wanted to know more. Rather than simply complaining or boasting they 800 928 7316 could do it better if they ever had the chance, they Hegarty laughed when he spoke about coming to put rubber to the road and started their own full- Tour Link for the first time service freight & trucking agency under the um- (Story continues on page 16) Tour Link Magazine 14 Tour Link Magazine 15 from a racing background, “You know, my first year, Whether it’s changes in tours, last-minute needs, walking around with all these rock-in- roll types, with unforeseen complications, we’re already familiar A LOOK AT PREVIOUS a group of men and women who’ve known each with the issues, and know we have to adapt and act other for years, I must have been the youngest guy quickly,”explained Klebanoff. by 10 years—it was really intimidating at first.” What they like best about the Tour Link concept is Hegarty also found out quickly that these same peo- the focus on building relationships. “The biggest ple were more than happy to share their expertise, take- away is not only meeting people, but using their ideas and help the new guys find opportunities. those skills and the relationships we gain through “What’s so great is, everyone wants everyone else Tour Link…it makes us feel like we’re part of some- to be successful.” thing important,” emphasized Hegarty.

Klebanoff added, “Just by Rory going to Tour Link, Klebanoff and Hegarty are thankful for the opportu- going to the sessions, meeting people, hanging out nities Tour Link has given them and look forward to at the bar and having a beer with people, our busi- continued success all around. They are both attend- WINNERS ness has grown 40% just through those contacts.” ing the conference this year along with their entire In fact, business has grown so much, they’ve ex- team. Hegarty’s advice to new attendees? “Intro- Danny Zelisko, Platinum Award for 2006 panded with a New York office. duce yourself to everyone you can the very first night…and don’t be afraid!” Marty Hom, Platinum Award for 2007. Of course, having the skills to back up the talk also (Alice Cooper was also given a Lifetime Achievement makes a big difference. But that’s where an oppor- For more information on Nationwide Logistics or to tunity like the conference is so critical. “Our core contact Rory and Josh: Award for 2007—we don’t remember exactly how that came about, but the photos look fun!) business is very email and phone based, high vol- ume and we’re constantly trying to communicate (w) www.nationwidelogistics.events Doc McGhee given Platinum Award for Lifetime with people who are very busy, on site, managing (e) [email protected] Achievement for 2008 things,” explained Hegarty. So being able to (p) 646-350- 3379 meet people in a more casual setting and Jake Berry honored with the 2009 Platinum Award for Lifetime Achievement. Peggy O’Neill was given a Spe- explain what they can do already puts cial Tour Link Appreciation Award that year. them ahead of the cold-call person or random email when someone Patrick Stansfield given the 2010 Platinum Award for needssomething done imm- Lifetime Achievement. Charlie Hernandez was honored ediately. “Our customers with a Humanitarian Award for that year. react fast and so do we. The 2011 “Hall of Famer” Awards for Lifetime Achieve- ment saw awards given to Willie Robertson & Bob Taylor of Robertson Taylor Insurance, Mark “Springo” Spring, Production Manager, Kevin Lyman, Warped Tour Founder, and Ron Delesner, Promoter Extraordi- naire.

Dennis Sheehan & Chris Lamb were presented with the 2012 Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Hall of Fame Inductees for 2013 were ML Procise III, Hedwig De Meyer & Steve Moore.

The Top Dog Touring Hall of Fame for 2014 was Har- vey Goldsmith.

Jack Healey received the “The Just A Bunch of Road- ies Vanguard Award” for 2015.

Bill Leabody received the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Rory Hegarty and Josh Klebanoff Award, last year, at the 2017 Tour Link Conference. Tour Link Magazine 16 Tour Link Magazine 17 None of this would be made possible if it weren’t first for our invaluable sponsors, most notably our Title and Co-Title Sponsors Title Sponsor

Access Event Solutions We offer event technology connecting event badges, backstage passes, VIP badges, conference badges, and cus- tom wristbands and lanyards to the digital world, to improve live event FOR experiences and security. 2017

WHO WILL BE TOP DOG FOR 2017? EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT Winners will be announced at the Tour Link Conference, Palm GODDESS ROCKS Springs, CA on January 19th, 2018 from among the following TOURCATS SOS Global Around The Clock. Meet the new standard of. shipping performance. Glob- nominees: al freight forwarding services you can trust. 24,07365. We provide. worldwide logistics CATERING COMPANY (LOCAL) services for. Our Affiliations. Here at SOS Global Express. your time is our time. AIR CHARTER COMPANY ARIZONA CATERING APOLLO BLUE NOTE CATERING CAROL LEONE DEGA CATERING CHAPMAN FREEBORN GODDESS ROCKS RYAN TA DA United Air Lines Every day, we help unite the world by connecting TOURJET TFB CATERING people to the moments that matter most. This shared purpose drives us to be the best airline for our employees, customers and everyone VICTOR we serve. COACH COMPANIES BACKSTAGE DRUM TECH CELEBRITY IMY JAMES FLORIDA At Prevost, we share your passion for excellence in mobile real estate, JASON BOWERS HEMPHILL and the “Ultimate Class” is evident in every vehicle we build. It is proven JEFF CHONIS PIONEER by more than eight decades of industry leadership, and by our uncom- JOHN DOUGLAS ROBERTS BROS promising passion for excellence. This passion for excellence is in our products - that are the benchmark for structural integrity, durability, reli- RICK WEST SENATORS ability, safety, environmental care, and driving pleasure. It’s in our process- ROBBIE COPE es - from innovative design, to rigorous engineering, to exhaustive quality COACH DRIVER control and testing. And it’s in our people - from our manufacturing, sales DAN GILLIS, SENATORS and marketing to our Regional Service Centers. Their depth of expertise in BACKSTAGE GUITAR TECH building and maintaining coaches is second to none. GRADY CHAMPION DWAYNE HARPER, HEMPHILL LLOYD SAGISI LASHAWN LUNDSTROM Co-Title Sponsors DALLAS SCHOO MICHAEL FISH MCARTNEY, BEAT THE STREET TAKUMI SUETSUGU MIKE MALLAT, SENATORS Bill Kenney Productions -Bill Kenney started in the entertainment business over 30 years ago as KEITH LANOUX SCOTT PICKERING, BEAT THE STREET a stage hand and truck loader working on numerous shows throughout New England. Bill quickly ALAN “BUGS” WEIDEL gained valuable knowledge of the industry while working for many promoters and producers. Bill, BACKSTAGE PASSES INTERNATIONAL COACHES along with the help of 3 industry friends, created Bill Kenney Productions at the Palace Theater in ACCESS EVENT BEAT THE STREET New Haven, Connecticut in 1987. Bill Kenney Productions has grown into an award winning produc- tion company with a highly skilled and benefited labor, tech, and production team that operates all CUBE COACH SERVICES throughout New England. HELLCAT PHOENIX OTTO TOUR BADGERS FAVORITE VENUE BRIDGESTONE ARENA HOLLYWOOD BOWL Rock Lititz - The 96-acre production campus is designed with all of your entertainment CASE COMPANY needs in mind. Uniting various creative resources, the collaboration promoted by Rock CALZONE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN Lititz strives to generate a one-of-a-kind community that will push live events to the R&R RED ROCKS next level. From design, engineering, and manufacturing through production rehearsals MENTAL CASES RYMAN AUDITORIUM and beyond, Rock Lititz encompasses every step of the production process. Anchored JANAL CASES TMOBILE ARENA by the largest, strongest rehearsal space in the world, the Studio joins Clair Global, Tait Towers and other industry leaders in calling Lititz, PA home. OLYMPIC CASES FREIGHT FORWARDING DRAGON CASES ACES EFM CATERING COMPANY (INTERNATIONAL) EXPEDITIOUS Solotech - provides complete solutions for sound, lighting, video and rigging for busi- CENTERSTAGE HORIZON ENTERTAINMENT CARGO nesses, hotels, tours, concerts, sporting, corporate events and more. We provide a su- CULINARY UNDERGROUND ROCK-IT CARGO perior experience by combining state-of-the-art technology with the best minds in the DEGA CATERING SOUND MOVES business to deliver the very best results, every time.

Tour Link Magazine 18 Tour Link Magazine 19 [email protected] tourcatering.com 530.307.0003 FOR 2017

J W M a r r i o t t D e s e r t S p r i n g s R e s o r t & S p a T O ATS U C FRONT OF HOUSE ENGINEER LIGHTING COMPANY R CARAM COSTANZO BANDIT LIGHTS DAVE NATALE CHRISTIE LITES GREG NELSON LMG JON LEMON PRG KEVIN POOCH VAN DRUTEN UPSTAGING PAUL “PAB” BOOTHROYD VER

GROUND TRANSPORTATION LIGHTING DESIGNER ALL ACCESS BAZ HALPIN AVALON TRANSPORTATION BRIAN HARTLEY BEAT THE STREET CHRIS LISLE CLS CORY FITZGERALD DAITZ PERSONAL LOGISTICS ROB SINCLAIR MUSIC EXPRESS SOONER ROUTHIER

HOTELS EAST LIGHTING DIRECTOR LOEWES HOTEL MINNEAPOLIS BUD HOROWITZ LONDON TOM HORTON PENNINSULA CHICAGO RON SCHILLING SHERATON NASHVILLE THOMAS CHRISTMANN SOHO GRAND ROBJIBSON THOMPSON NASHVILLE KEITH HOAGLAND

HOTEL REP EAST MERCHANDISER GABBIE RILEY, LOEWES MINNEAPOLIS DIETER SZCZYPINSKI GULLY NASSIRI, AMBASSADOR HOTELS GARY GARDNER NICKI GILBERT, ACE HOTEL NEW ORLEANS JARED GRAY ROB DELLIBOVI, DREAM HOTEL KENT SINKLER SPIKY PHIL MEYNELL, SOHO GRAND RICHARD CARTER WILLIAM BULLENS, THOMPSON HOTEL NASHVILLE TIM HOLT

HOTELS WEST MONITOR ENGINEER ACE DOWNTOWN LA DAVE MCMULLIN COAST ANNABELLE GREG LOOPER FOUR SEASONS BH GREG LOOPER LE PARC RAMON MORALES SPORTSMENS LODGE STEPHEN CARTER SUNSET MARQUIS TOM VEIN

HOTEL WEST REP PRODUCTION COORDINATOR BARRY PODOB, LE PARC COLIN MILLER CHAD SCHYVINCHT, HOTEL ZELOS DEBBIE TAYLOR JAMIE KVASAGER, SYDELL GROUP JOE SKARZ KLAUS MESSNER, SUNSET MARQUIS KIM HILTON MICHELLE FREEDMAN, COAST ANABELLE HOTEL & SAFARI LOUNGE SARI MILLER PATRICK MARTINIC, PLATINUM LAS VEGAS WENDY WILSON

Tour Link Magazine 20 Tour Link Magazine 21 Golf Sponsor

Stageline There are strong reasons why people in over 45 countries choose Stageline Mobile Stages for their events. Used in over 15,000 events per year, our wide range of mobile stages is the answer to your needs for safety, speed of installation, mobility and versatility. FOR 2017

PRODUCTION DESIGNER REGIONAL PRODUCTION COMPANY (EAST) Golf Hole Sponsor BRUCE RODGERS BILL KENNEY RAJ KAPOOR CLEARWING Best Western is celebrating winning several prestigious awards recently including Business Travel News ROB JIBSON ECLP naming Best Western and Best Western Plus as the best mid-price and upper mid-price hotel chains, four ROBERT LONG JONAS PRODUCTIONS Dynatrace Best of the Web gold awards, and six consecutive AAA/CAA Hotel Partner of the Year awards. SOONER ROUTHIER MID AMERICA SOUND Best Western Rewards® also earned top honors from U.S. News & World Report and set new records for WILLY WILLIAMS the number of hotels earning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award. REGIONAL PRODUCTION COMPANY (WEST) PRODUCTION MANAGER 3G CHRIS ADAMSON BROWN NOTE PROD. Center Staging LA’s premier rehearsal and backline facility, specializing in pro- DALE “OPIE” SKJSERETH DELICATE duction and technical support for television and live performances. Offering 10 state-of-the-art rehearsal studios, CenterStaging also houses an Artist Relations JESSE SANDLER SCHUBERT SYSTEMS complex for some of the top musical manufacturers in the world. JIM DIGBY SGE JOEL FORMAN US AUDIO MALCOM WELDON

REHEARSAL STUDIO EFM Event Logistics Trusted by tour and production managers the world over, PRODUCTION MANAGER (YOUNG GUN) CENTERSTAGING we meet the unique requirements of any show or tour with unrivalled efficiency ARTHUR SWITZER ROCK LITITZ and professionalism. We’ve been in the business for over 20 years, after all. BRET CHINQUAN SIR LA www.efm-worldwide.com DANIEL GIBSON SIR NY DANIEL GIBSON SOUNDCHECK NASHVILLE HENRY BORDEAUX THIRD ENCORE Kaiser Air The best kept secret in luxury private travel, KaiserAir flies anywhere JASON ZITO in the world you want to go, any time you want to go — comfortably, safely, RIGGER securely in Boeing 737s, Gulfstreams, and Citations. With 70 years of perfect PROMOTER REP BILL HEINZLMEIR safety, KaiserAir is the definitive operator of private aircraft for select Fortune MIKE BESS BOBBY CARROL 500 company executives, professional sports teams, high-profile dignitaries, and their families — you. Call 1-800-JET-2OAK. RON CHAMBERLAIN JERRY RITTER STEVE LAWLER JEZ CRADDICK JOHN STEVENSON LANCE STONER KEITH KELLER TODD MAUGER Plaza Hotel Our legendary One of a Kind Suites deliver unrivaled splendor, grandeur, and comfort and are completely unique in design. Each has been me- TORI TANNER ticulously fashioned around a theme inspired by the iconic history of The Plaza. RIGGING COMPANY PYRO/SPECIAL FX ATLANTA RIGGING ER PRODUCTIONS DHPWRIG FIREPLAY FIVE POINTS PROD SVCS Solotech provides complete solutions for sound, lighting, video and rigging for PYRO ENGINEERING REED RIGGING businesses, hotels, tours, concerts, sporting, corporate events and more. We PYROTEK SGPS provide a superior experience by combining state-of-the-art technology with the STAGE & EFFECTS ENG. STAGE RIGGING best minds in the business to deliver the very best results, every time. STRICTLY FX SET CONSTRUCTION COMPANY RADIO & COMMUNICATION ACCURATE STAGING AAA ALL ACCESS STAGING 25 Hours Hotel Company Plenty of hotels offer the security of familiar surroundings. Not us. A 25hours Hotel BEARCOMM GALLAGHER STAGING boasts an unconventional mix of contemporary services. Guests don’t just simply stay at a 25hours Hotel, they deliberately choose dynamism, surprise and a touch of adventure. Our hotel is a social hub. A place where inter- COMMUNICATIONS DIRECT TAIT TOWERS national travellers and local guests form a community, entertaining and being entertained. Since we don’t take EMPIRE TOURING SOUND COMPANY ourselves too seriously, we believe that our guests deserve to have a bit of fun. Everyone who stays at a 25hours ROAD RADIOS CLAIR GLOBAL Hotel should leave with a story to tell.

Tour Link Magazine 22 Tour Link Magazine 23 Opening Night Sponsor

Pyrotecnico is the recognized leader as an innovative, full service special effect, laser, and firework display production company. Imaginative people are the core of our success, and our creative team is constantly raising the bar and scouring the globe for new technologies. You can rest assured that your show will be innovative and unforgettable in every aspect. FOR 2017

CLEARWING PRODUCTIONS TOUR SUPPORT SERVICES CM Entertainment Technology Relied on by rigging and staging professionals around the EIGHTH DAY SOUND EPS world, CM’s comprehensive line of entertainment electric chain motors and rigging equip- FIREHOUSE AUDIO EVENTRIC ment is specially designed for touring productions – both large and small. From the iconic CM SOUND IMAGE GUARDIAN BARRIER SVCS Lodestar electric chain motor to our special theatrical alloy chain and shackles, our products are built to last and withstand the demanding requirements of both indoor and outdoor ven- VER ROAD WIFI ues. We also provide professional training tailored to the unique needs of the entertainment TMB industry, including everything from hoist maintenance to rope access and rescue training. STAGE MANAGER TOUR SUPPLY ALAN DOYLE BRIAN BASSHAM TRAVEL AGENT KURT WAGNER DEBRA COPELAN, TZELL/UNIQUE TRAVEL ROCKO REEDY JOSHUA ROSENBLAT, PREFERRED TRAVEL Archangel Global Logistics Based in New Jersey, we serve the music SCOTT NORVOLD LORI TIERNEY, SATELLITE OFFICE SERVICES industry with trucking and logistics support. TIM SHANAHAN MISI LOPEZ LECUBE, ALTOUR ROBIN PARKER, EXECUTRAVEL STAGING COMPANY WENDY OVERS STEPHENSON, SATELLITE OFFICE SERVICES ACCURATE STAGING Cocktails Sponsor ALL ACCESS TRUCKING COMPANY The Appointment Group -The Appointment Group (TAG) Global Touring is the world’s leading independent tour- BROWN UNITED EGO TRIPS ing travel management company with offices in London, Manchester, New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Sydney, GALLAGHER STAGING JANCO Melbourne and Singapore. We offer a complete 24 hour global support service to all our clients no matter what size MOUNTAIN PROD. SPECIAL EVENT TRANS or budget of tour. Please contact Byron Carr for information on the world’s first touring App. STAGECO STAGE CALL TRUCK ‘N ROLL CAPS provides entertainment payroll services for every major studio and hundreds of TOUR ACCOUNTANT UPSTAGING independent production companies and are experts in production payroll processing, na- BOB DAVIS tional agreements, health, welfare and pension plans, wage and hour law. JEFF MAUSS TRUCK DRIVER JOEL FORMAN CHRIS OLSON, SOS JOHN CZACKKOWSKI DAVID HEATH, UPSTAGING LIAM BIRT RANDY R2 RHOTON, UPSTAGING PETE MERLUZZI ROB HOLDER, TRANSAM SCOTT COOPER, TRANSAM TOUR MANAGER SCOTT MCKEEL, UPSTAGING CHRIS LITTLETON DAVID KLEIN INTERNATIONAL TRUCKING COMPANY DICK ADAMS FLY BY NITE FRANKIE ENDFIELD MCGUINNESS TRUCKING JOSH SCOTT REDBURN TRUCKING SCOTT CASEY STAGE TRUCK TRANSAM TRUCKING TOUR MANAGER (YOUNG GUN) BRITTON BILLIK VIDEO COMPANY COLIN MILLER MOO TV LOGAN KORNEGAY PRG/NOCTURNE MARGARITE NGUYEN SCREENWORKS PAUL SYMINGTON SOLOTECH PETE ABBOTT UPSTAGE VIDEO VER

Tour Link Magazine 24 Tour Link Magazine 25 Transportation Outing Sponsor

Hemphill Brothers Hemphill Brothers has been in business for over 30 years, building and leasing custom converted tour buses to the entertainment indus- try. Known for their quality conversions and A+ drivers, Hemphill Brothers safely provides luxury transportation for many of the top musical acts as well as other clients that include political figures, authors, athletes and movie stars. Hemphill Brothers truly is Luxury in Motion. FOR 2017

Best Western is celebrating winning several prestigious awards recently includ- ing Business Travel News naming Best Western and Best Western Plus as the VIDEO DESIGNER VIP REPRESENTATIVE best mid-price and upper mid-price hotel chains, four Dynatrace Best of the Web WILLIE WILLIAMS ALEX SMITH gold awards, and six consecutive AAA/CAA Hotel Partner of the Year awards. Best Western Rewards® also earned top honors from U.S. News & World Report and SAM PATTINSON AUBREY MARTIN set new records for the number of hotels earning the TripAdvisor Certificate of BEN MILES AYLA ZELLES Excellence award. RAJ KAPOOR BRITTANY BIRK BRIAN WELSH ERIN HANOWSKI STUART MERSER HELEN KNOZ

Bus Call Leasing Along with providing top-of-the-line transportation, Bus Call Leas- VIDEO DIRECTOR WARDROBE DRESSING ROOM ing has the best professional drivers and an insured cleaning staff to help make your GEORGE ELIZONDO ABBY FRANKLIN next trip memorable. From the time the phone rings until the tour ends, we are here to MARK HANEY CHRISTINE DALLAS help you. MIKE DUQUE COURTNEY KEENE MIKE TINSLEY HEATHER “FOSTER” KJOLLESDAL RICHARD TURNER LESLEY MORTIMER WALLACE STEVE FATONE SKOT HARRIS Sun Air Jets offers a safe, luxurious, worldwide private jet charter experience that maximizes both passenger time and comfort. Sun Air flight coordinators provide detailed and personalized assistance for all travel requirements. Sun Air Jets’ fleet of Bombardier, Gulfstream, Hawker, and Cessna business jets offer the flexibility to meet the needs of any travel or touring requirement.

Kaiser Air The best kept secret in luxury private travel, KaiserAir flies anywhere in the world you want to go, any time you want to go — comfortably, safely, securely in Boeing 737s, Gulfstreams, and Citations. With 70 years of perfect safety, KaiserAir is the definitive operator of private aircraft for select Fortune 500 company executives, professional sports teams, high-profile dignitaries, and their families — you. Call 1-800-JET-2OAK.

Tour Link Magazine 26 Tour Link Magazine 27 Lunch Sponsor Lunch Sponsor

ACES Cargo AIR CARGO ENTERTAIMENT SERVICES

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Best Western is celebrating winning several prestigious awards recently including Business Travel News naming Best Western and Best Western Plus as the best mid-price and upper mid-price hotel chains, four Dynatrace Best of the Web gold awards, and six consecutive AAA/CAA Hotel Partner of the Year awards. Best Western Rewards® also earned top honors from U.S. News & World Report and set new records for the number of hotels earning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award. Eventric software is designed specifically for professionals who make their living on the road. Our applica- tions and online services are constantly refined based on real-world experience and user feedback. Our users are out on the road right now, making live events happen. Join the top professionals in the music and touring industry and give Master Tour or Live Access Ticketing a try today for free. CM Entertainment Technology Relied on by rigging and staging professionals around the world, CM’s comprehensive line of entertainment electric chain motors and rigging equipment is specially designed for touring productions – both large and small. From the iconic CM Lode- star electric chain motor to our special theatrical alloy chain and shackles, our products are built to last and withstand the demanding requirements of both indoor and outdoor venues. We also provide professional training tailored to the unique needs of the entertainment industry, includ- Access Event We offer event technology connecting event badges, backstage ing everything from hoist maintenance to rope access and rescue training. passes, VIP badges, conference badges, and custom wristbands and lanyards to the digital world, to improve live event experiences and security.

Power Source Transportation As a power-only source of transportation, Powersource Transporta- tion, Inc. can assist in the movement of your next tour by providing all the benefits of truck fleet owner- ship without the expense, liability, or bother. Dedicated trucks, weekly moves, or the once a year show, we are here to service whatever power-only transportation needs you may have. We offer a transporta- Road Radios Road Radios and Road WiFi are your premier communications tion solution that allows you to move your show trailers or trailer mounted equipment anywhere in the providers. With years of touring experience, high quality equipment, and rock continental United States or Canada. All you have to do is pick up the phone and we do all the rest, 24 solid support, Road Radios and Road WiFi provide tours with reliable communi- hours a day, seven days a week – our staff of professionals, both on the road and in the office, are avail- cations worldwide. able to serve you.www.efm-worldwide.com

Jan-AL Cases Over 20 years of manufacturing great touring cases, road cases, ATA cas- Kaiser Air The best kept secret in luxury private travel, KaiserAir flies anywhere es, flight cases, wardrobe cases, backline cases, racks, production cases, sports cases, in the world you want to go, any time you want to go — comfortably, safely, plasma cases, lighting cases, rigging cases, pro audio cases, shockmount racks, racks, securely in Boeing 737s, Gulfstreams, and Citations. With 70 years of perfect computer cases an tour supplies. road case, ATA case, flight case. Jan & Muffie want to safety, KaiserAir is the definitive operator of private aircraft for select Fortune thank all of our customers for their support. We pride ourselves in delivering high quality 500 company executives, professional sports teams, high-profile dignitaries, and products , on time, for a fair price. At Jan-Al ,we want customers for life! Call 800 735-2625 their families — you. Call 1-800-JET-2OAK.

Shockwave Cargo is a highly professional and experienced cargo logistics SMC T-Shirts realizes that we’re a company amongst many in a tough market company that specializes in providing personalized solutions for your complex where everyone offers similar services, but we’re amongst the stand out few that needs in the entertainment industry. We see your cargo and your livelihood truly deliver. We know our market inside out, our team has passion and drive for through, from start to finish. Whether it’s by air, land or sea, we have the expertise great design, quality customer service, and most importantly attention to detail with overall superior quality in all areas of servicing.

Tour Link Magazine 28 Tour Link Magazine 29 2018 Tour Link Conference Panels & Moderators 2018 Tour Link Conference Schedule

ACHIEVING EFFICIENCY AT REHEARSALS Wednesday, January 17th Moderated by Rachel Hales, Rock Lititz 7:00 a.m. Tour Link Golf Tournament

ADVANCE & SETTLEMENTS Thursday, January 18 Moderated by Larry Richter, Tour Accountant, Bon Jovi 9 a.m. Opening Address - Randy Wade & Keynote Speaker Jim Digby Main Rm #7 AIR CHARTER 9:45 – 11 am Breaking & Entering Main Room Main Room Moderated by Carol Leone, So Fly Us & Dan Ryan, Ryan Aviation Group Trucking Salon A & B 11 a.m. - Noon Travel Agents (Closed) Salon A&B BREAKING AND ENTERING Moderated by John “Grinder” Procaccini, TM for Doobie Bros., Peter Frampton 11 a.m. - Noon Hotels (Closed) Salon D&E

BUSES Noon: Lunch on the Springs Patio Moderated by Jay Boy Adams, Roadhouse Transportation 1:00 – 2:00 pm Collaboration Main Room COLLABORATION: BENEFITS FOR VENDOR & CLIENT Air Charter Salon A&B Moderated by Andrea Shirk, Rock Lititz 2:15 - 3:30 pm Travel Agents & Hotels Main Rm #7 3:30 - 4:30 pm Technology Salon D&E HOTELS (Closed Door) 4:30 pm Break to Get Ready for Evening Event – Boomers & BBQ 5:15 – 6 pm Transportation to Boomers (Check Pickup Location at Conference) SHOOTER SAFETY AWARENESS 9 pm – 10 pm Transportation back to JW Marriott Moderated by Cris Carraci, former Spec Ops & Chris Demonbrun, former Secret Service. Friday January 19 TECHNOLOGY 9:30 a.m. Opening Address with Randy Wade Main Rm #7 Moderated by Paul Bradley, Eventric 9:45 to Noon Shooter Safety Awareness Main Room TOUR FINANCE & PAYROLL Moderated by Todd Dyer from CAPS Noon: Lunch on Springs Patio

TOUR MANAGERS & TRAVEL AGENTS 1 – 2 p.m. Advance & Settlement Main Room Moderated by Henry Bourdeaux, Tour Manager & Misi Lopez Lucume, ALTOUR 2 – 3 p.m. Achieving Rehearsal Efficiency Main Room 3 – 4 p.m. Tour Finance & Payroll Main Room TRAVEL AGENTS (Closed Door) Travel Agents & Tour Managers Salon A&B 4 – 5 p.m. You Can’t Make This Shit Up Main Room TRAVEL AGENTS/HOTELS 5:00 pm Break to Get Ready for Evening Event – Top Dog Awards Moderated by Misi Lopez Lucume, ALTOUR & Chad Schyvincht, Viceroy Hotel Group 6:00 pm Cocktail Reception Foyer of the Springs Ballroom TRUCKING 7:00 pm Dinner & Top Dog Awards Springs Ballroom Moderated by Dave Kiely, Roadshow Services * CPR Certification/Re-certification with Dr. B in Salon I&H. You can attend one ses- YOU CAN’T MAKE THIS SHIT UP sion from any of the following start times: Moderated by Bob Daitz Thursday: 9:45, 10:45 a.m., 1:30, or 3:30 p.m. Friday: 9:30, 10:45 a.m, 1:30, or 3:30 p.m. Tour Link Magazine 30 Tour Link Magazine 31 Top Dog Awards Sponsor Top Dog Awards Sponsor

Clair At Clair Global we strive every day, at any hour, to exceed our clients’ expectations. Ver Committed to Your Vision. We’re the world’s go-to company for bringing ex- Our products are constructed from the best materials, by the best people, without compro- periences to life. Clients in TV, cinema, live music, sports and the corporate world mise. Innovation, attention to detail, and unyielding customer support are at the core of Clair rely on us for the greatest depth and breadth of rental equipment in the industry Global. Whether the situation calls for crystal-clear audio, flawless video or uninterrupted as well as unmatched expertise in Audio, Video, Lighting, LED, Camera, Rigging, network streams, Clair Global continues to combine innovation, tradition and performance Media Servers, Fiber and more. with every system deployed. Our goal is to deliver results beyond our clients’ expectations. That’s the Clair Global way.

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Star Gift Alliance the leader in swag and corporate gifts. Star Gift Alli- ance, Trade show items, high end holiday gifts and all the touring swag. Star Gift Alliance, We save you time, money and aggravation. Call Me. Michelle 512-963-4910 Loud & Clear Your full service production specialists. The one and only stop you will need when planning your tour, film, event, corporate meeting, concert, festival or per- manent installation. Loud and Clear, Inc. has provided the services and the technical staff for over 27 years to an array of clients nationwide and beyond. Loud and Clear, Inc. has state-of-the-art sound reinforcement, lighting, video/LED and staging systems as well as roof structures and event power. Loud and Clear, Inc. delivers the best results Tour Badgers BADGERS! BADGERS! BADGERS! Backstage Passes. BADGERS! BADGERS! with elite service. BADGERS! We make the passes that make the whole world sing. BADGERS! BADGERS! BADG- ERS! Center Staging LA’s premier rehearsal and backline facility, specializing in production and technical support for television and live performances. Offering 10 state-of-the-art rehearsal studios, CenterStaging also houses an Artist Relations complex for some of the top musical manufacturers in the world.

Pyrotek With over 30 years of experience, Pyrotek Special Effects Inc., with offices located in the Toronto and Las Vegas areas, is an award winning special effects company providing full service innovative design and execution of visionary special effects for live productions including stadium and arena tour productions, award shows, festivals, live television productions, and much more. Soundcheck OPENED IN 1993, SOUNDCHECK IS THE LARGEST REHEARSAL STU- DIO COMPLEX IN THE WORLD UNDER ONE ROOF AND IS RECOGNIZED AS THE REHEARSAL VENUE OF CHOICE BY MANY TOURING AND RECORDING ENTER- TAINERS. Stage Call For over thirty years now, Stage Call has provided ground transporta- tion for a diverse range of projects from concert touring to corporate events, from multiple truck tours with leapfrogging systems to the most intimate of single truck endeavors. We’re pleased to say that we have successfully provided services for thousands of customers, and that Stage Call continues to thrive, evolve and excel Stageco Stageco offers a wide range of innovative outdoor and indoor staging solutions, as an industry leader in entertainment transportation. providing all manner of structures, from staging systems and mix towers, to VIP and disabled platforms, camera risers and delay towers.

All Access Staging Founded in 1991, All Access delivers the most versatile, du- rable, and safest staging product across the globe. Their services go beyond stage structures; they also specialize in automation and effects, LED integration, custom set fabrication, and event production. With locations in three different continents, there are no limits when it comes to making their clients’ visions a reality. All Access. All the time. Don’t even ask.® Tour Link Magazine 32 Tour Link Magazine 33 Amazing Crew, Legendary Tour: Catching Up with Some of the Crew on the U2 JOSHUA TREE Tour Story and photos by Jordan Haymaker

U2 pulled out all the stops with a setup that In 1979, Berry moved up to his first pro- was larger than life to celebrate their 30th duction manager gig with AC/DC on the anniversary of the Joshua Tree album re- Highway to Hell tour. Ian Jeffrey, manager lease. This tour hit stadiums all around the with AC/DC, had, as Berry put it, “faith in globe from North America, Europe, and a guy with no production manager expe- South America over the course of 5 months. rience.” He said he knew from the start At every single stop, the band played the that he wanted to be in the business, so groundbreaking Joshua Tree album in its he also worked hard as a freelancer doing entirety, among some of their other smash production assistant, stage manger, and hits as well. This politically and emotionally even security jobs. “It was my calling,” he charged show was made even more pow- said. “I worked full time and in the studio erful thanks to the stunning visual images with AC/DC for a few years. Then I needed provided by The Third Company (Treat- a challenge and did freelance with bands ment) along with original Joshua Tree pho- like Metallica and Mötley Crüe. There was tographer, Anton Corbijn. Their work was a time where I remember working Tuesday proudly displayed upon the largest ever night on the west coast with AC/DC, then touring video wall. Tour Link Magazine wit- traveling to Ohio to work with Metallica on nessed the spectacle and caught up with Wednesday. I didn’t spend much time at a few of the crew at Lucas Oil Stadium in home.” Indianapolis. At the end of the 80’s, he interviewed with Production Manager – Jake Berry Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. “With Mick, that was the most nervous I’ve ever From calling the shots to pushing cases been,” he admitted, “but with Keith, we alongside the rest of his crew, award-win- were playing pool and as soon as I men- ning Production Manager Jake Berry got tioned that I worked for AC/DC, he gave his start in the business purely by accident me the job.” On the 1994 Rolling Stones in 1975. His twin brother was a thatcher in tour, he met Paul McGuinness, manager England and just happened to be thatch- for U2. He had proven with The Stones that ing Rick Wakeman’s house (keyboardist he could save money and exceed expecta- from Yes). His brother forgot something for tions, so Paul wanted Berry’s help to take work, had Berry drop it off, which some- things to the next level. As of 2002, he was how led to Rick inviting them both out to officially the full-time production manager the pub. After 7 hours and a few pints, Rick for U2, but was fortunate enough that he asked Berry if he’d like to help him out for could blend in different tours for a while as his show at Wembley Arena. From there he well. was eventually offered a job as Wakeman’s official keyboard assistant. Tour Link Magazine 34 Tour Link Magazine 35 Although Berry is a leg- end in the industry, he Berry was also in charge of selecting the ven- felt like a youngster on dors including Stageco who provided the stag- the Joshua Tree tour ing system; Tait for the custom performing since he was one of the stage and tree shaped runway that mimicked few who didn’t do the the shadow of the Joshua Tree painted on the original tour in 1987. The screen (designed by Ric Lipson of Stufish and idea started at a Sales Es Devlin alongside Willie Williams); and Sena- Force event in 2016 with Creative Director and tors, his longtime go-to for buses. In the United Designer, Willie Williams, as a simple replica of States, he chose Upstaging for trucking, stating the original tour. But simple is not in the band’s they are, “the most professional trucking com- vocabulary, so it grew to include the 200ft by pany in the states who always knows what I’m 43ft video wall, which, by the way, also had to looking for.” To achieve the gold shadow of the be painted gold. “It annoyed me that everyone Joshua Tree album cover, the video wall was has great video screens,” he mentioned, “but painted gold, meaning 17,000 shaders had to there was always a PA hanging in front of it. We be unbolted, painted, and bolted back to the came up with the idea that was would cantile- video wall. For this arduous task, PRG was the ver the PA so that everyone in the crowd had an only choice for Berry. They also provide cer- unobstructed view. I didn’t want anyone to have tain lights, of which designer Willie Williams will a bad seat. That was sort of my role.” Berry accept no substitute. Audio provided by Clair did this all while working with the designers to Global rounds out this list due in part, Berry ex- make the best possible and most cost-effective plained, to FOH Joe O’Herlihy for his new great show. sounding and lightweight PA cabinet design. WE ARE PROUD TO BE INVOLVED

Headoffice Austria: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] Office UK Buses: [email protected] | [email protected] Tour Link Magazine 37 36 Tour Link Magazine Office UK Cars & Vans: [email protected] | [email protected]

www.beatthestreet.net Night after night, the main goal was to make in between. “I make sure that FOH Engineer Joe sliders on a chain hoist to allow the PA to travel are quite a few things that would have to go sure that from top to bottom, everything was O’Herlihy has everything he needs to mix the up and down freely.” wrong to stop the show,” he laughed. running well. When the band went on stage, show and make it flawless for everyone in the Merrill also appreciated that he has such a won- Berry and his crew made sure everything audience. A sonically great show is always the derful crew to oversee. “My favorite part of this Lighting – PRG worked for them, that there were no worries, goal,” he said. Using 2 DiGiCo SD7 consoles at tour is the people I work with. We have all done a and production was consistent so U2 could FOH (which are completely independent of each lot together and always have a good time, even Alex Murphy worked alongside Mark Risk as concentrate on putting on a great show. U2 other), U2’s legendary songs were pumped out when things get tough.” co-Lighting Directors for this tour. “I’ve worked are known for being perfectionists in their of 16 Clair CO12 Cabinets for the main and both with U2 since 2009, and with Robbie Williams, own work, and expected nothing less from side hangs, 4 Clair CO12 Cabinets for the 270° Niall Slevin, RF Technician, studied in engineer- Kate Bush, Grace Jones, and PJ Harvey, to their crew. “I enjoy the last song of the set just hangs, 8 Clair CO12 Cabinets on each of the 4 ing and physics but eventually fell into fixing gui- name a few,” Murphy continued. “I’m here to knowing we got through the show unscathed.” delay towers, front fills including 14 Clair CO8 tar amps and mixing Irish bands. He met Jake in look after all of the key light for the band and Berry continued, “We try to anticipate every- Cabinets, and 30 Clair CP218 subs. According to 2000 and has been with U2 since the Elevation to work with the Video Director to make sure thing. If something screws up, then not one of Merrill, “The footprint of this system allows us to tour. Slevin oversaw all the RF equipment and the band looks their best on the uber massive the 50,000 people should notice it. And it’s re- spread pristine sound throughout a stadium while explained the setup in monitor world which in- screen. I hope to make the show look just as it ally all about the crowd, isn’t it? If the crowd is keeping the actual speakers out of sight lines.” cluded 3 DiGiCo SD 7 consoles with 1 extra as did the very first time it had an audience.” cheering hard, deep down you know there’s a a backup and utilized ProTools for playback and little bit of you in that show. The end result is Along with keeping the PA out of view, he ex- recording purposes. They were equipped with a Murphy’s secret weapon was the PRG Ground- very gratifying.” plained that the most of logistically challenging four-way screen to study facial expressions and Control Long Throw followspots. “They are part of this tour was cabling the PA on the main visual cues to more precisely adjust the mix, as fantastic. They’re brighter than the sun, and it Audio – Clair Global stage. “Each hang of PA is at the end of a cantile- well as stage antennas so the guys could listen enables me to run follow spots at 20% output ver which is extended out over our 200’ wide vid- in to the same exact thing that the band heard. for a bit of fill lighting too,” he beamed. “You Joel “Lunchbox” Merrill, Audio System Engi- eo screen,” explained Merrill. “Obviously, cables “The workload is higher due to the fact indi- would never be able to do this with normal neer/Crew Chief for Clair Global since 2008, couldn’t be in front of the screen. Therefore, we vidual mixes are done for each band member. follow spots, as the operator would never be started doing sound in churches, at school, and have a team of climbers who hoist the cable up Bono’s vocal mic is analog and uses Neve EQs able to see where on earth the band actually during high school toured the US and Canada and over the screen and connect it out with the which is then mixed into JH Audio 16 in-ears,” is.” He did admit that his biggest obstacle with with smaller bands. He started working for U2 PA.” To add another level of complexity, during Slevin explained. “But even dealing with such this tour was trying to balance the key light of in 2009 and has also toured with Paul McCart- outdoor shows, they needed a way to land the a massive video wall, there’s no latency.” The the band with a screen that is so incredibly ney, Justin Bieber, and Barry Manilow. PA in the event of inclement weather. Merrill said Edge preferred the digital approach with Sen- bright, but he was able to achieve this with the the solution was that, “Jo Ravitch (Clair Senior nheiser 2000s and Shure Axient system. Each help of 3 full sized grandMA2 consoles at FOH Merrill oversaw everything audio, from the System Engineer who has been touring with U2 console had individual inputs to 3 stage racks, and 1 grandMA Light console at the stage for 5-hour load in, to the load out, and everything since the 1980s) devised a system using cable with 100% redundancy on all systems. “There focusing on audience looks. “The grandMA2

Tour Link Magazine 38 Tour Link Magazine 39 really is unrivalled by any other control console,” framed video screen. I think we have the most he said. “The customer support for both the UK Hi-def video screen on tour at the moment (2419 and the German office is outstanding, and to be inch in 8mm).” But shockingly, setup only took able to use an iPad to refocus the units has been about 4-5 hours, with load-outs being just as a game changer for me.” smooth. “I appreciate when all the little things work well and video has a good day,” explained Video – PRG Nocturne Heaney. “My main goal is that everyone in my department stays safe and we have a techni- Stuart Heaney, Video Crew Chief for PRG, started cally good show.” about 30 years ago when video was just starting to become a part of the touring industry. “Size Kes Thornley, D3 Operator, worked via PRG and brightness of the screens was an issue, so Video and started in lighting back in 1992. After my boss at the time forced me into “the busi- 12 years, he moved over video, with this being ness,” saying this was the future,” he laughed. his 3rd tour with U2. He has also done video Though this was just his second tour with U2, he with Take That, Metallica, and Adele. When he’s has also worked with Genesis, Spice Girls, Kylie not touring, he also works in the film and TV Minogue, and Aerosmith. industry with specialty camera systems. “The travel side of touring still interests me though,” He was in charge of the installation and de-rig said Thornley. “There is no way I could walk in all happening as smoothly as possible on a daily to a normal job every day of the week that is of- basis with the crew, kit, and local crew, while fice based.” Thornley set up the 4x4 D3’s with also making sure the video tied in with all the 4k Bluefish capture cards and programed any other departments, as to not cause delays. “The new and additional content into the show. He size of screen at the start caused challenging also set up the Karrare desk for Video Director delivery times for the new type of Carbon Fibre Stefan “Smasher” Desmedt. During the show,

Tour Link Magazine 40 Tour Link Magazine 41 he operated the D3 and cued Smasher of any key cues, since Smasher was busy cutting the 8 live and 4 robotic cameras.

For Thornley, his goal was to have a seamless show with no glitches night after night. “Adding new content in everyday, especially last minute always adds a degree of risk, so to have a show with no faults is perfect.” He continued, “When I make a mistake, its a 200’ wide mistake that everyone in the audience sees.” His favorite part of this tour? “Being part of the video crew as a whole is great, but also to have my own specialty within the department is great too. I really enjoy setting up our little world in way that suits our needs. The icing on the cake though is my wife, Rena, is on the tour too. Traveling around the world with her and being with her every day is priceless.”

Additional Roles

Robert Slepicka, Head Rigger, works indepen- dently and started in 1998. “I lucked into the industry by being at the right place at the right time,” he laughed. This is his third tour with U2, the end goal is still to produce live music to raise and he has also been a part of the SNL appear- huge dollars for non-profit work.” After working ance and the Super Bowl commercial filming a her first show in July 2016 as a runner for Phish, it few years back. Other tours include those with just made sense with her philanthropic nature that Black Sabbath, Pearl Jam, and Madonna. her first full tour began with U2. Slepicka managed all the rigging and associated gear for lights, audio, video, etc., and stepped With the goal of organization always in mind, Tay- in when problems arose, which he said were lor managed the production runners and ground mostly due to rain and the associated problems transportation for the crew during each stop on moisture causes with equipment. “The sense of the tour. Overall, she exclaimed that, “Our crew is accomplishment is what I like the most about his amazing! Everyone is a pro, but also knows how job,” he shared. Night after night he set out to to have a good time. I’ve felt comfortable in my load-in and load-out safely within a reasonable position since day one, which I imagine has a lot timeframe, which for such a gigantic production to do with this crew being so welcoming. I have was usually less than 8 hours for the show to be everything to learn and I’m lucky enough to be at trim. learning from the best. It’s just such a special first tour to be a part of - as cliché as that may sound.” Production Assistant Morgan Taylor works for Live Nation and has always loved music. She For more opportunities to see U2 live: explained, “Live music has been a big part of my www.u2.com life since college. After Coachella 2010, I decid- ed I want to start an annual non-profit music fes- tival and raise money for different organizations. That idea has been refined over the years, but

Tour Link Magazine 42 Tour Link Magazine 43 DAVID HEATH TRUCK WRANGLER TAMMY LITTLE STEEL TRUCK DRIVER IAN RAMM TRUCK DRIVER JOE HEDEN MERCH TAMMY LITTLE TRUCK DRIVER AMY RANDELL TRUCK DRIVER JOHN HENN TRUCK DRIVER TOM LITTLE TRUCK DRIVER STEVEN RANDELL TRUCK DRIVER GAETAN HENNECO STEEL TEAM TAMBANI LOKOZA STEEL TEAM AJ RANKIN CARPENTER GAETAN HENNECO RED STEEL TAMBANI LOKOZARED STEEL JO RAVITCH SOUND CREW CHIEF CHARLIE HERNANDEZ SITE COORD. ADAM LORINCZ HIT SQUAD RÓBERT RÉDLINGER CLIMBER CONTINUED RON HESS TRUCK DRIVER ÁRON LŐRINCZ CLIMBER ROCKO REEDY U2 STAGE MANAGER ROBERT HILGER TRUCK DRIVER PHOENIX MAGGIORE CARP - BARRICADE KATE REEVES RED ZONE SUPPORT CHRIS BEARD TRUCK DRIVER HANNES DANDER SOUND CREW KATHY HILGER TRUCK DRIVER CHRIS MALLEY CATERER JIM REID TRUCK DRIVER DANIEL BEBBER STEEL TEAM GORDON DAVIES VIDEO CREW SHELIA HOFFMAN TRUCK DRIVER ANDY MARSCH STEEL TEAM GERRARD REIDY SECURITY CAMERON BECKER CATERER CEES DAZLER STEEL TEAM RANDY HOFFMAN TRUCK DRIVER ANDY MARSCH BLUE STEEL JASPER REUBENS STEEL TEAM LEE BEDFORD BUS DRIVER CEES DAZLER RED STEEL BRETT HOLLENBECK BUS DRIVER SIDNEY MARTIN TRUCK DRIVER JASPER REUBENS RED STEEL TOUR MANAGEMENT LEE BEDFORD BUS DRIVER MILITZA DELELLIS TRUCK DRIVER BRETT HOLLENBECK BUS DRIVER RAB (COLM) MCALLISTER SYSTEMS MGR FRANCISCO REYES POWER GUY OSEARY MANAGER GEORGE BERLINGERI TRUCK DRIVER MATT DELELLIS TRUCK DRIVER RON HOOPER BUS DRIVER JOEY MCCARTHY TRUCK DRIVER ANDREW RICHARDSON TRUCK DRIVER JESSE PETERS MAVERICK JAKE BERRY U2 PRODUCTION DIRECTOR MAARTEN DESCHACHT VIDEO CREW RON HOOPER BUS DRIVER LANCE MCKELVEY TRUCK DRIVER KATHRYN RIDDLE ROCK ‘N ROLL LAUNDRY SCOTT CASEY TOUR MGMT TOM BEVERNAGIE STEEL TEAM ALEXANDER DEW RIGGING TECH. RON HOOPER BUS DRIVER ALASTAIR MCMILLAN MON. ENGINEER/ REC. MARK RISK LIGHTING DIRECTOR BOB KOCH TOUR MGMT PATRICK BLASZKOWSKI CARP - BARRICADE BART DEWOLF STEEL TEAM AC HORTON TRUCK DRIVER LEWIS MCMILLIAN VIDEO CREW DANA RIVENBARK TRUCK DRIVER ARTHUR FOGEL LIVE NATION TICKETING PATRICIA BLOUNT TRUCK DRIVER BRADFORD DOWNS TRUCK DRIVER CHRIS HOURIE TRUCK DRIVER TOM MCPHERSON TRUCK DRIVER DAVE ROLLINGS TRUCK DRIVER FRANK BOEHME STEEL TEAM SHERRA DOWNS TRUCK DRIVER BEN HOWARTH TRUCK DRIVER JUSTIN MCQUOWN SECURITY JENS ROMER STEEL TEAM ENTOURAGE BRADLEY BOLT TRUCK DRIVER BLAINE DRACUP LIGHTING TECH. DOYLE HOWELL TRUCK DRIVER RICK MEADOWS TRUCK DRIVER LON ROSS BUS DRIVER ELIZABETH BENNETT WARDROBE FABIO BONAZZI CATERER DAVE DREITZBUS DRIVER RAYBOB HUNT TRUCK DRIVER CHLOE MELTON LIVE NATION CHARLIE ROURKE TRUCK DRIVER ALLISON BIGGS BONO ASSISTANT JON BOSS POWER CREW CHIEF/ STAGE DENNIS E. THIGPEN BUS DRIVER MICHAEL HURLEY CATERER CHUCK MELTON RIGGER - HEAD RIGGER TERRY RUCHOTZKE MERCHANDISE SHARON BLANKSON HEAD OF WARDROBE MANAGER CJ EIRIKSSON MONITOR ENGINEER MICHAEL HURLEY CATERER JOEL MERRILL SOUND CREW LES RUSSELL TRUCK DRIVER STEFAN DESMEDT DIRECTOR OF VIDEO JANOS BOTYANSZKI HIT SQUAD MIKE EMERY TRUCK DRIVER FREDDY HURTADO STEEL TEAM MIKE MEYER CARPENTER RENA RUTKOVSKY BAND CHEF ASSISTANT TONY DUNCAN SECURITY -LARRY MULLEN JÁNOS BOTYÁNSZKI CLIMBER DAVE ENSALL BUS DRIVER NOAH HYMAN CATERING SAMANTHA MEYER ONE/ (RED) FLORIAN SADRAWETZ STEEL TEAM LAURA EIDERLY US PUBLICITY DENNIS BREUCKELAERS STEEL TEAM DAVE ENSALL BUS DRIVER HUGUES IMSCHOOT STEEL TEAM MAURA MILLER TRUCK DRIVER FLORIAN SADRAWETZ BLUE STEEL GAVIN FRIDAY SHOW CONSULTANT DENNIS BREUCKELAERS RED STEEL GEORGE FALADE TRUCK DRIVER HUGUES IMSCHOOT BLUE STEEL HOWARD MOLL TRUCK DRIVER JAVIER SALDÑA VENUE SECURITY SETH FRIEDMAN MAVERICK OLE BRINKMAN STEEL TEAM JONAS FETS STEEL TEAM KAREN INGRAM TRUCK DRIVER ANTONIO MONTEIRO STEEL TEAM EMMA SAXBY RED ZONE COORDINATOR DAVE HANCOCK PHYSIOTHERAPIST OLE BRINKMAN RED STEEL JONAS FETS BLUE STEEL MAT IRELAND TRUCK DRIVER ANTONIO MONTEIRO RED STEEL DALLAS SCHOO GUITAR TECHNICIAN TIFFANY HILLIARD ARTHUR FOGEL ASST. AUSTIN BROWN STEEL TEAM ERICK FIELDS CARP ALEXANDRA JACKSON EURO MERCH TONY “MINION” MORGAN TRUCK DRIVER STEVE SCHROEDER TRUCK DRIVER NATASHA ISAACS ADAM CLAYTONS ASST. ROSS BROWN CATERING CIARAN FLAHERTY U2 TOUR DIR. JAMES JAQUES FURNITURE STUART MORGAN BASS TECHNICIAN BRANDON SCHUETTE SOUND CREW NATALIE KINSELLA MAKE UP JAKE BRUCKNER CATERING ANTON FLATT TRUCK DRIVER STEVE JENKINS CATERER ADAM MORGAN LIGHTING TECHNICIAN ROBERT SCHUITEMA STEEL TEAM LIAM MARTIN SECURITY NORA BULEN TRUCK DRIVER MATTHIAS FRENZEL STEEL TEAM STEVE JENKINS CATERER GARETH MORGAN LIGHTING TECHNICIAN ROBERT SCHUITEMA RED STEEL NIAMH MCCARTHY MAVERICK GARY BULEN TRUCK DRIVER MARK GANDY RED STEEL JORG JEROMIN STEEL TEAM BRENT MORRISON TRUCK DRIVER TORSTEN SCHWAMBERA STEEL TEAM KELLY MCNAMARA MAVERICK GARY “BUNFIELD“ TRUCK DRIVER JIM GEDNEY TRUCK DRIVER JORG JEROMIN RED STEEL WALLY MORROW BUS DRIVER MATTHEW SERGISON ACCOUNTANT JERRY MELTZER SECURITY - ADAM CLAYTON LUKE BUNYAN CATERER ERIC GEIGER VIDEO CREW DALE JEWETT LIGHTING TECH. WALLY MORROW BUS DRIVER IAN SHAFFER TRUCK DRIVER DARREN MURPHY SECURITY - THE EDGE MICHAEL BUTLER LIGHTING TECHNICIAN DALTON GERBER IT TECHNICIAN RONNIE JOHNSON BUS DRIVER ERIK MUHM STEEL TEAM MIKE SHANNON TRUCK DRIVER BRIAN MURPHY SECURITY - SECURITY BONO ANNE BUTT SOUND CREW PHOEBE GILPIN CATERER SCOTT JOHNSON TRUCK DRIVER ALEX MURPHY LIGHT DIR./ SHOW CALLER PAUL SHEA TRUCK DRIVER BRIDIN MURPHY -MITCHELL PUBLICIST NOAH CAMPEAU SCREEN TREATMENTS RAF GOETHUYS STEEL TEAM RONNIE JOHNSON BUS DRIVER JERRY MURRAY TRUCK DRIVER CHRIS SHONE THIRD COMPANY JOE O’HERLIHY DIRECTOR OF SOUND WIM CARENS STEEL TEAM BORJA GONZALEZ CARPENTER CRAIG JONES TRUCK DRIVER JACOB “HIGHTOWER” MURRINS STEEL TEAM TROY SHUGART STEEL TEAM SARAH O’HERLIHY TM ASSISTANT WIM CARENS BLUE STEEL JAMIE GOODEN VIP PARTY ASSISTANT JENNIFER JORDAN EFFECT BOB MYLNES TRUCK DRIVER THOMAS SIBER STEEL TEAM CYNTHIA OKNAIAN LIVE NATION TICKETING PAUL CARRINGTON CATERING CREW MARK GRADY STEEL TEAM EMILY KASMAN CATERING SHERRY NATIONS STEEL TEAM AARON SIEGLER PRO. COORD. EMMA PACTUS GROUP ASSISTANT CHIEF TIZIANO GRECHI EURO MERCH RICK KAWSKI TRUCK DRIVER TRACY NEFF SECURITY COORDINATOR ROGER SIMPSON TRUCK DRIVER JENNIFER QUINN WARDROBE RICHARD CARTER MERCHANDISE WAYNE GREEN BUS DRIVER CHUCK KENYON TRUCK DRIVER ROBERT NICHOL POWER JOE SIMPSON LIGHTING TECHNICIAN MISE SPAIN TOUR ADVANCE -TRAVEL ALEX CASE TRUCK DRIVER WAYNE GREEN BUS DRIVER BEN KEOR STEEL TEAM SCOTT NICHOLS SECURITY DIRECTOR DAVE SKAFF SOUND CREW ROSS STEWART VIDEOOGRAPHER WILFRIED CELEN STEEL TEAM WAYNE GREEN BUS DRIVER JANI KEREKGYARTO STEEL TEAM BART NYS STEEL TEAM ROBERT SLEPICKA HEAD RIGGER HAGEN STROH PHYSIOTHERAPIST WILFRIED CELEN BLUE STEEL WAYNE GREEN BUS DRIVER JANOS KEREKGYARTO BLUE STEEL JOHN O’BRIEN VIDEO CREW NIALL SLEVIN RF TECHNICIAN BRUNO VILLERS TRAINER CHRISTIAN CHAMBERLIN EFFECT IVAN GREENARD TRUCK DRIVER SIMON KING TRUCK DRIVER MANUEL OCHSLER STEEL TEAM REBECCA SLOAN AMBIANCE VIKKI WALKER GROUP ASSISTANT- LM KENNETH CLAIR VIDEO CREW PHIL GUILIANO LIVE NATION SA REP IAN KINNERSLEY STEEL TEAM MANUEL OCHSLER BLUE STEEL HAROLD SMITH TRUCK DRIVER WILLIE WILLIAMS DESIGNER GARY CLARK TRUCK DRIVER STEVE HADDIX TRUCK DRIVER IAN KINNERSLEY SITE COORDINATOR MICHAEL O’SULLIVAN CARPENTER KAREN SMITH TRUCK DRIVER MARTIN WROE WEBSITE CONSULTANTS DAVE CLARKETRUCK DRIVER JAMES HAIN TRUCK DRIVER MARK KIRK TRUCK DRIVER SAM O’SULLIVAN DRUM TECHNICIAN JOSH SMITH CARPENTER JOYA CLEVELAND SHOW ACCOUNTANT ROBERT HALE SITE COORDINATOR HELEN KNOX VIP PARTY MANAGER ALEXANDER OWENS CARPENTER RANDY STARKWEATHER TRUCK DRIVER DOUG CLICK STEEL TRUCK DRIVER JIM HAMILTON CATERING JORG KOEHLER STEEL TEAM SAM PAGE TRUCK DRIVER RICKY STEELE TRUCK DRIVER CREW DOUG CLICK TRUCK DRIVER MICHELINE HARBAUGH TRUCK DRIVER DAVID KREITZ BUS DRIVER DAVE PATCH TRUCK DRIVER MARY STEELE TRUCK DRIVER GARY ADAIR TRUCK DRIVER HARRY COBILL TRUCK DRIVER ROBERT HARBAUGH TRUCK DRIVER BJORN KUTPER STEEL TEAM DION PEARCE AUTOMATION BENNY STERCKX STEEL TEAM TONY “MINION” ALLARD TRUCK DRIVER “FAST” EDIE COGGINS TRUCK DRIVER JON HARDY LNGT PART TIME? MIKE LACROIX SOUND CREW TIM PEELING SOUND CREW BENNY STERCKX BLUE STEEL CHAD ALLEN CATERING FRED COLE TRUCK DRIVER PASCAL HARLAUT SOUND CREW ALISON LARKIN TOUR COORDINATOR TIM PEELING SOUND CREW DUNCAN STEWART BACKLINE TECH. URKO ARRUZA URRUTIA HIT SQUAD BLAINE CONKLIN TRUCK DRIVER BRIAN HARLOW BUS DRIVER DONALD LATOURETTE TRUCK DRIVER DAVE PERRY CATERING JAY STRASSER VIDEO CREW URKO ARRUZA URRUTIA LIGHTING PETER COOKE TRUCK DRIVER BRIAN HARLOW BUS DRIVER TERRY LAWLESS PRO-TOOLS & KEYBOARDS WYLDBILL PETERSON TRUCK DRIVER SEAN SUTHERLAND TRUCK DRIVER JAMES ASHMAN ARTIST HOSPITALITY SHARON COOPER TRUCK DRIVER JAKE HARRELSON RIGGING TECH. GARY LAYBOURN TRUCK DRIVER PAUL PIPE TRUCK DRIVER ALBERT SUTTON TRUCK DRIVER BRAD ATHY TRUCK DRIVER SCOTT COOPER TRUCK DRIVER GEORGE HARRIS BUS DRIVER SUE LAYBOURN TRUCK DRIVER CURTIS POOLER TRUCK DRIVER DIETER SZCZYPINSKI MERCHANDISE DEBBY ATHY TRUCK DRIVER SCOTT COOPER LEAD TRUCK DRIVER GEORGE HARRIS BUS DRIVER MATT LE ROUX LIGHTING TECHNICIAN ROY POULTON TRUCK DRIVER ATTILA SZERDAHELYI STEEL TEAM BRAD ATHY TRUCK DRIVER TOM COUSSENS BUS DRIVER TIM HARTMAN BAND CHEF STUART LEE LIGHTING TECHNICIAN SVEN PRAUSE STEEL TEAM ATTILA SZERDAHELYI BLUE STEEL DEBBY ATHY TRUCK DRIVER TOM COUSSENS BUS DRIVER TIM HARTMAN BAND CHEF SEAN LEITCH CATERER RHONDA PRINCLER TRUCK DRIVER MORGAN TAYLOR PROD. ASSISTANT BEN BAHNSEN TRUCK DRIVER DENNIS CRESPO POWER WAYNE HAVELIN TRUCK DRIVER KENNY LINGREN TRUCK DRIVER DRYL PYYKONEN BUS DRIVER DAN THIGPEN TRUCK DRIVER WILLIAM BARRETT TRUCK DRIVER RICHARD CROOKS TRUCK DRIVER STACEY HAWKES STEEL TEAM TOM LITTLE STEEL TRUCK DRIVER RICHARD RAINEY MONITOR ENGINEER DENNIS THIGPEN BUS DRIVER NICK BARTON LIGHTING CREW CHIEF DAVE CUSS TRUCK DRIVER STUART HEANEY VIDEO CREW CHIEF Tour Link Magazine 44 Tour Link Magazine 45 CONTINUED Finallysomeone cares about the Sound Guys MICHAEL THOMAS CATERER KEVIN THOMPSON TRUCK DRIVER KES THORNLEY VIDEO CREW MIKE TIERNEY SITE COORDINATOR ED TONEY BUS DRIVER ED TONEY BUS DRIVER JOHN TORREY TRUCK DRIVER JIM TOTEN VIDEO CREW FLORY TURNER HEAD CARPENTER HERMANN VAITL AUDIO JASON VALHUERDI MERCHANDISE ELMER VALLEJOS STEEL TEAM MARC VAN DIJCK STEEL TEAM MARC VAN DIJCK BLUE STEEL JOHAN VAN ESPEN STEEL TEAM JOHAN VAN ESPEN RED STEEL JAN VAN EYCK STEEL TEAM MARTIN VAN EYCK STEEL TEAM JAN VAN EYCK RED STEEL MARTIN VAN EYCK RED STEEL MAARTEN VAN KRUIJSDIJK BLUE STEEL MAARTEN VAN KRUIJSKIJK STEEL TEAM JAN VAN LIESHOUT RED STEEL JAN “VAN LIESHOUT“ STEEL TEAM HENDRIK VERDEYEN BLUE STEEL HENDRIK VERYDEYN STEEL TEAM MAURICIO SCHLOTTERHAUSEN VIDEO ANDRES VILLAROEL STEEL TEAM KEVIN VREELAND TRUCK DRIVER CALVIN WADE TRUCK DRIVER DAVID WAGNER BUS DRIVER CHRIS “TURTLE” WAGNER TRUCK DRIVER DAVID WAGNER BUS DRIVER JENNIE WAGSTAFF CATERER SIMON WAINMAN TRUCK DRIVER WILLIAM WALDRON STEEL TEAM STEVE WARD CARPENTER ANDRE WARNOCK POWER www.stealthchair.com ROBERT WATSON TRUCK DRIVER 800.417.4122 RHODA WATSON TRUCK DRIVER [email protected] JOHN WEAVER TRUCK DRIVER PAUL WEIR BUS DRIVER PAUL WEIR BUS DRIVER JUSTIN WELCH VIDEO CREW DREW WELKER VIDEO CREW CHRISTOPHER WIITALA EFFECT GEORGE WILSON JR TRUCK DRIVER NICO WITTOUCK STEEL TEAM KEV WOLDEN TRUCK DRIVER PATRICIA WOLFE TRUCK DRIVER JASON WRIGHT LIGHTING TECHNICIAN PAUL WURM STEEL TEAM PAUL WURM BLUE STEEL SUSANA YAMAMOTO COSTA CALDEIRA THIRDCO LISA YODER TRUCK DRIVER BRIAN YODER TRUCK DRIVER STEVE YOUNG TRUCK DRIVER DANYELE YOUNG TRUCK DRIVER Tour Link Magazine 46 Tour Link Magazine 47 SILVER AND GOLD Thirty years on, Stageco tours The Joshua Tree with U2

One of Ireland’s most successful exports since “I asked [Stufish Entertainment Architects set de- Arthur Guinness brewed his first pint, U2 have signer] Ric Lipson how high we trimmed the PA gone back into their past to inform their latest for the 360° tour and he confirmed it was 16m. stadium tour: a 30th anniversary celebration of We were guided by this and ended up taking a The Joshua Tree, the album that made them a couple of metres from the stage and trimmed at global phenomenon. And Stageco is delighted to 13m, and decided that if we could hang the PA continue its relationship with the band that has above the screen without a conventional tower, it consistently informed the evolution of modern would give everyone an unobstructed view of the concert design. stage. That was the big point of the exercise be- cause if it weren’t for the issue of sightlines, this Unthinkable as it may now seem, when U2 first could easily have gone another way. toured The Joshua Tree in 1987, as documented in the road movie ‘Rattle And Hum’, it was with- “Of course, my next conversation was with out any form of visual support. The band soon Stageco. I needed to know how far Clair’s PA made up for it with the eccentric video feast that [and some of the lighting fixtures] could be out- was the Zoo TV tour and by the time Stageco rigged on a downstage edge and the answer was came onboard for the staggering PopMart pro- nine metres. That was our starting point.” duction, 20 years ago, U2 had earned a repu- tation for pioneering a raft of new technologies The solution was to devise a cantilever system, every time they hit the road. engineered for Stageco by Tom Frederickx with Wim Dewolf creating the drawings in partnership That spirit of innovation shows no sign of di- with the U.S. office, where the tour began, while minishing with the current tour, a 51-date trek U2’s front of house sound engineer of nearly 40 through Europe, North America and Latin Ameri- years, Joe O’Herlihy was also consulted and Dirk ca that sees the band perform in front of what is De Decker led the project for Stageco. believed to be the highest resolution screen ever deployed on a concert tour. “The four 18m long cantilever devices above the screen are supported by a network of portal According to Jake Berry, who has steered U2’s structures that are anchored with ballast to en- productions for the last 17 years, the design was able the long reach,” said Hendrik Verdeyen, one inspired by the band’s performance at Dream- of the two Stageco crew chiefs – the other is Jo- fest last October for San Francisco industry giant han ‘Bellekes’ Van Espen. Salesforce, for which long-time creative director Willie Williams devised a 30.5m x 13m screen. THE SCREEN Apart from its sheer scale and resolution, what “We had PA hanging in front of it,” recalled Berry, distinguishes this screen above all others is the “and then at Desert Trip there was this massive format in which it arrives on-site. PRG’s Space- screen behind a bunch of black boxes, and it all frame seamlessly integrates the 8mm pixel pitch looked a bit disjointed. So when Willie decided LED panels to provide an ultra-lightweight, col- that he wanted to go 61m wide by 14m high with lapsible product that dramatically reduces truck the screen for this tour, we needed to find an- loads. other solution for the sound.

Tour Link Magazine 48 Tour Link Magazine 49 “It’s the first touring screen to be manufactured form The Joshua Tree album as a whole piece, from carbon fibre and we’ve got it first,” said against a backdrop of visuals mostly created by an excited Jake Berry, adding “and at great ex- Anton Corbijn.] pense we’ve had it painted gold, with the actual tree from the album painted in silver both on the SCHEDULE screen and on the header above.” Five systems were built by Stageco, each re- quiring 11 trailer loads of black steel and rigging Verdeyen commented: “We’ve provided some equipment while another five move the scaffold- rigging points for Tait for the header but our big- ing. Two of the systems toured North America for gest collaboration was with PRG because this the first leg that began on May 12th, and three screen requires a different approach. will be transported around Europe until the start of August with two steel teams of 14 splitting the “The Spaceframe makes the wind bracing quite duties between them. simple for us because, although the overall load remains the same, the Spaceframe requires “From a construction and logistical perspective, less in the way of rear supporting structure from this is much easier than the 360° tour but the Stageco. For previous screens, we had to pro- schedule is much more of a push with less mar- vide support everywhere and add a lot of hori- gin for delay,” said Verdeyen. “Our first site day zontal bracing. Now the Spaceframe takes care is focused on scaffolding, the sub deck and the of much of that and has fewer connections to our base out, and on the afternoon of day one we steel. start building with the black steel.

“What can you say about that screen?” he con- “On day two, we construct the same front of tinued. “It’s incredible and although it’s not the house risers used on the 360° tour, plus the three most complex we’ve ever worked with, it crucial- delay/spot towers and scaff platforms in the ly depends on accurate measuring, after which stands, and complete all the black steel work if it it’s pretty straightforward.” remains unfinished.” cess is good for load-in and load-out, it’s not This is also the first U2 stadium production too complicated even though it might look that since the sad passing of their architectural [A ‘shadow’ of the tree also extends out 23m on Jake Berry offered kudos. “The Stageco guys way.” muse, Mark Fisher. Berry offered his thoughts: a B-stage thrust from where the band starts the have got it very well sorted. If you have the right “What would Mark have thought about this? I show before moving to the main stage to per- people, enough cranes and field cover, and ac- THE SHOW think he would certainly have been very proud In the hands of another band, designing a 2017 of Ric Lipson and he would’ve liked it because show around a classic album from 30 years ago a lot of innovative stuff went on, not least flying might easily produce a result that’s as comfort- the PA the way we have and getting it past the able as one’s favourite armchair, but clearly this engineers. was not the intention. Far from it being a nos- talgia fest, this show – with its regular bursts of “It’s all good… the whole team have pulled off socio-political commentary – is as current as it yet another milestone.” gets.

The simple fact is, compared to 1987’s outing, this is a vastly improved iteration of The Joshua Tree: more explosive, more confident and with wider meaning. Add 30 years of design and en- gineering invention and prowess, and you have a show that not even the band and Willie would have dreamed up back in those mullet-infested days.

Tour Link Magazine 50 Tour Link Magazine 51 Festival Send your Festival News to [email protected] NEWS

Vans Warped Tour: All Things Must Come to an End Message from Kevin Lyman, Founder of the Vans Warped Tour “I have been a very lucky person to have traveled last 23 summers bringing that show to a city near across the country and sometimes around the world you. We have brought that show to over 11 million as one of the founders and producers of the Vans people around the world and watched that same Warped Tour. Today, with many mixed feelings, I am world change while doing so. here to announce that next year will be the final, full cross-country run of the Vans Warped Tour. I sit I have been proud to work with so many artists who here reflecting on the tour’s incredible history, what have grown to be some of the largest stars in the the final run means for our community, and look for- world. Countless bands have played in hot parking ward to what’s to come as we commemorate the lots and through summer storms for you at some tour’s historic 25th anniversary in 2019. point.

In 1995, I had already worked many years in the Bands like Quicksand, Sublime, L7, No Use for A music business, including spending four summers Name and No Doubt jumped on in the very first year. on the Lollapalooza tour, and I thought, ‘for one summer I would like go out and put on my own Touring many summers with my friends and peers show’ mixing music and action sports. With the like – Pennywise, Social Distortion, NOFX, Bad Re- support of so many people, I have now spent the ligion, The Descendents, Less Than Jake, Dropkick TBA Tour Link Magazine 52 Tour Link Magazine 53 Murphy’s, The Bouncing Souls, Rancid, Flogging I am so grateful to have worked with more than Molly, Anti-Flag and The Offspring are just some 1,700 bands over the last 23 summers. I wish I of my fondest memories. More include, having could thank every band that has played the tour. Blink-182 travel on my bus in 1997 when the world opened up to them and made them the superstars The Vans Warped Tour has become the commu- they are today. nity I had always hoped for. We have worked with over 90 non-profits each summer shining a light on The Vans Warped Tour was the platform to witness new and growing groups giving our community the the rise of pop punk with Sum 41, Simple Plan, resources they need to connect with people who MXPX, New Found Glory and Good Charlotte. can help them, but also encourages our commu- nity to help each other. To Write Love on Her Arms, The birth of Emo – with bands like Thrice, Thursday, Music Saves Lives, Feed The Children Now, Keep The Used, Taking Back Sunday, The Starting Line, a Breast, Hope For The Day, Canvas Foundation, Motion City Soundtrack and Jimmy Eat World. Living The Dream and A Voice for the Innocent have built their organizations from the Warped Tour park- Fast-forward to the summer in 2005 when TRL and ing lots across the country. This even inspired me to Warped Tour helped launch the careers of Fall Out start my own foundation Unite the United. Boy, My Chemical Romance and Avenged Seven- fold. The work we do each summer on “give back days” has become part of our DNA. My brain is etched I witnessed Warped alumni like The Black Eyed with the image of the church ladies after Katrina Peas, Katy Perry, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, No Doubt serving beans and rice to The Casualties with their and even Kid Rock play the Super Bowl. I’ve even upright mohawks, finding a common ground where “Since 2010, EmpireCLS is the only ground transportation company I turn to. I can’t take the chance of not having perfection on my side.” had the pleasure of seeing Green Day play the Rose no one was judging anyone. Then finding out the –Angie Warner, Tour Manager, Imagine Dragons Bowl. only working business in the county seemed to be

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Tour Link Magazine 54 Tour Link Magazine 55 Since its inception in 2004, the the moonshine still and the locals showing up with 2018 Vans Warped Tour UK Festival Awards has been a crate to share with the crew later that evening. presented by Journeys dedicated to recognizing and

The long hot days that ended around a BBQ with celebrating the collective ac- 6/21 Pomona, CA food, drink and more music are some of the best complishments of UK’s most times. Enjoying the days off, taking people jet 6/22 San Diego, CA beloved industry. boating, house boating, river rafting and some- 6/23 Mountain View, CA times even skydiving. I witnessed lifelong friend- 6/24 Ventura, CA Secret Garden Festival Found- ships being made, sparks of romance that led to 6/26 Phoenix, AZ er, Freddie Fellowes, received ‘Warped weddings,’ and unfortunately now, more 6/29 Las Vegas, NV notices of passings where a proper good bye was the award for Outstanding not able to be said. 6/30 Salt Lake City, UT Contribution to Festivals. WINNERS 7/01 Denver, CO I want to thank my supportive family who has 7/03 St/ Louis, MO been through the highs and lows, Darryl Eaton 7/05 Bonner Springs, KS Other winners at CAA, Steve Van Doren and Vans, Kate, Jul- ie, Allison and Steph. My hard ass working crew 7/06 Dallas, TX for 2017 were: who puts that show up and down each day, the 7/07 San Antonio, TX sponsors which without them this tour would not 7/08 Houston, TX Best Major Festival Best Overseas Festival happen, the bands and their crews, the promot- 7/10 Nashville, TN Latitude Festival Outlook Festival ers who took a risk on us at the beginning and 7/12 Virginia Beach, VA continue to be supportive. Best Medium-Sized Festival Best Festival for Emerging Talent 7/13 Camden, NJ End of the Road Dot to Dot Festival It will be bittersweet each morning when I see the 7/14 Holmdel, NJ sun rise and then watch it set knowing that this 7/15 Hartford, CT Best Small Festival Line-Up of the Year Lost Village Liverpool Music Week will be the last time I get to witness it from that 7/16 Pittsburgh, PA exact spot. 7/17 Toronto, ON Best New Festival Best Festival Production TRNSMT Festival Lost Village Though the tour and the world have changed 7/18 Cincinnati, OH since ’95, the same feeling of having the ‘best 7/19 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Best Metropolitan Festival summer ever’ will live on through the bands, 7/20 Detroit, MI Slam Dunk Festival Marketing Campaign of the Year Kendal Calling with Tour.Media the production teams, and the fans that come 7/21 Chicago, IL through at every stop. Best Family Festival 7/22 Minneapolis, MN Camp Bestival The Innovation Award The enduring spirit of the Vans Warped Tour re- 7/23 Milwaukee, WI The Loop mains as bright as ever, continuing to inspire cre- 7/24 Indianapolis, IN Best Non-Music Festival Bournemouth 7s Concession of the Year ativity and ambition in new and exciting ways as 7/25 Darien Center, NY Piecaramba! we prepare for a 25th anniversary celebration in 7/26 Scranton, PA Promoter of the Year 2019. SJM Concerts 7/27 Mansfield, MA Best Hospitality Barclaycard presents British Summer I truly look forward to seeing as many of you as 7/28 Wantagh, NY Agency of the Year Time Hyde Park possible during this final cross country run, and 7/29 Columbia, MD Coda Agency getting to thank you for your support on this wild 7/31 Charlotte, NC The Outstanding Contribution adventure. Until then, take care and be safe.” The Brand Activation Award to Festivals Award 8/01 Atlanta, GA The JägerHaus Freddie Fellowes – Kevin Lyman (Founder of the Vans Warped Tour) 8/03 Orlando, FL The Grass Roots Festival Award 8/04 Tampa, FL 2000trees 8/05 West Palm Beach, FL

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The annual Free Press Summer Festival will be reborn in 2018, with a new name and spring- time dates. Brought to you by a founder of FPSF and the founders of Austin City Limits Music Festival, In Bloom Music Festival will take place March 24-25 at downtown Houston’s Eleanor Tinsley Park. This 2-day festival will deliver more than 50 music performances on 4 stages right Why search all over to find vehicles for your tour in the heart of Texas. when one call to Enterprise can serve all your needs? With great cars and trucks at low rates, “As we enter the 10th anniversary of this incredible festival that our dedicated fans have made choosing Enterprise is the right call. their annual Houston tradition, we are excited to announce a new name and a new time of year, while returning to our incredible home, Eleanor Tinsley Park,” said founding partner and Houston n Single point of contact for ALL rental vehicles in the United States and Canada native, Jagi Katial. “We are always looking to improve the experience for the fans, and after the n More than 6,000 North American locations last few years of challenges with Mother Nature, moving our dates to the spring made sense.” n Delivery available n Consolidated billing In Bloom Music Festival is sponsored by Budweiser, and produced by Pegstar Concerts, Starr Hill Presents and C3 Presents. ©2015 Enterprise Rent-A-Car F03955 02/15

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