No German band can be compared to the Scorpions in terms of history, success and
international popularity. The group was originally called “Nameless” and was
formed in Sarstedt, in 1965, by guitarist Rudolf Schenker and drummer Wolfgang
Dziony. The same year they adopted the name they became famous with:
“Scorpions’. During the decades that followed, the band made history: 18 albums,
an almost infinite list of awards and innumerable tours, which have taken the
Scorpions all over the world. Today the group has embarked upon its latest world
tour.

Roland Beckerle is the tour production manager and Olaf Schroter, the production
director. Both are responsible for organizing the tour. They asked Gunter Jackle to
design the show’s set and Rainer Becker to design the lighting. Manfred Nikitser,
associated lighting designer and director, completes the team.

Nikitser chose GrandMA2 equipment, more precisely two grandMA2 full-size desks,
one grandMA2 light, 2 MA VPU plus MK2 video processing units, 2 MA NPU network
processing units and 2 MA network switches. The lights used consist of 36 Clay Paky
A.leda B-EYE K20s, 8 Sharpy Wash 330s, 10 Mythos units and 20 Stormy CCs.

Nikitser said: “The stage design draws inspiration essentially from the classic rock
and roll mix with spotlights, wash lights, strobes and visuals, without forgetting
beam lights and effects. At first glance the video element dominates the set. In my
opinion, merging videos with lights is extremely important in the look of a stage.
The design consists of a big led back screen, a set screen, and two IMAG screens.
The set is completed with four crossbars and ladders at the sides to close it, but
also to make sure that TV cameras, wherever they may be placed, have enough
background.’

“The ‘corrugated’ arrangement of the crossbars gives both depth to the stage and
looks better to the TV cameras,” said Nikitser. “The live video can be moved around
thanks to the large number of screens, which make the show even more dynamic to
watch. The live cameras are not left unused. Thanks to the effects and masking,
they are always integrated into the set, so that everything works harmoniously.’

“One special element is undoubtedly the flying platform with drum kit, with the
Sharpy Wash lights placed underneath,” Nikitser added. “It was natural to choose
Sharpy Wash lights: there is no comparable light with the same features:
compactness, high output and speed.’

PRG Nocturne provided all the equipment. MANIK Show Lighting/Manfred Nikitser
managed the lighting desks and MA VPUs. The visual content was dealt with by
Hans-Otto Richter and Manfred Nikitser.