Mumford & Sons are on the road in support of their acclaimed “Wilder Mind’ third
studio album, currently in Europe playing a mix of own-show headliners and
festivals in picturesque locations.
LD Ed Warren specified 32 x Robe BMFL Spots and 10 x CycFX 8s which are being
supplied by Neg Earth in the UK and Europe and Solotech Canada for the North
American sections of the tour.
As the full rig can only be realised in a few locations in Europe, several variations
of the design have been developed to deliver as much show continuity as possible,
even when able to install only the minimum lighting elements.
It’s the first time that Ed has designed BMFL Spots into a touring rig – to which he is
adding his own touches of visual magic and invention. Eighteen BMFLs are spread
out across three U-shaped trusses which increase in size and also all move on a
Kinesys automation system. The fixtures are alternated with bars of 6 PARs in a
juxtaposition between classic and the very latest stage lighting technologies.
Ten BMFL Spots on the front truss are used for key lights, front stage washes and
audience illumination and five BMFL Spots on the upstage risers shoot into the
crowd and produce dramatic through-the-band shots.
The CycFX 8 is another first for Ed on this tour, picked after seeing them demo’d at
the Robe factory in the Czech Republic.
They are positioned in a line upstage to up-light the custom backdrop which was
made by Hangman, comprising ten 8 ft wide by 20 ft tall frames, fitted with 30
degree angled slats for a louvered look. These are made from a metallic cloth and
velcroed over onto the frame, adding a background presence and a 3D feel to the
stage space.
Ed has been using Robe products regularly in his work for the last 2 – 3 years and
was one of the LDs who first saw the prototype BMFL Spot at the 2014
Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
“They are great,’ he comments, “Fast, bright and do everything I need’. With many
of the shows outdoors and playing at least an hour in daylight, he wanted powerful
sources that could be seen throughout. The BMFL, specifically designed for arenas
and stadiums, is proving an excellent choice.
The lighting aesthetic for this tour is about creating large and dynamic rock “n’ roll
“moments’ with a modern edge, rather than about visible movement. Instead, it
concentrates on the subtleties and finesse of changing colours, silhouettes and the
nature of the sources.
Ed, known for his fresh and innovative approach, brings yet another twist to the
Mumford live look that he’s been crafting since 2009. He’s used Robe LEDWash 600s
on previous Mumford designs and these and Pointes on Metronomy.
