RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
Lead singer Anthony Kiedis using the Audix OM7.
then plug that information through a Shure Workbench.” For microphones, an Audix OM7 was once again the go-to choice for lead vocals. However for this tour there was a substitution for Josh Klinghoffer adopting the Electro-Voice ND96. “We had been looking for something with a slightly different proximity effect that suited his style of singing into a microphone. The Electro-Voice model has been working out really well,” stated Vanderwall. STAGING AND POWER Looking after the TAIT staging elements were carpenters Scott ‘Yogi’ Badeau and Joshua Perree. For the run the staging specialist provided a fairly standard kit for the group including a 40x60 rolling stage with band risers and stage left and stage right with Mojo Barriers providing barricades. Yogi went on to describe the make up of the set: “The stage is really quite low especially for an arena show of this size. This preference of size has come straight from the band who like to be as close to the audience as possible. This also effects the barrier location which allows the audience to be much closer then your standard set up.” Perree went on to talk through the carpenters’ day-to-day responsibilites: “In terms of touring carpenters there is just myself and Yogi. Then for stage hand we bring in five for load in and 10 for load out.”
Providing power solutions for the European tour was The Power Shop. The company’s Managing Director, Jan De Meyer, commented on its involvement: “We have worked with the Peppers since 2011 and it’s always a great pleasure to work with them and collaborate with Narci and his team. They are one of those bands that always come up with an exciting new show - the effect of the Nano grid in their new show design is definitely awesome.” For the production, The Power Shop provided a package of transformers, distro and cabling to ensure that all North American equipment was powered efficiently with the European grid. De Meyer continued: “One of our electricians, Tom Delbaere, joined the team on the road, “I really care about my guys and became known as ‘Power Tom’. Every day he made sure that everything was connected out here. Even though on a tour safely and according European regulations.”
we are split into very defined departments, I try and create a lot of unity between each division. For example, everyone on this tour helps with load out and that includes everyone in the production office.”
Narciso Martinez, Production Manager 32
AROUND THE WORLD Handling all freighting needs for the production was Xpeditious Unlimited. Martinez commented: “I have worked with Xpeditious’ Paul Stacy several times. During the tail end of the last cycle I brought him into the production to help us complete the leg. I really like the way he does business. He is incredibly transparent which means I am assured we are getting the best deal.” For the start of the European tour