Lighting designer, Derek Jones delivers beautiful looks with Vista 3 by Chroma-Q® lighting & media control for British music icon, Sir Cliff Richard’s The Great 80 Tour.
With over 60 years in the music industry, Cliff Richard decided to mark his 80th birthday in a memorable way, with a UK tour. Despite being slightly delayed due to Covid, The Great 80 Tour went ahead in October 2021, delighting fans around the country.
Having provided the lighting for Cliff Richard on a number of previous occasions, Derek knew that Cliff loves a big light show, whilst at the same time wanting the ability to create an intimate stage, when the song requires. A big clean, bright and adaptable lighting rig is what was required to achieve this.
Derek, a long time Vista user and supporter, utilised both the Vista EX and Vista MV lighting and media control surfaces, to bring his lighting design to life.
Speaking about why Vista 3 is his go-to for lighting control, Derek commented;
For me portability is key. I travel around a lot, so to have my own console that can go with me in the car or on a plane is a real bonus. The whole control system can fit into a Peli case and weighs under 30kg. Incredibly portable but not short on power! Vista is also quick to set up but more importantly, easy to use. It has plenty of features that out performs many of the competitors’ offerings.
Derek continues;
When I’m running a show, I want it to be an easy occasion. I don’t like to be moving around the console too much during the performance, why would you? I therefore make great use of Vista’s “snapshot” feature. Snapshots can provide everything I need for a particular song at the touch of a button. For example, button assignments, playback states and window layouts.
Editing cues and working with very precise timings is also the easiest thing ever, utilising Vista’s “Timeline” and “live edit” features. Select your lights and tell Vista the creative stage look you would like to achieve. Powerful and simple!
Finally, I find Vista to be very responsive. It just works, no waiting! The tracking backup set up is a good example of this – plug in the spare, click “sync show” and you’re done!
The Vista by Chroma-Q control solution was supplied by leading entertainment technology provider and Vista by Chroma-Q’s exclusive UK distributor, A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET).
The service from the Vista team is, in my opinion, “The very best”! They are always on hand to answer both big and small queries and always respond quickly and efficiently. Jack, AC-ET’s Vista by Chroma-Q’s product manager, is a top man – polite, insightful and knowledgeable.
concluded Derek.
Image credits: Hayley Jones (1-4) and Sarah James (5)
