Maroon 5 Tour With MAC 550

LA-based lighting designer Jason Deboer specified 8 Martin MAC 550s for the European section of the Maroon 5 tour, which completely sold out as the band’s album and singles sales continue to rocket.

The 550s are the core of his rig and the basis of most scenes and looks. Four are rigged on the rear truss and four mounted upstage on vertical trussing sections. The rest of the rig otherwise comprises 60 PAR cans and 11 strings of ACL’s. Jason created plenty of bold, colorful classic rock ‘n’ roll style looks and ‘beam technology’ for the band’s all-action set.

He likes many features of the 550s, including their intensity and power, and the functionality of the animation wheel. “They’ve been really consistent and reliable as moving fixtures,” he says, “The color wheels have a nice selection of very rich shades and hues and there’s also a great selection of gobos.”

Jason was first turned on to Martin moving lights by fellow LD Joe Paradise (Incubus and others), and specifically introduced to the 550s by Noel Duncan at Martin US. “The service from Martin, Inc is phenomenal,” he says.

Jason joined Maroon 5 two months ago after originally lighting them as an opening act. The lighting design for the European tour went through many evolutionary stages, and one of its most important aspects was that it be adaptable – to fit the vast range of venues, from small clubs to arenas. Many of the venues were upgraded in size between the tour being booked and the shows actually taking place, as the band’s popularity took off. The original three London dates at Shepherd’s Bush Empire sold out so fast that three nights at Brixton Academy were added.

Jason has some input from Maroon 5’s lead vocalist/guitarist Adam Levine on lighting ideas. He says the band is great to work with, friendly and approachable, and they like bright colors, so there are plenty of amber and red looks in the show.

Although he currently uses another console, he is looking forward to trying out a Maxxyz. Neg Earth Lights of the UK, who recently invested in the MAC 550, which they purchased through AC Lighting, supplied lighting equipment on the European and UK sections of the tour. The tour goes to Australia later in November, and then around the US playing larger shows in February.