Mark Knopfler “Kill to get Crimson” Tour 2008

Ex-Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler is out on his “Kill to get Crimson” tour which plays European dates until late June when the North American tour kicks off.

Once again lighting design is by Simon Tutchener, who has worked with Knopfler on several tours in the past, and again Simon has turned to Martin Professional’s MAC series moving heads for use in his design. Bandit Lites is supplying crew and lighting equipment for the tour.

Simon created a clean look for the show, the focal point being a center stage 8 meter circular truss, a reflection of the vintage National Style 0 Resonator Guitar on which Knopfler starts the song, Romeo & Juliet. For two thirds of the show, it remains concealed from the audience but is eventually tipped vertically and revealed, adding a new dimension to the set.

Automated profile luminaires hang off the underside of the circle with MAC 2000 Washes rigged on top, which come into action when the circle moves into the vertical position. Simon beams them onto the screen producing a variety of subtly colored and textured patterns.

The circle truss is flanked by a 24 ft and 16 ft truss each side, plus a 56 ft rear truss. Here are rigged more MAC 2000 Washes along with more automated profiles with custom gobos.

Lighting Designer: Simon Tutchener
Crew Chief: Mike Humeniuk
Dimmer Technician: Ewan Cameron
Lighting Technician: Tom Crosbie
Production Manager: Pete Hillier
Tour Manager: Tim Hook