On May 17th, 2024, our team had the pleasure of providing the backline and crew for Richard Marx's performance at the Bath Forum in Bristol. This blog post aims to give you a behind-the-scenes look at our role in this exciting event, showcasing our expertise in backline support and crew management.
About Richard Marx
Richard Marx is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his hit singles such as "Right Here Waiting," "Hazard," and "Hold On to the Nights." With a career spanning over three decades, Marx has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and continues to captivate audiences with his timeless music and dynamic live performances.
The Bath Forum
The Bath Forum, located in the heart of Bristol, is a historic and iconic venue known for hosting a diverse range of events, from concerts and theater performances to conferences and community gatherings. With a seating capacity of 1,700, the Bath Forum offers an intimate yet grand setting that enhances the live music experience for both performers and audiences alike.
Collaborating with Kilimanjaro Live
For this particular gig, we worked closely with Kilimanjaro Live, a prominent event promoter, to supply the necessary backline equipment. Our collaboration ensured that Richard Marx and his band had everything they needed for a seamless and unforgettable performance.
Our Crew and Their Roles
Two of our skilled crew members were assigned to this event, including Ed, our in-house guitar technician. Ed's expertise was crucial in ensuring the guitars were perfectly tuned and ready to play throughout the gig.
Crew's Timeline and Responsibilities:
- 10:30 AM: Our crew arrived at the Bath Forum and began loading in the equipment. They set up the stage according to the provided stage plans and conducted thorough checks to ensure all equipment was functioning correctly.
- Band Arrival: Upon the band's arrival, our crew introduced themselves and familiarized the band with the equipment. They also addressed any issues with the band's touring gear, which had suffered some wear and tear during travel.
- Gig Start - 6:30 PM: As the concert commenced, our crew remained on standby at the side of the stage, ready to assist with any immediate needs. Ed diligently adjusted and maintained the guitars during the performance to ensure they were always in optimal condition.
- Post-Gig Pack Down - 11:00 PM: After the performance, our team efficiently packed down the stage. They prioritized the artist's equipment to prevent any mix-ups with the gear hired for the start of Richard Marx's UK tour. The equipment was then transported back to our headquarters.
Equipment Used
For Richard Marx's performance, we supplied a range of high-quality equipment to meet the band's specifications. Here’s a list of the gear provided:
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Guitars and Amplifiers:
- Fender Twin 65 x 2
- Electric and acoustic guitars with spare strings
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Piano:
- Yamaha CP300 piano with a Dutchgrand piano shell
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Bass Gear:
- Aguilar Tone Hammer bass head with matching cabinets
- Fender Jazz bass and strings
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Drums:
- Ludwig 400 snare drum with Remo Ambassador heads and Powerstroke 3 for the bass drum
- Complete drum hardware, including a Roc-n-Soc drum throne and Zildjian K Dark cymbals
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Additional Equipment:
- Mackie mixer for the drummer
- Drum sticks, guitar stands, and carpet
Visual Highlights
We captured some memorable moments from the gig, including the setup process, the performance, and the behind-the-scenes action. Be sure to check out the photos and videos to get an inside look at our work and the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
Conclusion
Providing backline and crew for Richard Marx at the Bath Forum was an exciting and rewarding experience. Our team's dedication and expertise ensured that the event ran smoothly, allowing the artist and his band to deliver an exceptional performance. We take pride in our work and look forward to the rest of the gigs this year.
If you're interested in our backline services or want to learn more about what we do, feel free to contact us. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories from our upcoming gigs!
