Adele in Munich
Pushing Boundaries and Breaking Records with Solotech
Adele’s Munich residency was unlike anything the world had ever seen. With no template to follow and no direct comparisons to draw from, the production was driven purely by possibilities. The result was not only an unforgettable concert experience but also a technological feat that earned a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for the Largest Continuous Outdoor LED Screen (temporary).
A Record-Breaking Visual Spectacle
When Solotech was enlisted to provide the technical expertise for this monumental project, the goal was clear: deliver an unprecedented LED display that would redefine what live entertainment could be. Originally planned as a multi-year investment in LED screens, the timeline was drastically accelerated to just three months to meet the demands of the residency. Solotech managed to procure over 5,000 square meters of ROE Visual LED screens, overcoming global shipping challenges to bring this ambitious vision to life.
The result was the largest temporary outdoor LED screen ever deployed, stretching across the stage to create a seamless, immersive visual experience. The scale of this project was unprecedented, but what truly set it apart was the innovative thinking and engineering behind it.
Engineering Innovation to Meet Demands
To achieve the massive LED display, Solotech collaborated with key industry partners to develop the largest hanging bracket ever built, supporting approximately 250 tons of LED panels, lighting, and rigging. The intricate design of the screen required custom solutions to hide all rigging, ensuring that the LED display maintained a flawless, infinity-like appearance without any visible structural elements.
Precision was paramount. Solotech’s team worked from detailed 3D models, ensuring that every rigging point and weight calculation was accurate. The final build mirrored the digital designs with millimeter precision, allowing the screen components to fit together seamlessly without gaps.
A Collaborative Achievement
The success of this project was not just about technology; it was the result of close collaboration between Solotech and its partners, including ROE Visual, Brompton Technology, Disguise, Twenty Three and AV Stumpfl. Ian “Woody” Woodall, Solotech’s Director of Global Touring and Special Projects, emphasized the importance of this teamwork: “Our partnerships with manufacturers and across our global locations were crucial to pulling this off under such tight timelines.”
Paul ‘Macca’ McCauley from Solotech underscored the challenges they faced: “We had multiple evacuations due to extreme weather, yet the video wall stood strong. It’s a testament to the careful planning and the reliability of the system.” He also credited Solotech’s resident LED expert, Steve-O Grinceri, for ensuring the system’s integrity by overseeing production at ROE Visual’s headquarters in China.
Capturing Every Moment
In addition to building the main 18-meter-tall screen, Solotech provided two tiers of 2.4-meter curved CB5 LED screens, adding depth to the design. The visual effects were powered by 26 Brompton Technology Tessera SX40 processors and distributed through Tessera XD boxes, ensuring smooth and flawless operation across the 220-meter LED span.
To capture the performances, Solotech’s team, led by Alex Mulrenan, managed a camera setup equipped with 4K Grass Valley cameras, customized LUTs, and AV Stumpfl PIXERA FOUR media servers for real-time color grading. Additional equipment like spidercams and Agito dollies were used for dynamic shots, while long lenses positioned around the venue ensured no moment of Adele’s performance went unnoticed.
A Residency to Remember
Adele’s Munich residency wasn’t just a concert; it was a masterclass in combining artistry with cutting-edge technology. The event transformed the 80,000-capacity bespoke open-air arena at Messe München into an intimate setting, allowing fans to feel close to the performance no matter where they sat. The custom-designed venue, paired with Adele’s powerful vocals and heartfelt storytelling, made for an unforgettable experience.
The residency extended beyond music, with “Adele World” adding another layer of engagement. Visitors could explore themed attractions, including traditional English pubs and a Bavarian beer garden, enhancing the cultural experience of the event.
A Lasting Legacy
As the official video supplier for Adele’s residency, Solotech set a new benchmark for live entertainment technology. Mickey Curbishley, President of Solotech’s Live Productions Division (USA, UK), celebrated the team’s achievement: “Growing up, I remember being amazed by the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® book. To now be part of a world record through Solotech is staggering and something our entire global team can be proud of.”
The collaboration between Adele, her production team, and Solotech didn’t just break records; it redefined what is possible in live event production. The technological advancements made for this residency, combined with Adele’s creative vision, ensured that this event will be remembered as a groundbreaking moment in music and entertainment history.