In celebration of the 30th anniversary of her groundbreaking album, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, Sarah McLachlan embarked on a breathtaking North American tour earlier this year. Known for her soulful voice and poignant lyrics, McLachlan performed at some of the continent’s most iconic venues, including the Hollywood Bowl, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and Radio City Music Hall.

The tour honored her early career milestones, the album’s role in propelling her to international stardom, and was a testament to her enduring artistry.

To bring McLachlan’s dynamic performances to life, Solotech provided cutting-edge audio and video solutions. The tour featured a robust sound system and seamlessly integrated visuals, ensuring an immersive experience for audiences across North America. The diverse range of venues presented unique challenges, but Solotech’s expert team delivered consistent results night after night.

Lee Moro, Senior Vice President at Solotech US Live Productions, reflected on the collaboration with McLachlan’s tour director and FOH engineer, Dan Cleland. “Dan told me, ‘Get me a good system; I love L-Acoustics.’ And he said, ‘Get me a good console; I like DiGiCo.’ He gave me the ability to send something out that I thought was appropriate, because he values my judgment, and I value his. It’s great to have that kind of mutual respect and trust.”

Moro also highlighted the unique challenges of McLachlan’s performances. “She goes from a whisper to a scream and is every bit as massive and as whispery quiet as you can imagine. It’s a very tough gig as an audio engineer, but also one of the easiest gigs, because she’s so good,” he shared.

The success of a tour like Fumbling Towards Ecstasy is a testament to the skill and dedication of the production’s crew. From audio engineers to technical teams, every member of the team played an essential role in ensuring the vision came to life seamlessly. Their ability to adapt to a wide variety of venues, tight schedules, and dynamic performance demands reflects their deep experience and ultimate professionalism.

With every detail managed meticulously, Solotech’s team collaborated to ensure McLachlan could focus solely on her performance, confident that the technical aspects would support her artistry. This behind-the-scenes expertise allowed her music to resonate with fans, no matter the venue’s size or complexity.

McLachlan’s dedication extends beyond music, with her charitable efforts making a profound impact through the Sarah McLachlan Foundation and the Sarah McLachlan School of Music. The foundation provides free music education to underserved youth, fostering creativity and confidence through accessible programs. During her Fumbling Towards Ecstasy tour, McLachlan continued her advocacy by raising awareness for the school and encouraging fans to support its mission, blending her artistry with her commitment to creating opportunities for future generations.

The trust and collaboration between the tour’s production team and Solotech’s specialists brought McLachlan’s artistry to life for fans across North America. Reflecting on the partnership, Moro remarked, “This tour checked all the boxes—superior sound quality, versatile coverage for different venues, and reduced environmental impact. It was a privilege to work with Sarah and her team to create an unforgettable experience for audiences everywhere.”

Solotech takes pride in supporting artists and their teams, working behind the scenes with expertise and dedication to enable unforgettable performances. We are honored to have supported Sarah McLachlan’s Fumbling Towards Ecstasy 30th-anniversary tour and to stand alongside the talented individuals who make live performances possible. Together, we celebrate the music, the moments, and the incredible people who bring it all to life.

Equipment

• L-Acoustics PA system: L2 mains, L2 side arrays, KS28 subs and ARCS II and KARA II fill speakers
• FOH console: Digico SD7Q
• Monitor console: Digico SD7Q
• Shure PSM1000 for wireless in-ear monitors
• L-Acoustics P1 processors
• 512 x SACO S12 Video Tile
• 2x Disguise VX4 Server
• 4 x Barco UDX 4K32 Imag