As the amphitheater lights dimmed and the first notes echoed through the night, Third Eye Blind‘s North American tour unfolded as a stunning visual spectacle. Known for their energetic live performances, this iconic band elevated their shows with a sophisticated lighting design that captivated audiences and enhanced the concert experience.

At the heart of this visual extravaganza was production designer Chris Denholm, whose vision drove the entire lighting scheme. Working alongside lighting programmer Clay Joiner and lighting director Grey Nicholson, Denholm led a talented team dedicated to bringing the show’s dynamic light sequences to life. Their collaboration resulted in a fluid and engaging visual narrative that perfectly complemented the band’s music, drawing fans deeper into the performance.

Chris Denholm emphasized the importance of trust and preparation, stating, “With this tour in particular, the pre-production schedule was very tight. With only a few days in a shed that is outdoors, it cuts your programming time in half. Knowing that we had a tight timeline to pull off an intricately programmed manual show meant that we needed a vendor we could trust to come into rehearsals across the country loading in show-ready on day one. Solotech gave our creative team the confidence that all the technical and logistical problems were sorted out before we built it for the first time so that the creative team could get to work as soon as possible.”

Central to the tour’s lighting design was the Grand Ma 3 hardware and software system. This state-of-the-art technology was crucial for executing the more than 2,000 lighting cues meticulously programmed for the tour. Operating without time code, the team relied on real-time control and intuition to create a show that evolved organically with the music.

Clay Joiner highlighted the Grand Ma 3 system’s capabilities: “The console layout and the software’s backbone allowed us to take the show farther than ever before.” By blending advanced digital tools with an analog approach, the team maintained a hands-on and responsive touch, ensuring each performance was uniquely tailored to the music’s emotional cadence.

One of the key challenges in this production was fixture placement and ensuring a fully prepped rig that met the camp’s specific requirements. Solotech addressed this by fully integrating all equipment during the pre-production period, allowing for a show-ready setup by deployment. Using its in-house rigging grid, which handles up to 70,000 lbs., Solotech effectively managed and organized the setup, ensuring it was ready to meet the tight timeline.

Additionally, Solotech’s in-house Viz suite, located in Nashville, played a critical role in verifying fixture placement and making real-time programming adjustments. Equipped with Depence software and an advanced computer rig, the Viz suite enabled the design team to push the boundaries of their programming capabilities. This ensured that the visual output developed in the suite translated accurately to what the audience would experience during the live performance.

For this tour, Solotech provided a comprehensive 360-degree solution, handling every critical aspect of the production—from audio, lighting, rigging, and automation. This approach ensured that all technical elements worked seamlessly together, allowing the creative team to focus fully on the show’s artistic execution. Solotech’s advanced audio systems delivered crystal-clear sound, while sophisticated lighting design enhanced the visual storytelling. Their rigging expertise ensured safe and precise installations, and automation allowed for smooth, dynamic transitions throughout the performance. By consolidating these services under one provider, Solotech ensured that every part of the production worked in harmony, streamlining logistics and maximizing efficiency.

Steve Flatt, Solotech’s Project Manager, Audio, reflected on the success of the tour: “The Third Eye Blind project was a great success due to the effective planning and preparations our team made. It was a real pleasure working with James Shaw, their FOH (Front of House) audio mixer. He had a very clear vision of what he needed to deliver a quality show. Together we worked out the small details, which led to their ultimately successful tour.”

A particularly noteworthy solution implemented by Solotech was the robust lighting network built for this project. Utilizing Luminex network components and advanced technical design principles, Solotech created an ultra-reliable network infrastructure that allowed the creative team to operate without limitations during the programming phase. This robust network ensured the design team had the necessary tools to execute their vision without compromise, making the entire production process more efficient and reliable.

Programming such a complex and responsive lighting design was no small feat. Joiner worked closely with Chris Denholm and the band’s lead singer, Stephan Jenkins, to synchronize every cue with the music. This meticulous attention to detail ensured that each song featured a unique lighting scheme, enhancing the overall impact of the performance.

Grey Nicholson, the lighting director, played a pivotal role in this dynamic. Known for his skill and musicality, Nicholson had a unique ability to translate the band’s live energy into a captivating visual display. Joiner remarked, “Grey’s ability to interpret the music and energy brought something special to the show, making each performance a truly immersive experience.”

The success of a production like Third Eye Blind’s tour depended on a wide range of technical skills and deep expertise across multiple disciplines. From sound engineering to lighting design, and rigging, the team was proficient in managing and executing each element to ensure the show ran smoothly. Project management was equally crucial, as it involved coordinating complex logistics, meeting tight deadlines, and ensuring that equipment was transported, installed, and operated correctly at every venue. By entrusting all these functions to Solotech, the production benefited from enhanced communication and constructive collaboration, allowing the technical and creative teams to work seamlessly together. This unified approach ensured that all elements—from sound to visuals—aligned perfectly, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for the audience.

As Third Eye Blind continued their tour across North America, audiences were treated to an unforgettable experience that transcended the music alone. The seamless integration of lighting and sound created a multisensory journey, drawing fans deeper into the performance. The dedication and expertise of Denholm, Joiner, Nicholson, and their team ensured that each night was a celebration of both artistic and technical excellence.
Through this innovative approach, Third Eye Blind’s tour not only highlighted their timeless hits but also showcased the innovative lighting design that enhanced the audience’s connection to the music. As the tour progressed, fans were mesmerized, leaving the shows enchanted and yearning for more.