The Tragically Hip Brings Retro and Modern Together with HARMAN Martin Professional MAC 101 Lighting Fixtures

AARHUS, Denmark - On The Tragically Hip’s latest tour, Lighting Designer Brent Clark
was effectively charged with creating two shows in one when the band decided to
break up their performance into multiple parts. The first and third sections would
feature new music while the middle of the show would be songs from their 1992 hit
record Fully Completely. Consequently, Clark deployed lighting fixtures by HARMAN’s
Martin Professional to create a look that was both modern and retro at the same
time.

Fully Completely was a hit in the 1990’s so Clark found inspiration in an old
digital clock and a classic PAR can look. He wanted to recreate a 90’s appearance in
a modern way and by using 134 MAC 101 fixtures, Clark was easily able to build his
PAR can look which proved to be impactful during the various parts of the show. To
produce a “show within a show,” the MAC 101 backdrop had to work in a way that would
bring the audience in during both parts of the performance. Clark also created a
complex trussing system with color forces that looked like a digital alarm clock.
The grid was on automated motors and when the band walked out, it spelled out their
name.

“I needed lights that are really punchy that would look good for the two different
sets,” said Clark. “The MAC 101s were great! When I brought down the video screens,
the lights then shot out between the panels and helped shrink the space. They
provided the right amount of attention to the stage when I needed it.”

A video presentation wall was also an important feature on the stage. Creating the
mechanism to move the video panels from overhead to a backdrop was one of the bigger
challenges for Clark. In the end, however, the panels offered an impactful
transition between the different parts of the show. Using the video enabled Clark to
transform the space so the audience really had a sense of the show within a show
feel. He also added scrim around the stage during the Fully Completely section to
create a box effect, making the space feel more intimate. Clark also used MAC Viper
Profiles around the stage because he liked their hard-edged beams. He felt they
helped immerse the audience in specific moments in the show.

This tour has been one of many Clark has designed for The Tragically Hip over the
years. Having the challenge of two shows in one coupled with the idea of bringing a
retro, yet modern feel to the stage was something that Clark and his team
successfully created. He attributes the tour’s success to his years of experience.

“I’ve been working with The Hip for the last ten to fifteen years,” said Clark.
“What makes this tour easier for all of us is that now we are older and wiser than
we used to be. Luckily, I had a great partner in Christie Lites to help me pull off
this vision. They have been great to work with and all the products they’ve provided
are stellar.”

Martin Equipment

· MAC 101, 134 pcs.

· MAC Viper Profile, 14 pcs.

For more information, please visit: www.martin.com

For more information on The Tragically Hip, please visit http://www.thehip.com/