Music

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In December 2023, Adlib joined Ice Cube, an American rapper, actor, and filmmaker, on the UK & Ireland leg of his European “High Rollers” tour. The legendary N.W.A. rapper was joined by hip-hop groups Cypress Hill and D12, and together, they visited the most prominent UK & Ireland arenas. The tour totalled six shows for which Adlib’s expert team provided a complete 360-degree production solution, including audio, lighting, video, and rigging, ensuring an unforgettable experience for his fans.

The Adlib team was brought on board as the technical supplier for the tour by Alex Nash, Head of Production at TEG Live Europe, who had worked with the Liverpool-based company on previous tours, including Snoop Dogg’s last visit to the UK & Ireland in March 2023.

For the High Rollers tour, the Adlib team specified the L-Acoustics K Series Loudspeaker System, comprised of 24x K1 and 44x K2 loudspeakers and 36x KS28 subs, both flown and ground stacked. Additionally, 8x Kara II and 8x A15 Wide loudspeakers enhanced the audio experience. The system was powered by 46x L-Acoustics LA12x amplifiers, with System Tech Dave Cartwright deploying the K Series solution.

To complete the audio setup, the audio team also provided 2x DiGiCo SD12 96s Digital Mixing Consoles for both Front of House and Monitor mixing positions, assumed by FOH Engineer David Grimes and Monitor Engineer Laurie Binns, respectively. To ensure excellent stage monitoring, 14x Adlib MP5 wedges and L-Acoustics A15 Wide and KS28 side fills were strategically placed.

Adlib's lighting solution played a significant role in helping to create an immersive atmosphere for the Ice Cube tour. The team deployed a range of lighting fixtures, including 18x GLP JDC1s, 8x Khamsin-S Profiles, 24x Robe MegaPointes, 26x Martin MAC Aura PXLs, and 14x Chauvet Strike Array 2s. 6x Chauvet Strike 4 Blinders and Strobes were utilised to add to the dynamic visuals. The lighting setup was expertly controlled by Paul Abdullah, who used the grandMA3 full-size console, enabling precise synchronisation with the music and enhancing the overall visual experience.

The lighting team was completed with Ben Caunt, who was the overall Crew Chief and Lighting System Technician. Danny Burrows, Mark Macgregor, and Mark Hammill joined him on Lighting Technician duties.

To add a captivating visual dimension to the Ice Cube tour, Adlib supplied a 12 x 7m upstage LED wall built up of Roe Vanish8 product. The deployment of Megapixel’s Helios LED Processor ensured seamless video playback and flawless image quality. To provide live footage and for a more immersive experience, three Panasonic UC4000 Broadcast Camera Channels were deployed. Additionally, two 20" projected IMAG screens and Panasonic PT-RZ 21K Laser Projectors enhanced the visibility and engagement of the audience.

The team behind the seamless execution of the visual elements of the tour comprised of Video Director Nicholas Whitehead; Video LED Technicians Luke Pearce and Laura Holt; Camera Operator Stuart Hurst; Video Projectionist Charlie Rushton; and Video Racks Engineer Jude Butcher.

In conclusion, Jay Petch, Adlib’s Account Manager looking after the tour, said, “Our 360-degree technical provision for Ice Cube’s High Rollers tour showcased, once again, what a professional and seamless delivery of what cutting-edge audio, lighting, video, and rigging solutions can look like. With all three disciplines under one roof, the production benefitted from streamlined communication with one point of contact and a coordinated team on-site.”