With over 60 years in the music industry, Cliff Richard decided to mark his 80th birthday in a memorable way with a UK tour. Despite being slightly delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Great 80 Tour hit the road in October 2021 with Lighting Designer, Derek Jones powering visuals with Vista 3 by Chroma-Q lighting and media control system.
As a long time Vista user and supporter, Jones utilised both the Vista EX and Vista MV lighting and media control surfaces, to bring his lighting design to life.
“For me, portability is key. I travel around a lot, so to have my own console that can go with me in the car or on a plane is a real bonus,” Jones said. “The whole control system can fit into a Peli case and weighs under 30kg. Incredibly portable but not short on power! Vista is also quick to set up but more importantly, easy to use. It has plenty of features that out performs many of the competitors’ offerings.”
He added: “When I’m running a show, I want it to be an easy occasion. I don’t like to be moving around the console too much during the performance, why would you? I therefore make great use of Vista’s “snapshot” feature. Snapshots can provide everything I need for a particular song at the touch of a button. For example, button assignments, playback states and window layouts. Editing cues and working with very precise timings is also the easiest thing ever, utilising Vista’s “Timeline” and “live edit” features. Select your lights and tell Vista the creative stage look you would like to achieve. Powerful and simple!”
Above all, he said, he finds Vista to be very responsive. “It just works, no waiting!” he remarked. “The tracking backup set up is a good example of this – plug in the spare, click “sync show” and you’re done!”
The Vista by Chroma-Q control solution was supplied by A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET). The service from the Vista team is, in Jones’ opinion, was “the very best”. He concluded: “They are always on hand to answer both big and small queries and always respond quickly and efficiently. Jack, AC-ET’s Vista by Chroma-Q’s product manager, is a top man – polite, insightful and knowledgeable.”