Mathias Kuhn Counts on Bandit Lites for Creed's Summer of 99 Tour

	"I really like the middle part of the show a lot, where the band is playing some deep cuts, and I go a lot more moody and dynamic in the lightshow," says Kuhn. Photo: Chuck Brueckmann

It is one of the most anticipated reunions of music history: Creed is back on tour for the first time since 2012. The multi-platinum, Grammy- and American Music Award-winning rock band embarked on a 40-show tour that boasted sold out performance after sold out performance while their Greatest Hits returned to four Billboard charts. Lighting designer Mathias Kuhn worked with Bandit Lites to supply a lighting system worthy of the epic, soul-lifting sound that has inspired and elevated fans for decades.

Following their formation in 1994, Creed dominated the charts with their post-grunge sound, featured on songs like "My Own Prison," "Higher," and "With Arms Wide Open." The band's lineup includes lead vocalist Scott Stapp, guitarist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips.

Having previously worked with members of the band and management on Alter Bridge, Kuhn was trusted to deliver a design that centered around the direction: a big circle with lights. And while the truss appears to hover over the band, two dozen Bandit Lites supplied Tyler Ladder Towers act like a drapery of lights between video screens.

"Mathias and I began working on this tour in October of 2023," says Bandit Lites client representative Mark Scherer. "His goal was to pick fixtures that would provide the punch and beams that were desired, ultimately landing on Robe Mega Pointe and Claypaky Mythos 2."

In addition to the massive circular truss and two dozen Tyler Ladder Towers, Bandit supplied more than 250 lighting fixtures including Chauvet Strike M, Chauvet R2X Wash, CHAUVET STRIKE Array 2, Claypaky Midi-B FX, Claypaky Mythos 2, Elation Paladin Panel, ACME Gemini, Robe BMFL FS, Robe BMFL Spots, Robe Mega Pointes, Robe Footsie 2, as well as Robe Robospot system and a Chamsys MagicQ MQ500 Stadium Console for control.

Bandit did not simply stop at supplying the gear, but also implemented an efficient system that knocked the count of 20+ fixture cases down to a mere five Bandit FlexRax to carry all the lights for the circle trusses. Additionally, the Tyler Lader System each loaded with two Claypaky Mythos and two CHAUVET STRIKE Array 2 two light blinders remained hung on the ladder, allowing them to simply roll in and out of the truck: no case needed.

"I always start by thinking about what I need on what position of the rig," says Kuhn. "For example, on the floor and on the ladders, I need a beam fixture, that can also do big gobos and all that with a relatively small head. For the other flown spots, I need punchy sharp beams and big gobos."

And while new, flashier fixtures can do the above, Kuhn relied on some older workhorses, saying, "I get what I need for my show, and I can get more lights within my budget."

Not to say the rig doesn't have the latest lighting, as Kuhn strategically placed newer fixtures such as the ACME Gemini around the smaller halo, or the Claypaky Midi-B FX on the ground for eye-candy lamps.

"I put a lot of thoughts into what fixture on what position to get the band the bang for the buck," he says. "The Midi-B FX are amazingly beautiful, especially in photos or on the I-Mag. The Footsies help me a lot too on the I-Mag and pictures; they light up the band perfectly together with the Robospot Follows."

Those in attendance can count on Creed to perform hit after hit, including several off Human Clay (which just celebrated its 25 year anniversary with a re-release), as well as songs from both My Own Prison and Weather.

"I programmed pretty solid big rock show looks for the first and the last songs, as these are the big hits," says Kuhn, "but I really like the middle part of the show a lot, where the band is playing some deep cuts, and I go a lot more moody and dynamic in the lightshow."

Kuhn has worked with Bandit Lites on a variety of tours, and this experience he shared as "Awesome, as always. I really like to work with Mark on making my ideas come to life. With Bandit, the gear is always excellent prepped, and the crews are the best you can get."

"Working with Mathais is always a joy, bringing a creative and unique design to each of the tours we have worked on together as well as working side by side with us to pick out fixtures and produce an impressive and beautiful design," says Scherer. "His use of fixtures, especially on this tour, really complements the music as well as the other production elements while still having moments the lighting takes over as the predominate visual. We are happy to play a small part in such a monumental reunion tour!"

Creed's tour will continue well into 2024, with more tour dates being added frequently. For more information about upcoming tour dates and tickets, visit www.creed.com.