Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft World Tour 2024 | Pangolin Laser Systems

Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour 2024

Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft World Tour 2024 was a thrilling blend of music, technology, and performance that captivated audiences across North America. The visual aspect of the tour played a crucial role in enhancing the emotional depth of her music. At the heart of this spectacle were the lasers, provided by Strictly FX and programmed by the one-and-only Tyler Barbone, whose collaboration helped bring the show to life in ways that left audiences in awe.

The Experts Behind the Lasers

Behind the spectacular laser effects on the Hit Me Hard and Soft tour were Strictly FX, a leading laser provider known for their special effects work on shows and tours like Coldplay, WWE on Netflix, and Childish Gambino. They were entrusted with delivering the laser technology needed for such a high-profile production. Their years of experience in the live entertainment space made them a great partner for this arena tour.

Tyler Barbone, the talented programmer responsible for the laser sequences, played a key role in turning the vision into reality. Barbone meticulously programmed each laser display to align with the mood and energy of Billie’s music, ensuring that the lasers not only dazzled visually but also resonated emotionally with the audience. His careful attention to timing and detail helped make the laser displays an integral part of the performance, enhancing the impact of every song.

Pangolin BEYOND and FB4: The Tools Behind the Laser Technology

A major factor in the success of the laser displays was the use of Pangolin BEYOND software and FB4 laser hardware, both of which are among the most advanced tools in the industry. These tools allowed Barbone to control the lasers with incredible precision, creating intricate effects that could be tailored to each song and performance.

Pangolin BEYOND is a powerful software platform used for programming laser shows, giving Barbone the flexibility to design complex effects that responded in real-time to Billie’s live performance. The software’s ability to synchronize the lasers with music, lighting, and video meant that every visual effect was in perfect harmony with the live show, creating a seamless experience for the audience.

The FB4 laser hardware, known for its high-performance capabilities, ensured that all 54 lasers were projected accurately and reliably across the stage and arena. This combination of BEYOND and FB4 allowed for smooth, controlled laser effects that were essential to achieving the immersive atmosphere of the tour.

A 360-Degree Laser Experience

One of the most innovative aspects of the Hit Me Hard and Soft tour was the 360-degree stage design, which placed the stage in the middle of the arena, giving a full 360 experience no matter where a fan was sitting. This immersive setup required careful planning to ensure that the laser effects were visible from every angle, and Barbone’s programming achieved just that.

With 54 lasers and over 200 laser zones programmed across the stage and arena, Barbone created a visual experience that surrounded the audience, making them feel as though they were part of the performance. The lasers moved around the space, forming dynamic patterns that could shift and change in real time, creating an environment where the audience was always immersed in the show, no matter where they were seated.

Synchronizing Music, Lasers, and Emotion

Throughout the tour, the lasers were carefully synchronized with Billie’s performance, enhancing the emotional depth of each song. Barbone used the BEYOND software to adjust the lasers in real time, ensuring they reflected the shifts in mood, tempo, and energy that defined Billie’s setlist.

The lasers weren’t just flashy visuals; they were designed to amplify the feelings and themes of Billie’s music. During powerful anthems, the lasers moved with energy and intensity, matching the music’s bold moments. For quieter, more introspective songs, the lasers softened, creating subtle yet stunning effects that added depth to the more intimate moments of the show.

This dynamic interaction between music and visuals helped to draw the audience into Billie’s world, where every song felt like a fully immersive journey.

Laser Light Show Technology

Check out Tyler Barbone's Work Online


Check out Strictly FX Online

Show Crew

Creative Direction: Billie Eilish, Tarik Mikou, Moment Factory
Management: Danny Rukasin, Brandon Goodman
Production Manager: Nicole Massey
Tour Manager: Jane Donald
Production Coordinators: Dick Massey, Elisa Gonzalez
Lighting Design: Human Person, Ben Dalgleisch, Kasper Iseger
LX Programmer: Roeland Schuijren
Lighting Director: @lxalyssa
Laser Programmer: Tyler Barbone
Stage Manager: Jayy Jutting
Head Carp: Jack Deterring
Head Rigger: Mattie Rynes
Automation Lead: Brian Benauer
Automation Ops.: Eamon Keane, Eann Potter
SFX Lead: John Lyons
SFX Progs.: Nathan Miller, Tiffany Watson
SFX Op.: Cosmin Barbuceanu
SFX Techs.: Xavion Johnson, Kyle Omar, John Arrowsmith
Vendors: Tait Towers, PRG North America, The LED Shed, Visavis Video, Upstaging Inc., Stricly FX

Photos by: Karel Chladek, Henry Hwu, Aidan Lyons

Twenty One Pilots’ The Clancy World Tour

Actualités

Enseignement

Powered by Pangolin