As fans expectations for live performances grow, so do the elaborate stages and set pieces that bands are increasingly using in order to gain even the slightest of edges. While LED screens are the general go-to for bands, some - those with spare cash in the kitty - have been stepping out of that comfort zone, creating specific set designs and themes to go with the musical side of the performance.
When Parkway Drive started planning their recent 20th Anniversary Tour, the band came to the table with some wildly extravagant ideas. Ideas that if brought to life would be spectacular, but also ideas which would require more than the range of stage and lighting supplied by venues.
Put simply, Parkway Drive wanted to create - every night - an apocalyptic world inspired by dystopian and retro-futuristic themes. Of course, there was much more involved, but that was as good a starting point as any.
The band approached UK-based company Vision Factory, armed with a wish list that would require a great deal of planning and expertise, but one which Vision Factory quickly embraced, and thus the stage was set - quite literally.
By taking a bold new direction, Vision Factory transformed Parkway Drive's live shows into a dynamic, theatrical experience. Under the direction of show designer and founder of Vision Factory, Sam Tozer, the tour marked a shift from the traditional metal concert setup, instead focussing on an immersive physical performance that combined the band's music with powerful stage design theatrics.
The tour’s set design was deeply rooted in natural forces, incorporating the four elements - fire, wind, water, and earth - to create a dynamic storytelling arc throughout the show. At different points during the performance, the mammoth bridge catches fire, and rain hails onto the band. This elemental-driven approach transforms the performance into a visceral experience, enhancing the energy that Parkway Drive is known for whilst pushing the boundaries of what a live metal show can be.
In a rare look behind the curtain, HEAVY caught up with Tozer to find out just how the concept grew from an idea to reality.
We discussed the creative process behind Parkway Drive's unique live show concept, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the desire to create something different from the usual big screen backdrop. The show, which took six months to develop from initial ideas to completion, features a metal-framed scenic set piece designed to resemble a bridge. Sam also shared his reluctance to include screens in live shows, preferring to focus on lighting and the depth of the stage to create a dynamic performance. The band was heavily involved in the creative process, contributing ideas and ensuring alignment with Sam's aesthetic.
Sam also discussed the success of the recent tour, expressing his enjoyment and the positive feedback received. He highlighted the use of natural elements, such as fire, water, wind, and earth, to accentuate the music, and the challenges of incorporating these elements into a touring environment.
We discussed the complexities of producing a live show, particularly the lighting and stage setup for Parkway Drive. Sam explained that the show was a collaborative effort, with adjustments made daily based on feedback from the band. HEAVY asked about any last-minute adjustments, to which Sam responded that they had rehearsed extensively in a warehouse before the actual show, and plenty more.