Jands Vista tours Europe with Yusuf Islam

1 July 2011

Europe - Lighting designer Derek Jones recently finished the European leg of the current Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens) world tour, finding it a good opportunity to try out the new Jands Vista v2 software running on his own Vista S3 lighting console.

Jones invested in his Vista S3 desk for a Cliff Richard & The Shadows tour about 18 months ago and it hasn't stopped working since.

"Vista v2 has definitely taken the platform to another level," says Jones, who is impressed with the new software's power and simplicity. He added, "v2 makes it even faster to get a basic show up and running. It's so quick to create your cues, yet allows you the power to control the details."

The tour rig featured Martin Professional MAC 700 Profile moving lights in the roof and MAC 2K and 250 Washes on the floor. A Catalyst media server was also triggered from the Vista S3, which fed content to a 60ft wide by 30 high projection surface upstage. The original show design was by Marc Brickman.

Equipment for the European leg of the tour was supplied by UK rental company, Lite Alternative.

Jands Europe's Neil Vann adds, "Derek's shows always look fantastic, and this tour is no exception. We are proud to be able to give him a way to help realise both his and his clients' creative ideas."

(Jim Evans)