MOTOR Stage Automation enhances Sabaton’s newest tour
Sabaton and their extensive touring team have made a grand entrance into the European arena landscape with a stage setup that complements the Swedish power metal band’s reputation for spectacular live performances steeped in history. Their latest tour design includes a towering castle, a backing orchestra, an automated drawbridge with integrated lighting and smoke effects, a drum riser that rises and descends surrounded by inflatable hands, and fire-breathing dragons – an ambitious concept that demanded equally ambitious engineering.
A year ago, MOTOR Stage Automation, headquartered in Denmark, entered into a partnership with Sabaton by flying a tank set piece during the band’s performance at the Sweden Rock Festival in front of a massive crowd of 60,000 fans. Drummer Hannes Van Dahl even performed inside the tank. Jimmy Johnson, the Automation Project Manager for The Legendary Tour and Technical Sales at MOTOR Stage Automation, reminisced about the odd request but emphasized that they delivered a solution that exceeded expectations.
Johan Bengs, the Production Manager, prioritized a system that was swift, safe, and effective, not just to meet the demands of the tight schedule but also to ensure the crew had enough rest during the grueling tour. Additionally, the band’s penchant for engaging with their fans necessitated a stage setup that allowed for physical connection. Utilizing automation solutions and seamlessly integrating them into the performance became the ideal strategy to achieve this, according to Jimmy.
At the heart of the setup was MOTOR Stage’s M:CAT automated catwalk, which became a standout feature of the tour. Collaborative efforts during the early planning stages involved MOTOR Stage presenting Vectorworks drawings and product catalogs to the band and their creative team, including bassist and band manager Pär Sundström and Lighting Designer Bertil Mark. The primary goal was to bring to life their vision of the castle, inflatable hands, and the drawbridge while maintaining the necessary safety standards for an automated system.
After initial groundwork at MOTOR Stage HQ in Horsens, Denmark, production rehearsals proceeded for two weeks at BBM Clair in Berlin. The design was influenced by available resources, including a 70m cable limit for floor-based drive racks, which imposed strict guidelines for the positioning of the B-stage and its connection to the main stage to accommodate the songs meant for the large-scale show. Safety oversight was provided by Blumano Associates, who were enlisted as specialized consultants to address engineering and work-at-height concerns.
Key safety measures were put in place for the drum riser, ensuring that Hannes was secured in a harness with eight RCF Light Locks to prevent any movement while he performed. Lighting integration within the MLT4 system was handled by MOTOR Stage’s subsidiary, Vigsø, with wiring completed by PRG as part of the master rig. The truss and catwalk were pre-rigged and fully supported by HOF, who played a significant role in enhancing the M:CAT system. Collaboration with UK Rigging facilitated the smooth integration of automation, rigging, and lighting, with emphasis on clear pathways and safe working zones.
Ken Johnson, serving as the Automation Programmer and Operator, managed the full automation package on-site and supervised a team overseeing various hoists. The MOVEKET system, outfitted with dual Expert desks and an automation barge housing all drives and motor control, proved to be efficient for quick load-in and load-out. The system’s compliance with EN 17206 and SIL3 rating, alongside its robust safety features, ensured smooth and reliable operation throughout the tour despite moving heavy loads across different elements of the setup.
The show’s automation was defined by the movement of the drum platform and the main drawbridge leading to the B-stage. These key elements, along with the coordinated use of lighting effects and smoke machines, added a theatrical dimension to the performances, turning automation into a storytelling tool that captivated audiences and enhanced the overall concert experience. The successful integration of technology, safety protocols, and storytelling elements underscored the meticulous planning and execution that went into bringing Sabaton’s vision to life on stage.