NOTP Fanpage

We’re meeting Geert during the sound check for Fleetwood Mac. Read more about our interview here.

The editions of the ’80s and the ’90s were a big difference with the ones of the last years, especially considering the structure of the set and the lightshow. Responsible for this modern look, the light design and the design of the show is Geert Vanhout, who is the man behind the floodlight for 15 years.
When the current NOTP edition ends, Geert is already working on the next one; throughout the whole year he watches music shows (of all sort: from Flemish hits until hard rock), theatre pieces and other shows (‘Walking with Dinosaurs’ in Antwerp!) to get all kinds of inspiration. Because the complete NOTP show is original, everything is new, thought of by Geert and conducted with Bjorn Tagemose (fantastic image man: visit his website) and Olivier Demoustier (programmer, also responsible for the lightshow at Werchter, Milc Inc., Praga Khan, etc…).
Geert: ‘This year will be very special. The LED lights with a low resolution are used for a special light effect during the whole show; there will be less video images compared to last year but there will be more lights. On the stage itself, there will be separate light elements. Besides the artists and the orchestra, we also have to light up the dancers and the extra’s. All of this needs a lot of material and also a decent programming.’

So, a lot of work for Geert and his team. Working days of ten hours are normal the last weeks. Until Saturday there are lot of other show in the ‘Sportpaleis’, but from Sunday morning around 4 o’clock (5 days before the first show) they start to build up everything. And then, the working days will be around 17 to 18 hours…

Geert: ‘From Monday on the rehearsals start in the arena with the dancers, Tuesdays the extra’s start. On Wednesday the first rough show is done: everyone, also the artists get an explanation of what will happen; it’s a disaster for a musician or an artist not to know some fireworks will explode behind their backs! On Thursday and Friday general rehearsals are planned, and Friday evening the first show.’

So fantastic, but the artists only see the design and the result of the light show from next week on. Doesn’t that create any problems? Geert:’No, that’s not a problem. We discuss in advance with the artists, like recently with Sharon. But the artists know that they work with a professional organization that they can trust; the artists also know that they are part of NOTP and that the show is not build around them. Rarely do we get criticism: Cindy Lauper (Rotterdam 2004) for example wasn’t really happy, but had some constructive ideas; we’ve reworked those until we were both satisfied!’

Sounds promising: besides some fine artists you have the remarkable sound during the show, but for sure an optimal light show. We still have to wait to see if it is good, but our trust is, like the artists, enormous.

Geert, never had the thought to place the stage in the center of the arena?
Geert: ‘Sure, but that has some technical difficulties. Robert Groslot has to be able to see all members of the orchestra; so there are always about 80 to 90 musicians with their back to a part of the audience. A rotating stage with 100 musicians? Possible, but that is impossible to bring to all our different locations in The Netherlands and Germany. Also keep in mind that the roofs are as firm as the roof of the ‘Sportpaleis’. No, technically speaking that’s not reachable (yet) today.’

Do you do more than Night of the Proms? Geert: ‘I used to do the light for the shows of different artists (Axelle Red, Vaya Con Dios, and many others) but I limit myself now because all the month of work for NOTP are hard. But last year I was part of Nick Cave’s tour.’

Geert, enjoy Fleetwood Mac this evening and get some rest. We’re looking forward to your work!

Comments are closed.