RADIOHEAD - TOUR 2025

WI have been contacted mid March 2025 by WonderWorks, assigned for the technical direction of the RADIOHEAD project. So came that we again had the opportunity to collaborate with Production Manager John Lafferty with whom we successfully wrapped up the recently ended Robbie Williams’ BRITPOP Tour. This time our expertise was called in for the automation part of the upcoming RADIOHEAD shows, a band for whom Lafferty had been the logistics coordinator since 2017. WI key account Koen Peeters accepted the challenge for a project that is technically far more ambitious than many would think at first sight.

WI automated each screen with 2 x 250kg hoists to raise and lower it and 1 TP07 rotator per screen for the circular motion effects. The 3m-wide video bumper and hoist assembly were hung from a central rotator. To flawlessly guide the cables for the screen motion, 12 zig-zags were custom made in our warehouses in Heist Op Den Berg. The entire structure was designed  and engineered to be compact and touring efficient. Everything fits on 1 small dolly which adds up to 12 identical dollies. One for each screen.   

Collaboration proved crucial given the interaction between the automated screens and the winches overhead. With a dense central rig, the entire colossal structure was concentrated in the centre of a venue. Weight then becomes one of the bigger challenges especially with a relatively small 11m by 9m stage. That’s why – Koen Peeters says – we had to make our systems as light as possible, always compliant of course with the most stringent safety procedures.

The reception of the RADIOHEAD show has been unbelievable. A magnificent and powerful performance only made possible by the smooth collaboration of a team of highly skilled professionals. From the first drawings to the final show at the O2, the team spirit has been excellent.