The Evolution of Live Production

Aug 16

The touring industry has come a long way since its inception, with live production evolving dramatically over the years. From the early days of simple stage setups to the complex and immersive productions of today, the touring industry has seen significant changes. In this blog post, we will take a brief look at the history of touring and the evolution of live production.

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The Early Days of Touring

The Rise of the Music Concerts we enjoy today can trace some of its roots to what was known as Vaudeville. The roots of Vaudeville can be traced back to the British Music Hall Tradition, which was a form of entertainment in the early Victorian era. This form of entertainment originated in coffee houses, saloon bars and taverns across Europe. These shows, which featured theater as well as musical acts, were originally put on for drunken all-male audiences.

Fast forward to 1881 in the US, when minstrel singer Tony Pastor had the wise idea to open a theater near New York’s Union Square and put on “clean” or alcohol-free shows, which opened the door for women to attend. Because of this, the popularity of Vaudeville spread across the United States and paved the way for musicians and other performers such as: Dancers, Comedians, and Magicians to make a living by touring the country.

Once the popularity of Vaudeville began to decline, the rise of the “Tent Show” took over. The first design of the tent show with an end-stage made its debut sometime around the early 1900s.

The tent show didn’t last very long, as the Great Depression ended the popularity of the Tent Show. This decline gave way to the rise of the Chitlin’ Circuit across the southern, eastern and upper Midwest parts of the U.S. During Segregation, this circuit provided safe venues for African-American artists and bands to perform their music in clubs.

In the 1950s and 1960s, music tours began to gain popularity, with artists like Elvis Presley and The Beatles embarking on extensive tours that spanned multiple countries. At this time, touring was still a relatively simple affair, with basic stage setups and limited technical capabilities.

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The 1970s and 1980s

In the 1970s and 1980s, the touring industry saw significant changes with the rise of stadium concerts and the introduction of new technology. With larger venues and bigger audiences, stage setups became more complex, and sound systems began to evolve to meet the demands of these larger spaces. Lighting also began to play a more significant role in live productions, with the introduction of automated lighting systems and computer-controlled effects for these shows.

The Digital Age

The 1990s and 2000s saw the introduction of digital technology, which revolutionized the touring industry. Digital sound systems, video walls, and projection mapping allowed for more immersive and engaging live productions. With the rise of the internet, social media, and mobile devices, touring also became more accessible and interactive, with fans able to connect with their favorite artists in real-time.

Today's Touring Industry

In recent years, the touring industry has continued to evolve, with productions becoming more elaborate and immersive than ever before. Artists are beginning to incorporate virtual and augmented reality into their shows, creating truly unique and unforgettable experiences for fans. Lighting, sound, and staging technology has also advanced, allowing for even more spectacular and immersive productions.

In conclusion, the touring industry has come a long way since its early days, with live production evolving dramatically over the years. From simple stage setups to complex and immersive productions, touring professionals have seen significant changes throughout their careers. By staying up-to-date with the latest technology and trends, touring professionals can continue to deliver unforgettable experiences for fans around the world.