Bringing The Stage To Life With SAM TOZER From VISION FACTORY

As fans expectations for live performances grow, so do the
elaborate stages and set pieces that bands are increasingly using
in order to gain even the slightest of edges. While LED screens are
the general go-to for bands, some - those with spare cash in the
kitty - have been stepping out of that comfort zone, creating
specific set designs and themes to go with the musical side of the
performance.
When Parkway Drive started planning their recent 20th Anniversary
Tour, the band came to the table with some wildly extravagant
ideas. Ideas that if brought to life would be spectacular, but also
ideas which would require more than the range of stage and lighting
supplied by venues.
Put simply, Parkway Drive wanted to create - every night - an
apocalyptic world inspired by dystopian and retro-futuristic
themes. Of course, there was much more involved, but that was as
good a starting point as any.
The band approached UK-based company Vision Factory, armed with a
wish list that would require a great deal of planning and
expertise, but one which Vision Factory quickly embraced, and thus
the stage was set - quite literally.
By taking a bold new direction, Vision Factory transformed Parkway
Drive's live shows into a dynamic, theatrical experience. Under the
direction of show designer and founder of Vision Factory, Sam
Tozer, the tour marked a shift from the traditional metal concert
setup, instead focussing on an immersive physical performance that
combined the band's music with powerful stage design
theatrics.
The tour’s set design was deeply rooted in natural forces,
incorporating the four elements - fire, wind, water, and earth - to
create a dynamic storytelling arc throughout the show. At different
points during the performance, the mammoth bridge catches fire, and
rain hails onto the band. This elemental-driven approach transforms
the performance into a visceral experience, enhancing the energy
that Parkway Drive is known for whilst pushing the boundaries of
what a live metal show can be.
In a rare look behind the curtain, HEAVY caught up with Tozer to
find out just how the concept grew from an idea to reality.
We discussed the creative process behind Parkway Drive's unique
live show concept, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and
the desire to create something different from the usual big screen
backdrop. The show, which took six months to develop from initial
ideas to completion, features a metal-framed scenic set piece
designed to resemble a bridge. Sam also shared his reluctance to
include screens in live shows, preferring to focus on lighting and
the depth of the stage to create a dynamic performance. The band
was heavily involved in the creative process, contributing ideas
and ensuring alignment with Sam's aesthetic.
Sam also discussed the success of the recent tour, expressing his
enjoyment and the positive feedback received. He highlighted the
use of natural elements, such as fire, water, wind, and earth, to
accentuate the music, and the challenges of incorporating these
elements into a touring environment.
We discussed the complexities of producing a live show,
particularly the lighting and stage setup for Parkway Drive. Sam
explained that the show was a collaborative effort, with
adjustments made daily based on feedback from the band. HEAVY asked
about any last-minute adjustments, to which Sam responded that they
had rehearsed extensively in a warehouse before the actual show,
and plenty more.


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