Manfred Nikitser’s tour design includes the weatherproof JDC2 IP and Creos for maximum effect — both for the live audience and on camera
On July 5, the Heinz-von-Heiden-Arena in Hanover became the backdrop for a superlative home fixture: Under the motto ‘Coming Home’, the Scorpions celebrated their 60th anniversary — in front of 45,000 spectators, alongside Judas Priest and Alice Cooper. Fans from all over the world travelled to experience the German rock legends in the city where it all began.
Manfred Nikitser has been responsible for the band's visual appearance as lighting, stage, and video content designer, since 2015. For the anniversary show, he created a production design that set the standard for large-scale open-air rock shows: stadium-ready in terms of output and reach, yet precisely tailored to the requirements of a multi-camera recording.
"The unique thing about a stadium show is that the audience in the front row is perhaps three metres from the stage, while the audience in the back is over 100 metres away — and you want to offer both a similar experience," explains Nikitser. "To carry the show's energy all the way to the back, you need powerful lights on the delay and anywhere else — so that it looks good on camera, but doesn't seem too much or too bright in the live atmosphere. The goal was a show that would be convincing in all media — live in the stadium as well as on video."
At the heart of the design were around 280 spotlights, of which well over half came from the GLP portfolio: 68× impression X5, 48× JDC Line 500, 17× Creos, 24× X5 IP Maxx and 24× JDC2 IP.
JDC2 IP and Creos complement the GLP-filled tour design
The impression X5, JDC Line, JDC1, and X4 Bar have been integral parts of the Scorpions' design since the start of the ‘Rock Believer’ tour in 2022. For the anniversary show, Nikitser added the Creos and the new JDC2 IP for the first time. He had already been able to test the latter at a festival and was quickly convinced of their added value. Both models meet the key requirements of a stadium show: maximum projection, extreme brightness, and absolute IP compatibility.
"For a stadium show of this size, you need fixtures with enormous output and a bold, powerful look," explains Nikitser. "The Creos deliver exactly that: they give the stage a size and impact that's impressive even from a distance. Their design alone makes them a good rock 'n' roll light."
"With the JDC2 IP, we now enjoy the advantages of the JDC1 on a new level: a larger LED plate, a brighter strobe line — and all with an IP65 rating. This is ideal for open-air and stadium shows because we have combined maximum brightness, flexibility and reliability in one device." The JDC2 IPs were used in striking lines on the floor. Thanks to their larger LED area and brighter strobe line compared to the JDC1, they filled the camera image significantly more. At the same time, they created an even more intense surface effect live, thus expanding the design possibilities for accent and effect lighting. The JDC Line 500 and X5 IP Maxx complemented these effects with linear structures and rich colour washes, providing important visual layers for both the on-site audience and the production team.
Design for Live and Camera
Nikitser designed the set so that light and architecture intertwined: The GLP fixtures not only create brightness, but also structure the stage, define spaces and provide visual depth — both for the human eye and the camera. "It's about much more than just adding light," says Nikitser. "The right fixtures define the space in which the band moves, and they play a crucial role in ensuring the look works both live and on video."
Reliability in the IP sector
Lighting technician Florian Bauer in particular emphasised the operational reliability of GLP equipment: "Especially in the IP sector, GLP has been a reliable partner for us for years. With a production of this magnitude, every piece of equipment must deliver what it promises — and they do exactly that. We have extensive experience with, and corresponding trust in the products and the personal collaboration with GLP." The show was recorded using sophisticated multi-camera technology and will be released worldwide later. Video of the anniversary show: https://youtu.be/ojF_Oh5lixo
Video zur Jubiläumsshow: Scorpions 60th Anniversary
