Glass Animals: A Mesmerizing Journey Through Retro-Futuristic Stages and Electrifying Performances

London-based Cassius Creative has been a cornerstone in the visual and lighting design for Glass Animals’ North American tour, aptly named ‘Tour of Earth.’ The design company has meticulously crafted an immersive experience that brings the band’s eclectic soundscapes to life. Working closely with Dave Bayley, the frontman of Glass Animals, Cassius Creative has successfully incorporated vintage sci-fi visuals into the stage design, creating a retro-futuristic aesthetic that captivates audiences. Drawing inspiration from early Star Trek episodes, the psychedelic allure of Barbarella, and the minimalist designs of Dieter Rams, the team has constructed a set that is both visually stunning and functionally robust, capable of enduring the rigors of a concert tour.

Dan Hill, co-founder of Cassius Creative, recently shared insights into their collaborative process with Live Design. According to Hill, the ‘I Love You So F***ing Much’ tour takes on a darker tone compared to previous Glass Animals tours, which were more focused on creating an all-inclusive, whimsical world. This shift in thematic focus required months of collaboration between the design team and Bayley to achieve the desired retro-futuristic aesthetic. The end result is a stage that marries minimalism with high functionality, incorporating elements that are both visually striking and practical for live performances.

One of the standout features of the stage design is the pepper’s ghost effect, a classic illusion technique that creates the appearance of floating holograms. This effect was developed in close collaboration with Bayley and is seamlessly integrated into the spaceship-themed set. While the hologram imagery within the central orb is kept simple, it includes motifs for each song and hidden easter eggs for die-hard fans. The team experimented with various LED video products and transparent surfaces to perfect this effect, ensuring it would be impactful in a live concert setting without being overly distracting.

The entire show is manually operated, eschewing the use of timecode in favor of a more dynamic and responsive performance. This approach involves a variety of MIDI triggers and highly skilled lighting and video programmers who bring the stage to life in real-time. The reactive element added by the MIDI-triggered video content allows for precision in the timing of effects, enhancing the overall immersive experience for the audience. The floating lift on stage presented its own set of challenges but was successfully integrated into the design, adding another layer of visual intrigue to the performance.

Cassius Creative typically avoids visually tech-heavy designs, opting instead to hide lighting fixtures within scenic elements for a more seamless look. This philosophy is evident in the ‘Tour of Earth’ set, which features over 100 pieces of scenic LED installed by LED Creative. Hidden lighting and laser effects further contribute to the show’s cohesive visual narrative. A Zactracks system is employed for followspots, ensuring that band members are well-lit and able to move freely on stage without the need for intrusive lighting rigs.

Glass Animals’ recent performance at the Walmart AMP was a testament to the success of this innovative stage design. The band’s unique blend of electronic and pop music resonated deeply with the crowd, leaving the audience in awe. The Walmart AMP provided an ideal venue for showcasing the band’s talents, with its excellent acoustics and spacious layout allowing for an immersive concert experience. Fans were thrilled to see Glass Animals live, and the band’s dynamic performance kept the audience engaged from start to finish.

The energy and passion that Glass Animals bring to their live performances are palpable. Their recent show at the Walmart AMP was no exception, as the band delivered an electrifying set that left fans wanting more. Despite the lack of recent videos available for fans to relive the experience, the concert remains a highlight for those who attended. The band’s popularity has been steadily rising, and their unique sound—a perfect mix of nostalgia and modernity—continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Another memorable performance took place at The Gorge Amphitheatre, where Glass Animals brought one last summer weekend to the Pacific Northwest. The stunning natural surroundings of the venue enhanced the band’s hypnotic and mesmerizing music, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Fans danced and sang along to every song, fully immersed in the immersive concert experience. The band’s stage presence was captivating, showcasing their musical talent and showmanship in a way that left the audience in awe.

The Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO, served as another iconic venue for Glass Animals’ tour. Performing on September 4, 2024, the band delivered a night to remember. The opening act, Eye Dress, set the stage for an evening of exceptional music. Glass Animals performed hit songs like ‘Life Itself,’ ‘Gooey,’ and ‘Pork Soda,’ captivating the crowd with their unique sound and style. The band’s encore, featuring ‘Tokyo Drift’ and ‘Heat Waves,’ left fans exhilarated and craving more. The energy in the amphitheater was electric, and the stunning natural surroundings of Red Rocks added to the magic of the evening.

Throughout their tour, Glass Animals have demonstrated their ability to create an immersive and unforgettable concert experience. Their collaboration with Cassius Creative has resulted in a stage design that not only complements their music but also enhances it. The retro-futuristic aesthetic, combined with innovative lighting and visual effects, transports audiences to another world, making each performance a truly unique experience. Fans leave these concerts with memories that will last a lifetime, eagerly anticipating the band’s next tour.

As Glass Animals continue to gain recognition in the music industry, their commitment to delivering high-quality live performances remains unwavering. The band’s passion for their music is evident in every show, and their ability to connect with audiences on a deep level sets them apart from other bands in the synth-pop genre. With each tour, Glass Animals push the boundaries of what a live concert can be, creating a sensory experience that is both visually and sonically captivating.

In conclusion, Glass Animals’ ‘Tour of Earth’ is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the world of live music. The partnership between the band and Cassius Creative has resulted in a stage design that is both visually stunning and functionally robust, capable of enduring the demands of a concert tour. From the pepper’s ghost effect to the hidden lighting and laser effects, every element of the stage has been carefully crafted to enhance the band’s performance. As Glass Animals continue to captivate audiences around the world, their unique blend of electronic and pop music, combined with their mesmerizing stage design, ensures that each concert is an unforgettable experience.