When A$AP Rocky hit the road for the Don't Be Dumb Tour, every performance combined striking visuals, lighting, pyrotechnics, and lasers to create an unforgettable live experience. Bringing that vision to life was ShowLive SFX, whose team designed and executed the laser and special effects production for the tour.
Behind the Lasers: ShowLive SFX
Producing a tour of this scale requires months of planning, creative collaboration, and technical execution. From the earliest stages of design through rehearsals and live performances, the ShowLive SFX team worked closely to ensure every laser and special effect enhanced the overall production.
Combining laser programming and special effects into a single creative vision, the team developed a production that supported A$AP Rocky's performance while maintaining the reliability and consistency required for a touring show.
Laser Technology Used
The tour's laser design centered around Unity Elite PRO 30W laser systems, selected for their compact housing, fast scanning performance, and dependable operation in a demanding touring environment. Throughout the performance, the systems produced sweeping aerial beams, layered fan effects, and dramatic visual moments that complemented the lighting and stage design.
Control of the entire laser production was handled using Pangolin BEYOND Multimedia. With advanced timeline programming, multimedia synchronization, and precise cue management, BEYOND allowed the laser team to integrate every effect with the show's video content, lighting, and music, ensuring a seamless performance night after night.
Large-scale touring productions rely on far more than powerful equipment. They depend on experienced designers, programmers, technicians, and operators working together to deliver the same level of performance every night.
For the Don't Be Dumb Tour, the combination of Unity Elite PRO laser systems, Pangolin BEYOND Multimedia, and the expertise of the ShowLive SFX team created a laser production that became an integral part of the show's visual identity, demonstrating how creative design and reliable technology come together on today's biggest stages.
Credits
Special Effects Production: ShowLive SFX
Laser Design: Nate Jenkins, Hayden Hale
Pyro Design: Cole Bibler, Hayden Hale
Laser Operator / Programmer: Nate Jenkins
SFX Operator / Programmer: Hayden Hale
SFX Crew Chief: Nick Zangary
SFX Technicians: Ricky Nasche, Scotty Grajeda, Cody Slane, Joey Amon
