A friend of a friend said…

Many times, a conversation that follows such a track doesn’t really lead to much. But in the case of well-known lighting designer, Chris Reade, and his client, multi-platinum superstar Dierks Bentley, it proved to be the start of a richly productive creative relationship.

The friend-to-friend conversation happened right around the time when Bentley, a rising country star, was starting to plan his first headline tour. Looking to create standout looks for this milestone event, the singer-songwriter wanted a production design that stood out from the pack, even if it meant going outside Nashville.

Bentley discussed his vision with his manager, who knew a tour manager in out in LA, who knew a lighting designer with a talent for creating compelling, outside-the-box looks. This lighting designer would be a “perfect fit” for Dierks Bentley, the LA tour manager told Bentley’s manager.

How right he was! Following the conversation between the two managers, Reade met with Bentley’s team. Things immediately clicked, Reade hooked up with Bentley, kicking off what would become an incredible string of high concept envelope-pushing shows. Featuring production designs by the renowned Bruce Rodgers, each tour seems to reflect Bentley’s music in an exciting new way.

Based on the vibrant looks in Bentley’s recent Gravel and Gold tour, this powerful imagination engine no signs of letting up. We talked to Reade about the great times he’s having on this wildly creative ride.

Dierk’s live shows have such high energy and there always seems to be a good-time party mood on stage What is the mood like that when you are on the rood?
”We definitely do try to have a good time out on the road, yes. I wouldn’t go so far as to calling it a party, as those days in touring have disappeared for the most part. I think our collective attitude is to try to be respectful, have fun, and get it done-whatever it takes. Dierks definitely elevates the party atmosphere on stage and wants the crowd to have the time of their lives when then come to see his shows.”

How does Dierks stay connected to his crew and build up their morale on tour?
“That’s a great question. I’m not sure how he is able to do it as well as he does. He sees everything and knows how to pull us all together. He leads from the front and puts in the effort to make sure that the team is the best it can be. We have pretty clear standards of how we treat people locally and each other on the tour, and that starts at the top. Chris Thacker (TM) and Adam Groeninger (PM) are very good at this as well, and are the perfect people to have in these positions for our camp.”

Does Dierks get involved in lighting? Does he give you feedback on your work?
“Sure! Sometimes he has a vision in his head about how to present a song or an idea for a specific part of the show. He’s communicative with sharing ideas, and does give feedback as well. There are a lot of things during a Dierks show that don’t need much communication, as we have worked together for a very long time and there’s a trust that has developed over that time.”

You mention working together for a long time. So, of all the tours and concerts, you’ve done with Dierks, do any stand out as most memorable?
“Man, there are so many memorable things that have happened, and they just keep coming. I’d hate to single anything out specifically, but instead just communicate the gratitude for all of the moments we get to experience.”

On the Gravel and Gold tour, some bold new video concepts were incorporated into the design. On the Mountain High Tour there was an airplane set piece. Dierks always seems to be open to new ideas. Why do you think that is? How does that affect your work as a lighting designer?
“I think Dierks is open to new ideas. He and Bruce Rodgers have discussions at the beginning of every new design, and then Bruce and I get to throw ideas back and forth a lot before Bruce makes the overall design decisions. The next step is structural drawings, where I draw lighting architecture within Bruce’s concept. Being able to collaborate and learn from Bruce Rodgers has really been wonderful for me personally. Having Dierks be so supportive of these ideas is something I’m very grateful for. ”

There are a lot of creatives involved in pulling a Dierks Bentley tour together. What is the secret to successfully collaborating with this group?
“I think it is the willingness to collaborate together for the overall show quality instead of trying to push and pull for certain departments to dominate. Bruce and Matthieu have taught me so much about how shows can be structured beautifully when there’s that willingness to collaborate involved.”

If you had to sum up the experience of working for Dierks in three words what would that be?
“Fun. Teamwork. Gratitude.”