Any LD would consider it lucky to hook up long-term with an iconic touring band. But to hitch your wagon on two-such bands? Well… Peter Therrien considers himself doubly blessed.

The talented, easy-going LD with JDI Productions was touring with the legendary Irish punk rockers Flogging Molly for years, when the band shared the stage with another group that enjoys a cult-like following, the folk-rock-punkers Violent Femmes. One thing led to another, and just like that, Therrien because the LD for both like-minded bands.
Therrien has been racking up the frequent flyer miles ever since, touring around the world with both bands, independently and separately. He shared this experience with us.

How did you get started with Violent Femmes?
“Violent Femmes and Flogging Molly toured together a couple of years back. I did lights for both bands on that tour. It was my first tour post Covid — and honestly it was also a terrible year for me personally. It was nice to be working again – it allowed my mind to be distracted. Things in general were very odd at that time. There were interactions on tour —  bands and crews kept very separate. In our case, almost all communication was through Todd,  the TM via text and phone calls.”

You still  travel with Flogging Molly, and now with Violent Femmes too.  What do the two bands share in common?
“I think both bands are similar in the way I light them. There are lots of colors,  and I want to make sure everyone on stage  is lit. It’s pretty straight forward stuff. One thing that I learned early on by lighting Flogging Molly is that the crowd really doesn’t care about my lights; they are  there to see the band. That is  until they can’t see the band; and then they care a lot about my lights. Biggest differences between the two bands —  I definitely use less movement during Violent Femmes shows, and have to be way more mindful of the amount of haze on the stage.”

How do the crowds that turn out for the two bands compare?“
I think as a rule both bands have crowds that are a little bit older and are out to have a good time that night, have a few beverages and enjoy themselves. I think Flogging Molly fans sing along and might be more physically active during the set. The Violent Femme  fans may be a bit more vocally active. It seems like every person at a Violent Femmes show knows every word to every song and everyone sings.”

What surprised you most about Violent Femmes when you got to know them?
“The fact they’re Green Bay Packer fans! I don’t know why, but I was surprised how much they care how the Packers do.”How involved are Violent Femmes in your design?

“I wouldn’t say they’re ‘involved,’ but I think they notice. I might get some notes along the way but Todd has put together a really good crew and I think they trust that we do what’s in their best interest and to make the show as good as possible.”

How would you sum up your experience working for Violent Femmes?
“Humbled. Honored. Grateful! Let’s be honest Violent Femmes are legends in this industry, so many hit songs and just bangers everyone knows. The chance to work for them and be part of this experience is amazing. They really are sweet humans, easy to be around, take great care of the crew, and great to work for.  You can’t ask for much more in the touring world.”