Follow-Me Delivers Flexible Performer Tracking for Diana Ross' Sacred Memories Tour

	The tour presented unique technical challenges, requiring a lighting design that could complement the intimate connection between Ross and her fans. Photo: Ben M. Rogers

Follow-Me has played a crucial role in the lighting design for legendary performer Diana Ross' Sacred Memories Tour with its Follow-Me 3D system. The production saw the iconic artist accompanied by a grand symphony orchestra during her summer 2025 appearances in the UK and Europe, with performances featuring classic hits across prestigious arena venues. The tour presented unique technical challenges, requiring a lighting design that could complement the intimate connection between Ross and her fans.

The production team created a new concept for arena touring that would feature enhanced production design, integrated video and scenic elements, and would accommodate a full symphony orchestra. Lighting designer Ben M. Rogers, working alongside David Horner of Visual Connection, chose Follow-Me 3D SIX as the cornerstone of the tour's performer tracking solution.

The Follow-Me 3D SIX system, supplied by TSL, offered manual operation capabilities, the capacity to engage multiple units to follow the performer as required and, crucially, the flexibility to use various fixture brands at his discretion. Rogers specifically wanted a brand agnostic follow-spot solution that could provide the flexibility to engage multiple types of fixtures from the rig.

Rogers' lighting approach required sophisticated color correction and consistency. "We use a strong rear key light in purple, as well as a front light on a high trim, corrected to best suit the artist's skin tone," he says. "It's important to be able to get consistency of the shot and not dazzle her as she interacts with the crowd."

Follow-Me 3D delivered creative possibilities beyond basic performer tracking, with the production team able to experiment using multiple high-end fixtures as variable color tones to enhance the dresses worn by Ross, and consistently maintain a minimum of five fixtures on the artist from a single operator.

The setup required careful calibration across the substantial performance area. Measuring 20m wide by approximately 8m deep, it was configured using a simple four-point grid that made daily calibration very straightforward.

Rogers particularly valued Follow-Me 3D's ease of operation and flexibility. "I love being able to quickly transition which fixtures are in use," he says. "The simplicity of the system for both the set up and live operation was excellent."

Follow-Me's support throughout the production process earned praise from Rogers. "I like the care and attention given by the team," he adds." They are very aware that delivering cutting edge solutions needs accessible support as their systems become more widely deployed in the market, and are very much available for that."

"This tour shows what's possible when great teams work together," says Marc van der Wel, managing director at Follow-Me. "Ben and his team had specific challenges with the orchestra setup, and our Follow-Me 3D system gave them the flexibility they needed. We're always excited to work with lighting designers and technicians who use our systems to bring their creative visions to life."