LaserNet Rocks with ZZ Top

This year's nationally televised Orange Bowl Half Time show featured ZZ Top performing the hit, "Sharp Dressed Man" accompanied with lighting by Daniel Charif and LaserNet.

Charif used 24 Syncrolites, 24 Martin MAC 2000s and followspots to make the stadium come alive, plus 11 smoke machines, controlled by an MA Lighting grandMA console.

LaserNet supplied two, 25W Verde Beam Raider YAG special-effects projectors for the event. The two systems were linked together via a DMX computer and each projected a mirror image of the other. In this configuration, programmer/operator Horacio Pugliese was able to create three-dimensional beam structures. Since each Verde Beam Raider has 10 adjustable beam positions used to target external bounce mirrors, the LaserNet team had 20 static beams to create different looks for the concert.

LaserNet had two extra challenges to deal with for this event: The sold-out stadium limited where the laser beams could be projected, and special FAA permission had to be granted in order to shoot the lasers into navigable airspace.

Luckily, the overhang of the upper stadium seating sections provided the perfect separation from the public and the laser beams. The FAA allowed the company to project in one direction at an angle from 45'-90'. Even with these limitations, LaserNet created a dramatic look that rocked with ZZ Top.