Sound Driver, a five-piece indie rock band, is midway through a very unusual world tour that is taking them top some of the world’s most unusual venues – including Mount Kilimanjaro – as a way of raising awareness for charity The Smile Train.
The band has also played at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and future dates include The Great Wall Of China, Niagara Falls, Dubai’s Burj al Arab Hotel, the Willis (Sears) Tower in Chicago, and more, all as part of what’s been dubbed the Chasing Rainbows Tour.
It’s a situation calling for audio gear that’s compact and lightweight for easy portability, while also being solid and reliable.
Shure has been one of the main sponsors of the tour, providing all members of the band with top spec in-ear monitoring (PSM600 receivers and transmitters), and has also supplied a UHF-R Series wireless system for lead singer Chad Marriott.
Tour manager David Spillane notes, “Shure is a globally recognized brand, and along with the global nature of The Chasing Rainbows Tour, this makes them a perfect brand partner. Shure products always perform at the level we expect – and even more so with the extra demands of this tour.”
Leading record producer, Danton Supple has been on hand to capture the band live at the summit and they’ve also been filmed by BAFTA award-winning cameraman Mark McCauley, who has been editing his footage on location and providing uploads to the tour’s dedicated website.
Further, PA needs have been met with QSC Audio K8 active loudspeakers have been used to stunning effect.
“We’re delighted to have been able to help the band with this incredible achievement,” comments Peter James, Managing Director of Shure Distribution UK. “It’s challenging enough to just climb Kilimanjaro, but gigging when you reach the summit takes an extra special effort and massive determination.
“Shure and QSC products are tested to extremes so we were happy to provide the band with microphone, PA and monitoring gear that was up to the task.”
Over the last 10 years The Smile Train has provided more than 500,000 free surgeries for children and have helped in 77 of the world’s poorest countries.
