“Loop” by Ed Sheeran: the challenge of integrating LED and unprecedented engineering in a world tour

Wonder Works, responsible for the technical design and coordination of “Loop” by Ed Sheeran, explains the technological axes of this ambitious world tour that toured Latin America, North America and Oceania.

The main challenge of tour, that sought to offer an experience “visually clean and intimately connected to fans”, was to unite the main stage and secondary stage B without the traditional catwalk. to get it, Wonder Works designed a retractable cantilever bridge 36 metros, which allowed Ed to pass through the audience without dividing it. Similar to the mechanics of fire truck ladders and inspired by the Rolling Stones' bridge. 1997, the structure consists of seven sections, Constructed from a combination of steel and aluminum to balance strength with weight optimization. The bridge and stage lifting systems were manufactured by Show Canada, which provided a robust, touring-friendly solution.

He visual and video design of the tour was equally ambitious. Wonder Works designed the giant curved LED panel with a hidden mounting system to create an infinite top edge and integrated lighting. For your part, Twenty Three designed the LED screen frames and wind reinforcements, while Colonel Tom took care of the video systems, enabling the dynamic integration of live cameras across the screen and a raised and lowered video floor. Among the key innovations were the circular light ring Cloud in the center of the screen, that replaced the concept of “halo” of Mathematics, and four aluminum nacelles, custom-made by The Next Stage, which hid the cantilevered beams and served at the same time as audience screens and lighting positions.

To support the ambitious design, WowAxis custom manufactured essential components for the tour, as wind braces for audio, mounting beams for gondolas, lifting platforms and LED platforms for the stage. Each piece was designed to speed up installation, reduce work at height and maintain structural integrity.

Jeremy Lloyd, co-director of Wonder Works, summarizes the pillars of this project: “The assignment was ambitious.: creating a clean, expansive aesthetic while moving Ed safely through the audience. All technical solutions, from bridge engineering to video integration, “They were designed to serve that experience.”.