Also known as proximate pyrotechnics for their close proximity to both performers and audience members, concert pyrotechnics have become a huge business. Available in a vast array of sizes and types, concert pyrotechnics add drama and excitement to everything from magic shows to professional wrestling events. They are, however, best known for their use in live concert performances. Here are just 6 of the many bands known for their impressive pyrotechnics.
1. Pink Floyd
Pioneers in many different aspects of live performance, Pink Floyd transformed the experience of seeing a concert forever. The band burst onto the international scene in 1968, bringing the experimental light shows that they had perfected in the underground clubs of London. As they continued to experiment, they added more and more pyrotechnics to the mix, along with impossibly large props and special effects.
2. Kiss
Entering the music scene during the glam rock 1970s, Kiss quickly developed a reputation for outrageous live shows that would ultimately become rock and roll clichés. From garish makeup and costumes to fire breathing and blood spitting, Kiss shows are nothing short of visual spectacles, and innovative pyrotechnics are always in the mix.
3. Rammstein
Formed in Berlin shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Rammstein was heavily influenced by American hard rock music, citing a special inspiration by Kiss. Although the band, well-known for its coverage of controversial and taboo topics, has matured and developed its own style, it continues to be known for its intense stage shows.
Pyrotechnics are a huge part of the show, with vocalist Till Lindemann spending entire songs fully engulfed in flames, and occasional concertgoers being medically removed for heat exhaustion.
4. Mötley Crüe
Formed in 1981, heavy metal band Mötley Crüe was arguably as well known for the band members’ off-stage drama as for their on-stage theatrics. Nonetheless, Mötley Crüe developed an over the top stage show that was uniquely theirs while drawing on such influences as Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne, and AC/DC. Plentiful and imaginative pyrotechnics played a key role in their show, along with outrageous on-stage antics.
5. Metallica
Also formed in 1981, Metallica soared to success, quickly becoming one of the top four thrash metal bands of all time. Despite a September 1986 tour bus accident that killed bassist Cliff Burton, Metallica continued their rise to fame throughout the late 1980s.
Like most heavy metal acts of the era, Metallica was known for elaborate stage spectacles that featured large amounts of pyrotechnics. However, it all went horribly wrong on August 8, 1992, during the Guns N’ Roses/Metallica Stadium Tour, when front man James Hetfield accidentally stood directly on top of a 12-foot pyrotechnic blast. Despite his second and third degree burns, Metallica returned to its tour on August 25, with Hetfield singing, though a replacement played guitar for the rest of the tour.
Metallica soon returned to its use of pyrotechnics, but with a much more watchful eye toward safety. Despite the band’s extensive pyrotechnic experience, Metallica’s story is proof that you can never be too careful with fiery explosives.
6. Def Leppard
Although more recent tours have switched from pyrotechnics to laser lights, is it any surprise that a band known for an album entitled Pyromania would have featured impressive pyrotechnics in its shows? With an innovative sound that helped to found the pop-metal genre, Pyromania turned Def Leppard into an international sensation. Def Leppard followed up on that success with Hysteria, recorded after drummer Rick Allen lost an arm in a car crash and learned to drum partially with his legs.
Of course, the above are just a handful of concert superstars known for their intense on-stage pyrotechnic displays. Elaborate spectacles quickly became the norm during the experimental 1960s and 1970s, and numerous bands continue to follow those traditions today. With new effects being constantly released, you can be sure that bands will continue to dazzle us with their stage shows long into the foreseeable future.
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