Behind the Lights: A Crew Chief’s Perspective.
Interview with Harry Smith
Imagine Dragons Stadium Tour 2025
Harry Smith, Crew Chief
Q: Harry, can you tell us about your role on the stadium tour with Imagine Dragons?
“As the crew chief, my main responsibility is to oversee the lighting operations and coordinate with the entire production team. I manage a team of eight talented professionals, each with their own roles, and ensure that everything runs smoothly across all the venues we visit.”
Q: What makes stadium tours different from arena shows?
“Stadium tours are uniquely exciting—they’re grand in scale and bring a different energy each day. However, they also come with distinct challenges. Weather is a huge factor; working outdoors means dealing with the elements, which can impact setup, safety, and motivation. In contrast, arena shows are typically held indoors, so the weather isn’t a concern. But stadiums require us to be more flexible and adaptable, especially since every show features a different stage design and layout.”
Q: I understand that the staging is provided locally for each show. How does that affect your work?
“It adds a layer of complexity. Since each venue supplies its own stage, we’re faced with different configurations every day. The lighting rig, in particular, changes each time—so I need to ensure my team can adapt quickly to new setups. Flexibility is key. We work closely with the design team, production, riggers, and stage crew to coordinate and execute these changes efficiently.”
Q: Can you tell us about the custom lighting solutions used on this tour?
“One of the most striking features of our setup is the large back walls of lights. To achieve this, Neg Earth has developed bespoke, custom-manufactured solutions. These are incredibly heavy and require meticulous planning and effort to install and ready for each show. Unlike an arena with a permanent roof structure, our stadium stages are temporary, which makes safety our top priority at every step.”
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
“Managing and motivating the team is what I find most fulfilling. On this tour, I oversee a diverse team working under sometimes challenging conditions—adverse weather, tight schedules, and complex setups. Seeing the team come together and execute a flawless show is incredibly satisfying. The crew is the backbone of the operation, and my job is to support and coordinate them effectively.”
Q: How does the lighting rig set up evolve over the course of the tour?
“At the start, we could get the rig up in about 8 hours and take it down in 4. By the end of the tour, we’d hope to improve this significantly, setting up in roughly 6 hours and bringing down in 3. This efficiency is a testament to the team’s experience and our continuous refinement of procedures.”
Q: With 20 stadiums on this tour, each very different, what has been a personal highlight?
“The final London show stands out as a highlight. The atmosphere there is electric—there’s nothing quite like a home crowd. It’s always a special moment to see everything come together in such an iconic setting.”
Q: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a crew chief in live events?
“Be adaptable and ready to think on your feet. Every venue, every show is different, so flexibility and strong communication are vital. Building a reliable team and fostering good relationships with all departments make the job not only smoother but more enjoyable. And remember, the success of the show really depends on your crew—support them, and the show will shine.”
Q: Any final thoughts?
“I did not imagine, when I started at my local 200-seat theatre fifteen years ago, that one day I would have the opportunity to collaborate on and lead projects of this scale. Each stage of my career has presented a new set of challenges, and I have developed both as an individual and a professional alongside them. It has been hugely rewarding and a privilege to work on these projects.”
