IIC A I L OVER LE
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he dtstinctive twang of an electric • guitar; the roar of the crowd as another anthem marts from the speakers. The cheers, the drums, the • adrermiln. This is the world of stadium mock—and they don't come much bigger' than New Jersey's Bon Jowl. But such extravaganzas don't just appear from nowhere. This music entourage at Gateshead International Stadium, and the vast amount of paraphernalia behind it, has only got here through the industry of East London-based Edwin Shirley Trucking.
Pop music may carry with it more than its fair share of legends, shocking stories and scandals, but hauling the gear on a major tour is a decidedly serious business. The scone which confronts us at 30m, five hours before Jon Bon Jovi and his men take to the stage, is one of frantic coming and going. Busy it is, but there is still an atmosphere of formality. An army of security guards hacked by police officers pace around the stadium.
, The catering tent is located behind the stage; beyond it is the extensive parking compound. In the compound are 15 EST trucks: the vital transport component. Yet here, barbel the scenes, the atnxisipivere Is more that of a library than a rock and roil party. The only noise is the well silenced hum of two generators. And the curtains of the EST cabs fire firmly drawn, At first we worry that we won't be able to get down any details for the feature.
A brief telephone call to the EST office sorts things out. Minutes later we are met by Ally MacKenzie and Roger Thomas, assistant lead driver and lead driver respectively. MacKenzie tells us about the dormant fleet: "Four of the artics haul lights, four haul speak ers, one thick carries the crowd barriers, one holds the video equipment Another truck hauls the musical instruments, and two more haul wpmtry, which is used far the stage sets and props." Additionally, one truck carries the mixer control towers, which mastermind lights, sound and cameras during the performance. Finally, on large tour such as this, EST fields a 10-tenser for express deliveries to the EST'Oliy MacKenzie (left) and Roger Thomas: given venue, It Is an Impressive fleet. But why so They roll so Ron Jovi can rock.
quiet? MacKenzie explains that the Job of getting all the equipment to the show has ended and the drivers are enjoying a well-earned rest in their Bat cabs, away from the hubbub.