In the decade leading up to Super Furry Animals’ (SFA) return to the stage, a wave of ‘90s reunions swept through the live music landscape, earning widespread critical acclaim. Yet, aside from active projects from the SFA orbit like Gruff Rhys’ solo work, Das Koolies and Neon Neon – the band remained entirely absent from the touring circuit. True to their reputation for defying convention, this reunion is far from a nostalgia exercise, as TPi discovers at O2 Apollo Manchester.

Production Manager Shaun Kendrick collaborated with the band to devise “amazing” looking and sounding shows with a “confident and capable” crew. The challenges associated with SFA’s long-awaited return to the touring circuit included scaling the production across historic and nuanced theatre and academy-sized venues, from the 7,500-capacity Utilita Arena Cardiff through to the 1,900-capacity Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow.

With the creative conversation steered by the band and design collective, Neon Black, Kendrick ensured the production took shape. “Cardiff was where we deployed the biggest and ‘best’ version of the show from a production standpoint, but it’s great to visit historic venues like the O2 Apollo Manchester or O2 Academy Brixton – it’s like putting a pair of old slippers on,” Kendrick informed TPi backstage in Manchester. “As a touring crew, we’ve been through here many times, and we know the local and support teams on site.”

With a lot of technology to fit into each venue within tight timelines and limited personnel, the team “do everything they can” to make it happen, according to Kendrick, who is keen to strike a balance between supporting departments and not micromanaging.

“I allow departments to breathe… Frustratingly, we haven’t been able to get into a ‘groove’ on this tour, given the varying venue demands and constraints, but the crew are at the top of their game,” the 56-year-old said, sharing his enthusiasm for the future. “The landscape has changed in terms of the age and gender balance of touring crew post-pandemic. I’ve found that it’s a much healthier environment. This camp is no exception. We try to foster a warm and welcoming environment, which is integral when supporting a band on the road that is self-managed.”

To this end, the PM enlisted Ox Event House (band risers), Fly By Nite (trucking), PRG (lighting and video), Stage Audio Services (audio) and Vans For Bands (buses) to support the production. “I share longstanding relationships with all the companies and account handlers involved; they are consummate professionals and provide a brilliant level of service on the road,” Kendrick said.

Read the full story in TPi Magazine #294 here