Zeal are 'Up All Night' with James Bay and MAC Viper XIPs

Zeal has made a major investment in Martin MAC Viper XIP fixtures, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality lighting solutions for live events and productions. After months of testing and comparison, the team knew they had found their ideal spot fixture one that delivers reliability, performance, and longevity.

“With LED technology advancing rapidly, new fixtures are constantly being released,” said Steve Hough, managing director at Zeal. “But when it comes to spots, our priority is finding a fixture that provides consistency, quality, and longevity. When [exclusive Martin Professional UK distributor] Sound Technology Ltd demoed the MAC Viper XIP, we expected something similar to what we’d seen before - but this one really stood out. It impressed both our design and production teams enough to investigate it further and, ultimately, make it our go-to spot fixture.

Zeal first saw the Viper XIP in August 2024, in the middle of a busy period. Despite the packed schedule, the fixture caught the attention of the team, especially Zeal’s design director Jon Trincas. After a second, more in-depth look, they put it through side-by-side comparisons with other fixtures in its class. By the end of the year, the decision was made, and the units arrived in early 2025.

“What really sold us wasn’t just one standout feature,” Hough explained. “It was how well the fixture performed across the board. A beautifully even field, superb colours across the spectrum, and an excellent gobo selection for both texture and aerial effects. It’s a fixture built to last, and that’s exactly what we need.”

Joshua Wakley, lighting UK sales manager at Sound Technology confirmed, “We were delighted to be able to facilitate all the necessary demos and technical tests of the Viper XIP to ensure Steve and the team had total confidence in the product itself and our support. We are so pleased to have Zeal on board as part of the growing Viper XIP family.”

Zeal’s first major deployment of the MAC Viper XIPs was for James Bay’s recent Wembley show, providing an opportunity to put them through their paces. Zeal has worked with James Bay and his lighting designer, Liam Tully, on multiple projects, so they had a clear understanding of his needs. While the original lighting design didn’t specify a particular spot fixture, Hough was confident in making the case for the Viper XIP.

“We initially quoted an alternative,” he explained. “But after running further tests, we recommended the Viper XIP to Liam. We were absolutely confident in the recommendation, and even more pleased to hear his feedback after using them in anger, backing up our own findings that they were the new benchmark.”

For Wembley, Zeal deployed 59 MAC Viper XIPs across the lighting rig. Their versatility allowed them to function as both keylights and effect lighting, positioned on the advance truss for band lighting, on drop ladders at the sides of the stage for added depth, and overhead for stunning aerial effects. Their ability to seamlessly handle different roles made a significant impact on the final look of the show.

“I’ve been working with the James Bay team for 11 years,” explained LD, Liam Tully. “I started with his first London show at Scala and I have worked with him on all tour designs since then. During his first album campaign, someone handed me a business card and shared his love for lights and James Bay’s music – that someone just so happened to be Steve and that moment marked the beginning of my brilliant relationship with Zeal.”

Having seen the MAC Viper XIPs online, Tully was immediately intrigued by their potential. “For years, the original Vipers have been my go-to workhorse light, and I only recently started requesting other large spots due to advancements in LED technology. So, it totally made sense to make the switch to the Viper XIP - it’s a Viper with better optics and LED.”

Tully noted the impact of LED technology on his creative design. “The fact that it’s LED means every white looks the same - no aged lamps.” And when asked about key considerations for designing a show of Wembley’s scale, Tully again emphasised this colour consistency. “For me, when you have any quantity of lights, you want them to match – when we go to red, we want the same red across every light, and the Viper XIPs do this perfectly.”

Tully makes it clear that he plans to use them in the future. “When I need a medium-to-large spot, the Viper XIP is now my chosen fixture.” he remarked.

Since taking delivery, Zeal’s MAC Viper XIPs have been in constant use. They’ve already featured in an outdoor activation in central London, TV shoots and live performances for Floating Points and HONNE’s UK/EU tour.

Finally, Hough praised the support from Sound Technology and Martin Professional. “The entire process, from sales to post-purchase queries, has been excellent,” he said. “Fortunately, we haven’t had to rely on any additional tech support yet, with our warehouse and onsite production teams having had no issues with the fixtures.”