Nashville, Tennessee – CMA Award winner Cody Johnson kicked of 2025 with the Leather Deluxe Tour, celebrating the release of his new album of the same name. The tour launched only a few short weeks after he wrapped his 2024 touring schedule in mid-December playing 30 sold-out concerts. Known for his traditional country sound, Johnson’s authentic storytelling and electrifying shows has solidified him as one of the hottest acts around.
Bandit Lites provides the lighting package for lighting designer Richard “Wookie” Whitley. Comprised of Ayrton Khamsins, Ayrton Argo FX, Chauvet Pro STRIKE Array 4, STRIKE Array 2 and GLP JDC-1, Wookie designed a system that would wrap around the band while tapering down from downstage to upstage.
“I’m very happy with the outcome,” he said. It gives some great looks without any crazy positioning or grouping as well.”
“This rig is full of firepower for big looks and agile enough to deliver softer moments perfectly as well,” said Bandit Lites Client Representative Allen Deneau. “Wookie does a great job curating precise looks to perfectly match what’s happening on stage. I think some of his most creative work is done with the JDC’s. They’re bold and very punchy but he has perfected the use of them for lighter looks as well.”
“The Khamsins have been a solid reliable fixture to get a good profile or beam punch while also providing a great gobo selection to accompany the mood of the music,” added Wookie. “The Argos have provided me with a tremendous wash and some great eye candy effects. The STRIKE Arrays have given us some really cool marquee-style effects while also washing the crowd while Cody has those heart-to-heart moments with them. JDC-1s have been work horses for me time and time again. This year we added quite a few and have been able to get some cool effects out of them while also getting that “BOOM” factor from them. They’ve come in handy as a wash while the Argos or Khamsins give us some cool looks.”
When doing research on fixtures, Wookie was especially excited about Ayrton Argo 6 FX due to its powerful wash, wide and narrow zoom, infinite pan and tilt as well as its built-in eye candy effects.
“It’s been an awesome fixture that I’m constantly tinkering and playing with,” said Wookie. “I’m definitely planning on using them again next year.”
The tour made back-to-back stops in Nashville at Bridgestone Arena on February 14 and 15 with both performances sold out. His last visit to the arena took place one year ago and achieved the most tickets sold by a male country artist in their Bridgestone debut.
“Working with Bandit has been terrific,” said Wookie. “My crew has been amazing. We’ve had to adapt at every show so far this year due to different size rooms, etc. but they’ve knocked it out every night. When it comes to service, it’s been great having ideas and watch them take hold and run with it. If I have a request, sometimes they have an even better option. I’m extremely happy to have them as our vendor this year and look forward to more.”
“Working with the COJO camp, and Wookie, is always fun,” said Deneau. “They know what it is they want and the looks they need and then we get to work on making it a reality. This group is great top to bottom and I look forward to continuing our relationship for years to come.”
Cody Johnson’s tour continues into 2025. For more information about upcoming tour dates and tickets, visit https://www.codyjohnsonmusic.com/tour.
About Bandit Lites, Inc.
Bandit Lites is a full-service design, management and producer of live events, theatrical productions, and live shows. Bandit Lites has a full staff of highly trained professionals to deal with all types of production needs. Bandit’s presence will ensure seamless transitions no matter where your next show takes you. More information available at www.BanditLites.com