Bandit Lites Returns with Jason Aldean for the 2026 Songs About Us Tour
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NASHVILLE, TN – As country superstar Jason Aldean hits the road this summer on his highly anticipated Songs About Us Tour, Bandit Lites is once again providing the lighting system powering the arena production. Returning for his fourth year with Aldean, Lighting Director Andy Knighton is behind the console, bringing the show’s dynamic visual presentation to audiences.
Knighton is quick to point out that the success of the production comes from the collaboration between the design team, Bandit Lites, and the touring crew.
“This is the beginning of my fourth year with Jason Aldean,” said Knighton. “I am merely the ‘driver’ of this machine. Once the design team hands me the keys, she’s all mine. I’m blessed with having Bandit Lites to be the backbone of this rig and a pit crew to accompany me.”
Unlike many touring productions where crew members often juggle multiple responsibilities, Knighton credits the show’s efficiency to a highly specialized team.
“Unlike many other artists, I get to absolutely stay in my lane out here,” he explained. “I’ve had to wear many hats in other camps, but here we have a team of cogs in the machine – each cog with a specific task.”
Designed to match the energy of Aldean’s signature blend of country and rock, the lighting package delivers everything from explosive arena moments to intimate storytelling.
“This show is a rock show,” Knighton said. “This music has a personality that allows you to jam it out and settle it down, providing a roller coaster of looks and activity. I think the Chauvet Storm 2 BeamWash fixtures and Chauvet Color Strike M units give you so much flexibility. The Acme Pixel Lines join in to make some crazy stunts along with some saturated balance.”
Among Knighton’s favorite moments in the show are the high-energy performance of “Crazytown” and the powerful visual treatment for “Tattoos.”
“I particularly enjoy ‘Crazytown’ for going nuts and ‘Tattoos’ for power looks,” he shared.
With many productions relying heavily on visual effects, Knighton’s philosophy remains rooted in keeping performers the focal point.
“I attempt to insist upon completely lighting up the musicians first – then applying technique and gags,” he said. “I want the audience to actually see the band and the artist. It’s an old-school thought process these days.”
The production also benefits from Bandit Lites’ innovative pre-rigging pod system, allowing for faster deployment while expanding creative possibilities.
“Our pods are amazing,” Knighton explained. “They’re incredibly logistical and capable of pre-rigging a plethora of units to fatten up the package. Within these pods, many different styles of fixtures can be introduced periodically to allow fresh entry of looks that haven’t been exposed, giving you a full set of suspense and surprise.”
For Knighton, however, the production’s greatest strength isn’t found in the fixtures or technology – it’s the people behind them.
“Ultimately, this particular camp is what makes it so amazing to be here,” he concluded. “We are the absolute definition of precision and execution. Jason makes sure everybody has the personnel and support to pull off the job in a manner others can only dream. I’ve worked my entire career in hopes of being a part of this style of touring.”
