Beyoncè lifted by McLaren stage

On July 6, Beyoncè will start the North American leg of her 2007 world tour. McLaren’s engineering is prominently featured during her high-energy performance.

McLaren Engineering Group worked in conjunction with Tait Towers on the major concert staging effects. McLaren engineers helped develop the one-of-a-kind hydraulic platform lift, and evaluated the main performance platforms, rolling band risers, and rolling and pantograph stair units.

The hydraulic platform lift includes three five-stage telescoping hydraulic actuators that are constantly pressurized, which each work in conjunction with a cable winch. The cylinders provide a constant and consistent upwards push on the performer platform and the winch pays out and retracts the cable to raise and lower the platform. Active telescoping hydraulic cylinders would have resulted in jolts as each stage engaged and would be much less stiff laterally. McLaren worked on a fast-tracked basis with Tait and its hydraulic vendor to develop a safe and reliable system, which included developing component and system testing protocols and conducting shop and site reviews.

The main performance platform is approximately 70’ wide by 45’ deep and stands 6’ above the venue floor. There are also several stair units that move independently, one of which is controlled by five power transmission frames, which allows the stage to be arranged in several configurations throughout the performance.