Precise performer tracking for one of the biggest German metal productions

On the “40 Years Anniversary Tour” of German power metal legends Helloween, a fully automated Follow-Me Track-iT system was used for the European dates. The system was supplied, operated, and supported by Christian “Rocketchris” Glatthor , who, together with his system technician Ricardo Zottele, was responsible for the tracking setup.

The tour kicked off on October 17, 2025, at the Rockhal in Luxembourg, following intensive pre-production by epicto (pre-programming/video) and Crystal Sound (lighting/PA). Due to the reduced production scale, no tracking system is planned for the US dates starting in April 2026.

Stage design with complex geometry
The stage setup for the anniversary tour placed high demands on the tracking system: In addition to a classic main stage, the design included a ten-meter-long catwalk, a 6 x 3 meter B-stage with a 4 x 4 meter extension, a 1.40-meter-high drum riser, and semi-transparent LED and set elements that jutted into the stage at a 45-degree angle.

“The system had to be able to smoothly track the performers across an area of ​​up to 20 meters wide, 20 meters deep, and a height difference of over three meters – from the audience level all the way up to the set,” explains lighting designer Martin Müller, who returned to design the lighting for Helloween after a long break.

FOLLOW-ME Track-iT with 34 moving lights in the system

A total of 34 moving lights were integrated into the FOLLOW-ME Track-iT system. Six of these fixtures were positioned as dedicated follow spots in the so-called “Folloween Truss” above the front-of-house (FOH) position. Additional fixtures were distributed across truss lines LX1 to LX6 and were used for both standard tracking and solo features.

The setup utilized a variety of strategically placed anchors – including in the ceiling, on the moving light ladders, within the set, at the front of the stage, on the catwalk and B-stage, and in the FOH area. Two anchors were installed per truss in the ceiling; two tags were used per musician, except for the drummer. Six targets were actively tracked; for the show finale, a seventh target was added for the drummer, which was manually moved using a 3D mouse.

Artistic freedom instead of follow-spot logistics

For Martin Müller, the system’s biggest advantage is obvious:

“At Helloween, up to seven equally talented performers are on stage simultaneously. Without automated tracking, you’d need either an enormous amount of dedicated front lighting or multiple follow-spot operators – including communication, cue announcements, and limited freedom of movement. Follow-Me makes it possible to keep performers visible at all times – regardless of where they are on the stage, catwalk, or B-stage. “Solos can be launched spontaneously without anyone having to stand in a precisely defined position. This provides enormous artistic freedom and makes touring much more relaxed,” the designer emphasizes.

Stable operation across more than 20 shows

Across the 20 European shows, the system ran almost flawlessly. Only one significant technical hiccup occurred, which was resolved within seconds by a control system restart.

“Thanks to thorough preparation, seamless coordination between Chris, Ricardo, and Crystal Sound, and a clear workflow, no situation arose that disrupted the day’s schedule,” summarizes Martin Müller.

In addition to lighting designer Martin “Mamü” Müller, Christian “Rocketchris” Glatthor (FOLLOW-ME system delivery, support, and maintenance), and Ricardo Zottele (FOLLOW-ME system engineering), Peter “Peda” Staudt (project manager, Crystal Sound) and Martin Löhr (production manager) were involved in the lighting design.

Exclusive distribution for FOLLOW-ME in Germany and Austria is handled by LMP Lichttechnik Vertriebs GmbH.

Photos © Robert Jaenecke Photography / Jana Boese

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