When legendary rock icon Alice Cooper brought his theatrical shock rock show to audiences worldwide, his production team needed an audio system capable of delivering power, clarity and consistency across nearly 200 performances in a wide range of venues. From large outdoor amphitheaters to historic theaters with challenging acoustics, each stop on the “Too Close for Comfort” tour demanded a rig that could adapt quickly without compromising the sound or production schedule.
SLS Production Services supplied a complete JBL Professional VTX system designed to meet the tour’s flexibility and efficiency requirements. The main and side hangs featured JBL VTX A12 line array loudspeakers, with JBL VTX A8 speakers deployed as fills. Low frequencies were reinforced by JBL VTX B18, B28 and G28 subwoofers, while JBL VTX M20 stage monitors provided clear, compact onstage monitoring for the band.
The system was powered by Crown I-Tech HD 4×3500HD amplifiers, and configured with JBL Performance Manager software, enabling the crew to deploy and tune the system efficiently at each venue.
Systems engineer Todd Hartman highlighted the adaptability that the VTX system brought to the tour. “The VTX system gave us the versatility to cover every configuration without changing boxes. Add that to how compact the rig is, we fit audio, lighting, video, backline and set into just three trucks. It was a game changer for this tour.”
That efficiency extended to daily operations. The compact rig flew and came down quickly, allowing the audio team to complete setup and tear-down ahead of other departments. The entire PA and control package occupied just 27 feet of truck space, minimizing logistics while supporting a full-scale rock production.
At Omaha’s steeply tiered theater, the crew used reverse frame deployment to achieve uniform coverage, a marked improvement after using a different in-house system the previous night. “The difference was huge,” Hartman recalled. “The JBL VTX really shined in that room, hitting every seat with clarity and impact. It was night and day compared to what we had experienced with the other system.”
The tour also introduced JBL VTX M20 wedges for drummer Glen Sobel, who praised the new monitors for their clarity and power within his in-ear mix.
With the JBL VTX system as its sonic foundation, the “Too Close for Comfort” tour delivered consistent, high-impact sound night after night. The combination of JBL VTX loudspeakers, Crown I-Tech amplification and JBL Performance Manager software provided the flexibility and speed the production team needed to support Alice Cooper’s elaborate theatrical show across diverse venues.
By pairing efficient deployment with powerful, controlled coverage, the system ensured audiences experienced every scream, riff and lyric with precision – preserving the energy and storytelling that defined one of rock’s most enduring live acts.
