Laserface was a concert series by British DJ and producer Gareth Emery, billed as "the world’s greatest laser show," and known for its groundbreaking performances of lasers synchronized with electronic dance music (EDM). The show debuted in 2017 and ran until 2020, with performances in North America and Europe. Laserface was praised for its innovative visuals, establishing itself as one of the most ambitious laser shows in the EDM scene.
Concept and production.
Laserface was developed as a collaboration between Gareth Emery and laser designer Anthony Garcia. The show synchronized hundreds of high-powered lasers with Emery’s live DJ sets. Garcia, a specialist in laser programming, designed and choreographed the laser sequences to match the structure and dynamics of the music.
Unlike EDM productions that use LED screens, pyrotechnics, and automated stage lighting, Laserface relied primarily on laser technology for its visual component. Each Laserface show was configured based on the venue’s dimensions and sightlines. Garcia and his team determined laser placements to ensure even coverage and clear visibility. The show used predefined laser movements and color changes to complement shifts in Emery’s set.
The technical execution involved detailed pre-programming, with each track in Emery’s set linked to specific laser cues. Operators could make live adjustments in response to audience reactions and real-time performance dynamics, allowing for flexibility while maintaining synchronization.
Tour and performances.
Laserface debuted in 2017 with a sold-out show in New York City. The success of the event led to multiple performances in major cities, including Miami, Vancouver, New York, and overseas in Ibiza, Spain. Several of the performances were recorded and later released on YouTube.
Reception.
Laserface was met with widespread acclaim from both fans and industry professionals. Critics praised the show for its technical sophistication and its ability to elevate the concert experience beyond a standard DJ set. The combination of Emery’s melodic trance music with Garcia’s laser artistry was often described as “awe-inspiring” and “revolutionary” within the electronic music scene. Fans particularly appreciated the level of synchronization between the music and the visuals, which many considered unparalleled in EDM event production.
Legacy and influence.
Laserface influenced the evolution of live EDM visuals by redefining large-scale laser production. The show’s use of over the standard amount of 32 lasers (16 aerial / overhead lasers and 16 audience scanning lasers) at venues like the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco set a new benchmark for synchronizing lasers with electronic music performances. This level of precision and scale shaped subsequent EDM stage designs, demonstrating the potential of laser-centric visual experiences.
Building on the technical innovations from Laserface, Gareth Emery continues to develop new show concepts. His "LSR/CITY" project integrates laser technology with immersive performance elements, advancing audiovisual concert experiences.