Understanding the Different Structural Support Systems Used for Concert LED Displays

Large LED screens have become one of the defining features of modern concert stages. They provide live video, visual effects and digital stage backgrounds that allow audiences—even those far from the stage—to enjoy the performance.

To most spectators, every LED screen appears similar.

However, from an engineering perspective, different LED screens are supported using completely different structural systems depending on their location, function and loading requirements.

During the construction of the 2026 Guangzhou Pearl Beer Festival Music Festival, three distinct LED support methods were observed:

• The main stage background LED screen was supported directly from the stage platform.

• The side LED screens and FOH LED screens were supported by Ringlock structures with steel levelling beams.

• The long LED banner installed above the stage opening was supported by an aluminium frame attached to the roof apron structure.

These observations illustrate an important engineering principle:

Large LED screens are not supported by a universal structure. Their support method is determined by location, function and structural requirements.

The relationship between these different structures can also be understood through Understanding the Layout of a Large Stadium Concert, where the main stage, FOH and auxiliary structures are explained together.

Engineering Observation

Three different LED support systems were identified during this project.

Although every screen displayed video content, each required a different engineering solution.

Why Doesn't Every LED Screen Use the Same Support System?

LED screens differ significantly in:

• Size.

• Weight.

• Installation height.

• Viewing direction.

• Maintenance access.

• Structural environment.

Therefore, engineers select the most suitable supporting structure rather than applying one standard solution.

Temporary event engineering is based on choosing the right structure for each function rather than forcing every component onto the same framework.

Main Stage Background LED Screens Are Supported by the Stage Platform

One of the most noticeable observations during this project was that the large background LED screen behind the performers was positioned directly on the main stage platform.

Instead of hanging entirely from the roof, the screen transferred most of its vertical load directly into the stage deck.

This provides several advantages.

Direct Load Transfer

The dead weight of the LED wall is transferred through the supporting frame directly into the stage platform.

This avoids placing unnecessary additional load on the roof structure.

Improved Stability

A ground-supported LED wall experiences less movement than a fully suspended screen.

This is especially beneficial for very large displays where image alignment is important.

Easier Maintenance

Technicians can access the rear of the screen directly from backstage without working at roof level.

This simplifies:

• Module replacement.

• Cable maintenance.

• Signal inspection.

• Power servicing.

Because the screen is integrated into the stage platform, it also works naturally with the backstage circulation system described in How Is a Concert Backstage Area Organised?.

Side LED Screens Use Ringlock Structures

The LED screens positioned on both sides of the main stage required a completely different support system.

Instead of relying on the stage platform, these screens were installed on independent Ringlock structures.

These structures provide:

• Vertical support.

• Lateral stability.

• Maintenance platforms.

• Equipment access.

Ringlock systems are particularly suitable because they can easily accommodate different screen sizes while remaining modular.

The engineering logic behind these structures is explained further in How Do Ringlock Structures Support Large Concert Stages?.

Steel Levelling Beams Create a Flat Installation Surface

Another important observation was that the LED cabinets were not fixed directly onto the Ringlock ledgers.

Instead, steel square tubes were installed horizontally at the base of the screen.

These steel members acted as levelling beams.

Their functions include:

• Creating a perfectly straight mounting line.

• Distributing the weight of the LED cabinets.

• Correcting minor construction tolerances.

• Providing accurate alignment for installation.

Large LED walls require extremely precise positioning.

Even small deviations at the bottom can accumulate over the height of the screen and affect the final appearance.

Therefore, the levelling beams play an important role in achieving a flat and stable display surface.

FOH LED Screens Also Use Ringlock Structures

The Front of House (FOH) area contained additional LED screens positioned on both the audience-facing and stage-facing sides.

These screens were also installed on Ringlock structures.

Unlike the main stage background screen, FOH screens are independent installations serving different purposes.

For example:

• Audience-facing screens may display live video or event information.

• Stage-facing screens may function as confidence monitors or production displays.

Since FOH towers already require structural support for cameras and production equipment, integrating LED screens into the Ringlock framework provides an efficient engineering solution.

The complete FOH system is discussed in Why Is the FOH Positioned in the Middle of the Audience Area?.

The Long LED Banner Above the Stage Uses an Aluminium Frame

A third support method was observed above the front opening of the stage.

A long, narrow LED screen was installed across the stage entrance.

Unlike the previous two examples, this screen was not supported by the stage platform or by Ringlock.

Instead, it was mounted onto a dedicated aluminium frame.

This aluminium frame was then fixed to the horizontal beam of the roof apron structure.

This design offers several advantages.

Lightweight Construction

Aluminium reduces additional load on the roof.

Since the roof already supports lighting, speakers and rigging equipment, minimising the weight of auxiliary structures is important.

Modular Installation

The aluminium frame can be assembled separately before being attached to the roof apron.

This improves installation efficiency.

Accurate Positioning

The frame provides a continuous mounting surface, allowing the long LED screen to remain straight across the full width of the stage opening.

This roof system is closely related to the curved roof engineering discussed in Why Are Curved Roof Structures Used on Concert Stages?.

Different Locations Require Different Engineering Solutions

The support methods used during this project can be summarised as follows.

The same display technology was used throughout the venue, but each installation was optimised for its specific structural environment.

Engineering Lessons from This Project

Several important engineering principles can be drawn from these observations.

1. LED Screens Should Be Supported According to Their Function

There is no universal support method.

Each location requires its own structural solution.

2. Ringlock Structures Are More Than Scaffolding

Ringlock systems can safely support LED screens, maintenance platforms and production equipment while remaining modular.

3. Levelling Is Critical

Before LED cabinets are installed, a precise supporting beam must first establish a straight reference line.

This ensures the finished screen remains flat and visually continuous.

4. Lightweight Structures Reduce Roof Loading

When screens are suspended overhead, aluminium framing helps minimise additional dead load on the roof system.

Conclusion

Although large concert LED screens appear similar to audiences, they rely on very different structural support systems depending on their location.

During the Guangzhou Pearl Beer Festival Music Festival project, three primary support methods were observed.

The main background LED wall transferred its load directly to the stage platform.

The side stage and FOH LED screens were supported by Ringlock structures using steel levelling beams to achieve accurate alignment.

The long LED banner above the stage opening was mounted on a lightweight aluminium frame fixed to the roof apron.

Together, these solutions demonstrate a fundamental principle of concert engineering:

LED screens are not designed first. Their supporting structure is.

Only after selecting the appropriate structural system can engineers create LED installations that are stable, safe, easy to maintain and visually precise.