Why Do Some Guitarists Have Complex Setups?

[The Grand Vizier]

Ok Guys, Hopefully someone can set me straight on this question as to why do some guys have such complicated setups for example look at Keith Richards rig below. Pretty complex setup in my eyes.

And then look at one of my favourite guitarists setup below, Guthrie Govan's simple rig that he runs into a Suhr Badger.
Is Keiths rig just for huge stadium sized gigs or is he a gadget freak?
Sorry if this is a dumb question but I just don't understand it.:help

 

[hubberjub]

It's pretty amazing how complex Keith's rig is considering his tone sounds very basic. The rack on the left has some weird not necessarily guitar related equipment in it. I'm not sure what purpose the ADAT would serve for him.

 

[sunvalleylaw]

My cynical answer is that Keef's is probably so complex because he has a lot of money, doesn't really care, and just lets one of his guys set it up for him, and that guy makes more money doing it that way. I could be completely wrong and unfair, but that is just my guess.

 

[Katastrophe]

Cynical, Steve? Maybe, but I believe that there is a kernel of truth there. Keef doesn't have to lug his own gear, nor does he have to maintain it. Also, it makes me wonder if all that stuff in both racks is actually in use, or just there to fill a specific need as it arises on tour. Getting sound out in an arena is a whole lot more complex than in a club, and I would guess that each large venue has its own set of challenges.

Guthrie Govan, on the other hand, can make awesome sound through sheer force of will. He don't need no steenking rack!

 

[The Grand Vizier]

Yeh I think you guys are thinking the same as me, its the old story you don't have to spend huge dollars to get a good tone, Guthrie has the same sort of gear you & I can buy/afford, nothing to fancy & his sound is amazing, mind you the guy started playing guitar when he was only three years old.

As another example of a man that had incredible tone & a not so big rig take a look at the one & only SRV's pedalboard, but he did have a pretty awesome amp/cab setup.:rockya
http://www.guitargeek.com/stevie-ray-vaughan-1985-guitar-rig-and-gear-setup-diagram/