20 Questions – David Henderson

David Henderson

He has worked with a diverse range of acts including Pardon Me Boys, Gina Jeffreys, The Screaming Jets, Lee Kernaghan, Suzi Quatro and more, whilst also freelancing for several production companies. Recording credits include the Gadflies, Regurgitator, The Screaming Jets, Coldplay live broadcast from the Enmore Theatre and Katie Perry live broadcast from the Opera House.

1. What are the three best things about your job?
The people, music, and travel.

2. And the three worst things?
Stairs, hours, and waiting.

3. What do you never leave home without when working? 
My man bag, and laptop as they contain my life.

4. What was the worst nightmare you encountered on the road? 
Having no loaders turn up when you’re meant to have 22, two semis and an eight tonner. The show went on of course but it was a hell of a day.

 To move an RF receiver closer to him because he could hear the delay of it being three metres away.

Always the least talented seem to be the hardest to deal with.

To mix in a stair well, as the promoter had sold the entire room leaving nowhere for the FOH console, a little PM3000!

There has been many but ‘Back to Back Beatles’ was an awesome experience. Incredible band, 21-piece orchestra and some great voices, and a great crew. I was on monitors and it was quite a challenge, but having a DiGiCo SD7 made the job a joy.

A crowd of 45,000 stop in the middle of a rock festival and go silent for an hour of prayer, it was quite surreal from an outsider’s view.

The many great crews I have worked with. They have your back, mateship and knowledge. There is always something to learn from someone.

The Tivoli in Brisbane comes to mind. It’s just a great room, great crew, access, and it sounds great.

Besides the Digico SD series, especially the 5 and 7, the new range of speakers from Adamson are amazing.

Work with the late great Pat Pickett … for years…

14. What was the worst weather event you’ve encountered at an outdoors gig? 
Red Hot Summer at Bribie Island last year. Ten minutes before Suzi Q was due on stage a storm hit like I have never seen, 180kph wind gusts for 40 mins. It was scary, eight of us holding the FOH tent down, had to drop all walls on the stage, and the crowd was evacuated.

15. What would your ideal rig contain? 
Digico SD7, Adamson PA to suit, and I would be in a happy place.