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In 1973 there were two kinds of lighting. Stage Lighting in the Theatre (say it with a prim and proper English accent like this: Thea-a-tRe) or psychedelic lighting. Neither camp spoke with the other. The latter attracted me. The first time I went to a venue and saw a band it was at a place…

  For those that have only worked in and experienced the entertainment industry of the last ten years, some of the most import people in the history of our industry may be unknown to you. Reg Batram, Dennis Irving, Jack Singe, Roger Barrett are big names from an era of technical production that is still…

The CX website states that the first custom lighting desk with flash buttons was made in the mid 1970s. There was at least one built as early as 1971. In 1969 I started in the lighting department at GTV9 Melbourne at the tender age of 19. I got the job on the basis of my…

Sydney audio industry identity Walter Gerin died today at Calvary Nursing Hospice in Sydney. Walter had terminal cancer. He was in denial until this week. His story is told by Jeff Stewart, a friend and a former employee. Jeff was forced to close the doors at Anything Audio, Walter’s company, last week. “He had a…

I would like to add my appreciation of swampy. A fond memory we used to tour via me being an employee of JPS with numerous acts. I remember one time going into the production office and as I usually did and asked if it was ok for me to be booked on the next flight…

I found this while cleaning up the other day and remembered the discussion: the advert clearly states WE INVENTED IT. Did they? Hope this adds some evidence. Regards Tom Benson In Phase Productions Port Macquarie Well, Tom……   Those with nothing better to do should read Steve Devine’s entertaining story on this site go to article…

A few more pictures, this time of the rigs for some classic Australian rock bands. And words from John Pryzibilla, in Adelaide. This is a web-site of interest to me, because I worked in the industry from the late sixties to 1980, doing some lighting and early stage pyro, but mainly doing sound. I worked…

This is history. Kevin was there when crew didn’t wear shirts, and when OH&S wasn’t invented. These pictures show a different world, with some different equipment on the Australian scene too. Come into the time machine, as we go BACK to the early 1980’s. And while you are with us, skip over to the HISTORY…

I just found an error in your website at: HISTORY! “In 1978, the 12″ box truss and winch-up stand was invented by either Phil Salmon, or Richard White’s Rock Industries (depending on which legend you listen to!)“ Well actually old chap the story goes like this….. In about 1977 or so, I was based in Canberra lighting…

We remember Swampy: I was checking out your moving description of Swampy’s funeral and Gig, and I speak for all of the Oz crew here in England this summer, Chris Pyne, Andy Greenhall, myself,Tony Szabo,and I’m sure all the others who are out touring the pound, when I say how sad we are for Kerrie…

In the early nineties in Melbourne you wanted to work for Troy Balance or McLean Audio. Troy’s seemingly had hundreds of Meyer MSL 3’s and UPA’s, mostly powered by Yamaha amplifiers, Yamaha PM 2000’s, 3000’s, Lexicon Processors and all in really nice wood grain racks and road cases. I still remember how easy it was…

More threading of the travails of the road, as Adelaide reader and industry veteran (love the ‘V’ word) Phil Eastick has some flashbacks… The photo is of Spy Matthews, the genuine article, pinched from the Delicate Productions site. Spy is a true legend, along with Scrooge, Swampy and Billy Rowe, Spy worked with Skyhooks, Billy…