TOUR: John Fogerty Tour
DATES: Oct. 10-Nov. 14, 2013 (U.S.)
THE SHOW: “It opens with a 16-minute video intro of Fogerty fun facts you might not know. The first half of the show alternates with Creedence Clearwater Revival’s entire album of Cosmo’s Factory (1970) or Bayou Country (1969), and then old hits and new favorites.”
DESIGN APPROACH: “It’s a classic 1970s arena-
sized rock show like they would have done if they had this new technology.”
THE DESIGN PROCESS: “John is more about the music — he would play with the houselights on and nothing else. His wife, Julie, is the driving force behind the design. She wants to keep the show current with LED walls, video, special effects, sound, lighting. So we are up to date with all the bells and whistles. We’re carrying all our lighting, video and the FOH.”
Home Base: Chicago, IL
Years in the Biz: 29
Years with the Band: “Worked with them in 2005 to fill in for a friend who was their LD, and then from 2011 to now.”
Career Spark: “I was in bands when younger — always around music. I had a friend in the business in Chicago. They’d get busy in the summers and needed help after hours, so I used to cut gels and other things to make extra money and for the perks — to see shows.”
First Gigs: “It began with shop work in 1984. That was when we built the spun aluminum PAR cans. As an LD using house systems, it was LA Guns in 1988. As an LD carrying my own rig, it was Exposé in 1990. My first tour was as a fourth electrician on Bob Seger’s 1985-86 American Storm tour.”
Recent Projects: “Earlier this year I designed the Cody Simpson tour and the Australian boy band, The Janoskians. I directed Beck, A Tribe Called Quest, Bleona and 50 cent.”
Heroes or Mentors: “I learned a lot from Sparky Anderson and Nook Schoenfeld.”
What’s Next: “I own consoles and media servers, and I’m trying to get FOH packages with lighting directors out on tour.”
Words of Wisdom: “Be nice. Personality will get you further. Knowledge and skills can be learned down the road.”
