Tour: May 28-Aug. 16 North America; Oct. 20-Nov. 2 Japan; Europe/UK Dec. 6-19
Design: “This show is big, bold looks. It’s the old school looks of a rock and roll show but with new technology. There’s barely any gobos — just in two songs — and no video, although in Europe we may use video.On Working with the Band: “I like working with David Coverdale. When it comes to the design, when he first saw what I was capable of, he let me fly. His advice is always “have fun.” He’s easy-going and easy to work with.”
BACK STORY
Home Base: Los Angeles
Years in the Industry: “30 — I started when I was 15.”
Career Spark: “My father was a radio DJ, and I always wanted to play with the keys and buttons. I liked music as well. I got into lighting after seeing Genesis’ Barcelona show, with the introduction of the moving light. I was in Argentina then, and saw it on TV.”
First Industry Gig: “I started as stagehand and roadie. Then I became the sound guy, the production guy, and instrument tech for drums, guitars and keyboards.”
First LD Gig: “Menudo in Argentina, many years ago.”
Heroes/Mentors: “They are back in Argentina, but heroes I follow here are designers LeRoy Bennett and Patrick Woodroffe.”
Favorite Past Tours: “This is my second tour with Whitesnake, and it’s always been a favorite. We have a good team here. I started with Whitesnake in 2003, but have been busy since then on other tours with Yanni (as production manager) and so have been unable to work with Whitesnake some of the other years in between. Yanni is a good tour as well. I’ve been with him seven years.”
Design Inspiration: “I like to watch shows from Martin Phillips; also Luc Lafortune of Cirque du Soleil.”
What do you like about what you do? “As an LD, I like the creativity. As a production manager, I like the challenge. It’s always a challenge on Yanni. We play weird places that are not usual concert venues (historical monuments, etc.) and I need to bring everything from portable toilets to things we might not have thought of.”
Words of Wisdom: “Love what you do and have fun.”
