Artist: Tom Jones
Tour: “Hear Me Out” (U.S. leg)
Dates: April 27-May 8, 2014
Design Concept: “For a short U.S. run (nine shows, nine states in 14 days) Tom’s longtime LD, Mark Cunniffe, called me with tips from the U.K. He wanted it dark, mysterious, bluesy and moody and suggested two PAR cans at the foot of the stage. We carried no equipment (except for my console) and used in-house gear: LEDs, from PAR cans to Lekos, and sometimes washes and hard edges. The nightly highlight was the 1965 James Bond theme, ‘Thunderball,’ one of his big hits, so I looked up 50 Years of James Bond (on YouTube) to see how Mark lit it. It had the old classic nostalgia look.”
Working with Tom Jones: “He is such a legend, my big fear was that he would have an ego, but he’s laid back, no attitude. He’s a great guy, has a great voice and, at 73, still draws big crowds.”
BACK STORY
Home Base: Murfreesboro, TN
Years in the Industry: “24, not counting prior club years.”
Career Spark: “I started as a DJ in clubs in Kentucky and they had their own in-house lighting, so I picked it up. After that, I went to a college in Atlanta for their video and sound program. I used my lighting knowledge to apply to the video course, and soon instructors were asking me questions because I knew more than they did — I was already in the business.”
Heroes: “Willie Twork was my first lighting hero, but now it’s LeRoy Bennett. When I met Roy, I had to rethink everything. He’s beyond brilliant. He sees way more.”
What do you like about what you do? “Mr. Saturday Night is a favorite movie. Like [Billy Crystal’s] character says, ‘The roar of the crowd is like a hug you get from the audience that no one else can give.’”
Other Artists You’ve Lit: “Tim McGraw was my claim to fame. It was my Almost Famous.”
Motto: “Do what you love, love what you do.”
