Lighting Designer/Director, Thom Roberts has died of a gunshot wound at his home on Sunday, July 9, 2023. He was 68. Roberts was a Nashville, TN-based LD with nearly 50 years of lighting experience, and was part of the Randy Travis touring family for over 20 years.
Roberts started off lighting regional club bands in the 70’s, including clubs with Eddie Rabbitt, progressing upwards to years of lighting touring shows with Vince Gill, Travis, as well as acts like Olivia Newton John and Nashville’s Here Comes The Mummies. He once said, “I’ve worked in every sized venue, designing and programming lights for every type of act, from hardcore country to the heaviest of heavy metal. I love it all and feel privileged to be allowed to do what I do for a living.”
Roberts also worked at Belmont University School of Music, a liberal arts school located in Nashville that specializes in music and the music business. At school, at shops, and out on the road, Roberts mentored many people over his long career. He previously worked at rental house, LSD Nashville.
Randy Travis posted these heartfelt sentiments about Roberts on Facebook on Monday. “The stage has gone dim with the passing of Thom Roberts. For many years, the Randy Travis band and crew had the opportunity to share the winding roads and the beautiful venues with one of the very best stage lighting technicians in the business. Thom not only had a magical sense about lighting a stage; but, he had a quiet, charismatic presence that ignited your soul. Always willing, with a ‘can do’ and ‘happy to do it’ attitude.
He was a gentle giant of a man that wore a constant smile on his face and carried a song in his heart.
One would search a lifetime to find a kinder, gentler spirit. Thom was my friend and I loved him dearly.
As we go back out next week, for the “More Life” tour of Randy Travis, the music will not be near as sweet; but, I will once again be reminded of the blessing I was given to have Thom Roberts on the road with us for so many miles, and so many memories.
It certainly won’t be the same; and, I know I speak for the entire band and crew when I say the light that he truly created, in our hearts, will never be extinguished or forgotten.
Tonight, I will look toward heaven and am sure I will see flashes of Thom’s handiwork in the night sky—letting us know he is home, and all is well.”
Back in 2015, Roberts wrote about his time lighting Here Comes the Mummies for PLSN’s LD-at-Large column.
Requiescat in Pace, Thom Roberts.
