With great sadness we announce the passing of concert industry pioneer Brian Croft, 86. He died peacefully on October 16 in a West London hospital surrounded by his wife Lise and family members. Brian’s influence shaped the careers of an entire generation of touring professionals. He was the first of the Parnelli Lifetime Achievement Honorees in January 2002. His was the only award presented that year.
His calming presence, professionalism and witty stories will long be remembered by future generations of designers, production managers and touring crews everywhere. He is survived by his wife Lise and children Sarah, Mathew, and Daniel.
“Brian was a cherished part of Parnelli Award history and a major supporter of the event from its humble beginnings, when he received the first Lifetime Achievement Award in San Diego,” said PLSN Founder Terry Lowe, who co-founded the Parnelli Awards with Patrick Stansfield. “Patrick was insistent that Brian was our first recipient, and rightfully so.”
“It is impossible to overstate Brian Croft’s influence on our industry,” said Marshall Bissett, Chairman of the Parnelli Board of Directors. “Part father figure, part mentor, a generation of designers, production managers and entrepreneurs owe their careers to his guidance. He showed us that you can run away with the circus without falling off the high wire. Today’s mega shows can all be traced back to Brian’s early work with the Stones, Queen and many others.”
Brian’s career began at the Perth Repertory Theater in 1959, and in 1968 he became Technical Director at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London. But then he took off for three months to work with another future Lifetime honoree, Chip Monck, as part of the Rolling Stones’ lighting crew on their 1970 tour. There was no turning back, as he went on to work with The Who, David Bowie, Elton John, Abba, and the Moody Blues, among others. He formed ESP Lighting with John Brown and served as Managing Director of TFA Electrosound, whose clients included Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, and Rod Stewart. His work continued through companies and tours and in 1985, he was one of four stage managers at Live Aid at Wembley. In 1994, he became managing director of Vari-Lite Europe and later became chairman of the company that became VLPS. He retired in 2003.
A memorial service is being planned for Croft in London and will be announced at a later date.
