Lighting designer Bryan Leitch passes away
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Having been diagnosed with a form of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2009 and undergoing a successful bone marrow transplant the following year, Leitch embarked on the Cancer Bonus Tour in his trusty 1963 Vauxhall Victor, visiting 332 venues throughout the UK that he’d previously visited during his 30+ year career. The tour benefitted two charities close to Leitch’s heart - Bloodwise and Sussex Cancer Fund - and promoted a positive message about public health care in the UK.
In 2012, Leitch was awarded the Knight of Illumination Award’s Enrico Caironi Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award was presented by fellow lighting designer (and Leitch protégé) Cate Carter, who said at the time: "Bryan has been an inspiration to so many lighting designers. He is an incredible talent and his ability to come up with some of the most stunning concepts has never ceased to amaze me. Furthermore, he has taken the time to give so many people the opportunity of a career in lighting; taking them under his wing and giving them the support and advice to go out there and do it for themselves."
A statement from design collective MIRRAD reads: "It is with unbelievable sadness that today we have to share the news that our wonderful friend Bryan Leitch passed away on 23rd April, 2019. So many of you will know Bryan not just as an amazing designer, but one of the kindest and most-loved personalities in live music, who spent his life working with incredible artists, touring the world and supporting friends and colleagues alike, taking on a mentorship role for so many young people in our industry. All our love and thoughts are with Tracey and the rest of Bryan's family."
(LSi Online)
