UK - LSi is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Brian Croft – Crofty to just about everyone in the industry - who died peacefully in hospital on Wednesday October 16th, his family around him.
Brian was a key figure in entertainment lighting and production, beginning in theatre (he was a member of the original National Youth Theatre company in 1956, going on to train at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School then to jobs at Perth Rep and Stratford-upon-Avon before returning to the NYT as production manager), moving to the new ICA in London as it opened, starting to perform liquid light shows with fellow NYT member John Brown and forming a lighting supply company, ESP, with him. The company would go on to supply lighting to the likes of The Who, David Bowie. Elton John, Queen and others.
Through a series of mergers, ESP became part of Electrosound, which then became TFA Electrosound, which ultimately broke up with the London operation acquired by Theatre Projects. Brian became part of the management team at the company; as it was acquired by Samuelsons and then by Vari-Lite he ultimately became managing director of Vari-Lite Europe, playing a key role in bringing automated lighting technology not just to concert touring but to theatre and other areas of production.
Arguably his strength in this role was his experience of actually having been on the production side of shows, deeply involved in the evolution of concert touring into the highly organised, professional operation it is today – amongst his many other achievements, he was one of the stage managers of the historic Live Aid concert at Wembley.
Many still active in the industry today started on Brian Croft’s watch, and cite him as a tremendous influence, mentor, supporter – and raconteur! He was, to most, the ‘godfather of rock and roll.’
He is survived by his wife Lise and children Sarah, Matthew and Daniel.
