Moray worked with many of rock's greatest acts over the past three decades, including Black Sabbath, Saxon, Ozzy Osbourne's solo outings, Motorhead, Dio, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Whitesnake - culminating in a 10-year spell as Deep Purple's front-of-house engineer.
An advocate of line array technology, Moray became one of the first certified V-DOSC engineers in the UK, and later, through the company's links with Deep Purple, he assisted German manufacturer HK Audio in the development of its COHEDRA system. Moray took the decision to leave his life on the road in 2004 and took a sales role with the HK Audio brand at UK distributor John Hornby Skewes, moving from there to EAW sales in 2006. A few years later, he joined EAW's Application Support Group as EMEA representative.
"We are all just devastated," said EAW President Jeff Rocha. "Moray was one of the unforgettable characters that make up this industry and a consummate professional. He was a true friend, one of those people you can't help but want to spend time with. So full of life - I'm heartbroken."
In the company's announcement of Moray's passing, EAW said: "Moray was diagnosed with cancer in early 2010. He fought it both homeopathically and also through traditional methods, drawing strength from his friendship with fellow cancer sufferer and Black Sabbath band member Ronnie James Dio as they encouraged each other through their illnesses. Moray was proud he could attend Dio's funeral in Los Angeles last year and reconnect with many of his old touring friends, even if it was under the saddest of circumstances. He was very involved in Dio's funeral arrangements, including a live concert by Queensrÿche in the cemetery in front of 1200 fans. He was also honored to be one of the pallbearers when the fans had gone and his dear friend was laid to rest."
"Moray's joy for life was at all times apparent, and he was particularly fond of dancing (despite his hard rock heritage!). He was a true gentleman who never ceased staying strong against his ailment. Whether attending a trade show, visiting a dealer, working a concert or just hanging out with a FOH engineer, Moray fought the disease privately and with great dignity. With a complete absence of self-pity, Moray never let his illness affect anything he did for EAW, and he was always a motivating and driving force to everyone around him. At each stage of Moray's treatment he wouldn't rest until he found the information or person that could help him fight his cancer. And in typical Moray fashion, he got his responsibilities for the UK's big trade show PLASA out of the way before he passed."
Moray was a true gent and will be sadly missed by all of his many friends in the industry. A facebook page for memories of Moray has been set up by EAW - visit the link below.
Moray is survived by his wife Antonella and two sons. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be sent to:
The Hospice of Saint Francis
Spring Garden Lane,
Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 3GW.
www.stfrancis.org.uk
Tel: 01442 869553
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Wednesday, September 28, 2:30 pm
The Church of St. Nicholas
Church Green
Harpenden, Hertfordshire. AL5 2TP
(Lee Baldock)
