On the live music front, the strangest gig we have reported on in recent times must be Queens of the Stone Age performing down a salt mine in East Germany. Iron Maiden are about to tour the world again and next summer's festivals are selling out as soon as the tickets become available. And the move to digital in live music production continues with this week's official London launch of Cadac's new digital desk.
Manufacturers are now gearing up for Frankfurt, while end-users are still trying to digest the wealth of product developments, company announcements and mergers unveiled at Winter NAMM in Anaheim. (See the March issue of Lighting&Sound International for more on this.)
Following the various opening ceremonies and all-star concerts, Liverpool's status as European City of Culture 2008 continues to provide plenty of opportunity for all sides of our industry. And the opening of major new venues on Merseyside is a bonus too.
The industry continues to embrace the growing need to be environmentally aware, so congratulations to XL Video on being awarded the prestigious ISOI4001 status, recognising its environmental management system.
(Jim Evans)
