Executive News - Bandit Lites has announced that Peter M. Heffernan, a 30-year veteran, has been named president of the firm. Effective immediately, Heffernan will take the reigns and serve as both president and C.O.O., a role he has held for the last 15 years. This move comes at a time of growth for Bandit and is the logical step in taking the firm to the next level, says the company. Heffernan began his full time relationship with Bandit Lites in 1978 and he has risen through the ranks. He served as lighting director and/ or production manager for a number of artists that toured on the international scene including Blackfoot and Quiet Riot.
Festival News - The Edinburgh Fringe has reported a record opening weekend, despite ticketing problems at the box office. Organisers have said a number of venues have reported "healthy" opening sales. Saturday night at Pleasance had 25 sell-out shows, double the number of 2007 while the Underbelly venue has sold 18% more tickets so far this year. The Assembly Rooms and Gilded Balloon said they had also enjoyed a record weekend. Problems with a new ticketing system had caused concerns for venues. Despite a bumpy start, which saw the Fringe box office system grind to a halt, and delayed the arrival of thousands of tickets, organisers said ticket sales have been soaring.
Pop News - The fascination with Abba continues . . . The group's greatest hits compilation Gold, first released in 1992, has become the oldest album to top the UK album chart. The record, which has made it to the top spot on four previous occasions, knocked Coldplay's Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends down to two.
(Jim Evans)
