History 

I have worked with lights for 25 years and it is fair to say I know them inside out. From building par cans for pub bands in Birmingham to stadium gigs with the Pet Shop Boys in South America, I have gained experience of every aspect of lighting design and operation.

I started Street Light Designs in 1983 and worked with a diverse clientele during the mid 1980s. As sole supplier, operator and designer, I toured Britain and Europe with Alvin Stardust, Eeka Mouse, Flaming Mussolini’s, Redskins and Annabelle Lamb (to name a few). I also worked with local universities, such as Wolverhampton, Aston, Birmingham and Leicester, supplying lights as well as designing and operating for events run by the Student Union

In 1987 I started working for local band the Wonderstuff just as they were about to take off. This was the band that raised my profile significantly. I toured with the Wonderstuff regularly between 1987 and 1994 when they split. The longevity of my relationship with the band allowed me to develop my knowledge of lighting design and operation in a global context.

From 1990 onwards, most of my work was as a designer and/or lighting operator. Consequently, I decided to sell my lights and become the sole asset of Street Light Designs. At this time I began an extremely successful working relationship with lighting hire company Neg Earth Lights Ltd; this is a partnership that endures to the present day.

From the late 1980s, I have worked continuously as Lighting Crew Chief or Lighting Designer/ Operator. My CV details many of the bands I have worked with over the last twenty years, concentrating on those that I have toured with. The list is not exhaustive however. I have not listed one-off shows of which there are many!

My career is defined by my productive, long-lasting relationships with the bands and companies I have worked with. In partnership with Neg Earth Lights Ltd, I have been Lighting Designer and Co-ordinator at many of the major music festivals in the UK since 1993. These include Reading, Glastonbury, V and Phoenix Festivals. Between 1996 and 2001, I worked as Garbage’s Lighting Designer and sole Operator. This role incorporated responsibility for lighting for all television appearances worldwide and included spells as Production Manager.

 My most creative partnership of recent years has been with the Pet Shop Boys. As their Lighting Designer since May 2000, I have designed (and subsequently adapted for different continents) several shows, many of which have involved close co-operation with set designers, costume designers and choreographers.

 My strength as a Lighting Designer rests in my ability to successfully combine technical understanding with the creativity required by the artist. I have extensive, practical experience of every aspect of lighting design from rigging to programming, budget control to production values, project management to design concept. Ultimately, my strength is the ability to see the bigger picture.