Magazine
In this special 40th anniversary issue...
Pop the champagne cork - or grab your non-alcoholic beverage of choice - we’ve made it to 40! To celebrate this collector’s edition, we’re revisiting 1985: the year of Live Aid, that iconic feat of backstage engineering and logistics which, alas, predated LSi’s launch by just a few months. It feels only right to mark our shared 40th with an inside look at how that incredible day was achieved - and how it’s been reimagined for the stage in new musical Just For One Day.
Also celebrating milestones are lighting and visual director Willie Williams, who discusses 40 years with U2, and nightclub tech legend Dave Parry, whose career spans four decades of global venues. You’ll also find features on 40 years of pro audio innovation, diversity on tour, and the enduring power of the trade press. Plus, coverage of French band Indochine’s current Arena Tour, a review of the Elumen8 Virtuoso Profile 600, a profile of Sennheiser at 80, reflections on touring with Led Zeppelin and loads more. Cheers to 40 years!
Live Aid at 40Having been at the heart of the action as Live Aid’s lighting crew boss, Steve Moles reflects on the event’s lasting legacy, sharing backstage stories from the people behind that monumental day for music . . .
Theatre: Just For One DayRob Halliday heads to London’s Shaftesbury Theatre to discover how the story of Live Aid has been retold as a stage musical . . .
Visionary talesRob Halliday interviews show designer Willie Williams about his long career of crafting iconic stage visuals for U2 and others . . .
On Tour : IndochineIan Cullen reports on the technically ambitious production behind French rock band Indochine’s ongoing arena tour . . .
Tech : Virtuoso 600James Simpson tests out this new profile fixture from Elumen8, designed for small venues looking to replace tungsten rigs . . .
40 years and counting . . .Claire Beeson looks back at the origins of LSi; Sarah Rushton-Read reflects on LSi’s enduring role in connecting people, challenging ideas and championing innovation across a changing industry; LSi contributors recall their personal highlights from the projects, people and topics covered by LSi’s 40-year history . . .
LSi Rewind: 1985 & All That . . .Jerry Gilbert reflects on the industry’s evolution over four decades, following an expert-led seminar panel at this year’s PLASA Show . . .
Unfiltered: The lives of Dave ParryJerry Gilbert talks to nightclub tech pioneer, Dave Parry about his colourful 40-year career . . .
Authentic reproductionPhil Ward places the last 40 years of live audio into a wider cultural context . . .
Transducer expressPhil Ward visits Sennheiser’s Hanover headquarters as the company celebrates 80 years of success . . .
Becoming pro audioPhil Ward talks to Focusrite chairman Phil Dudderidge about his time with Led Zeppelin, following the release of the band’s hit documentary . . .
Then & Now: Girl progress?Kate Lyon explores what’s changed for women on touring crews since her days on the road . . .