Lighting Pioneer Dies

Bill McManus, one of rock ‘n’ roll’s early lighting pioneers and president of both McManus Enterprises and PeakBeam Systems, died January 12th of health problems involving a bacterial infection.

McManus, 58, designed lighting packages for Jethro Tull, Elton John, Cat Stevens, Eagles, and The Who, according to Pro Lights & Staging News.

In addition, he reportedly worked in location lighting for film and TV sports from the early ’80s until his death.

McManus was also responsible for manufacturing the Maxa Beam Xenon Searchlight, which, along with being used for pop/rock tours, sci-fi films and theme parks, has been deployed with troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, PLSN reported.