Date & place of birth:
March 6 1958; on the coast in one of Co. Antrim's beautiful glens, in Northern Ireland.

Profession:
Rigger - mostly flying things that no one has flown before, in environments where that amount of weight has not been hoisted. Director of Flying Squad Rigging Ltd., which does a lot of work with aerial performers and people flying in general.

What was your first professional job?:
Cleaning chemical holding tanks in a tyre factory (yuk). I cannot believe that wars are being fought by soldiers wearing similar protective and respiratory equipment - now that is mad. Within the event industry it was as deputy stage manager at the Royal Albert Hall, back in 1981.

Who or what has influenced you?
History, literature, my place of birth as the Northern Ireland troubles inspired me to move. Set design by Mark Fisher, having been involved with his creations from The Wall for Pink Floyd through to PopMart for U2. Gary Withers, for his imagination and all that production skill. Not least of all the Vari-Lite, which did more than most lights!

What's been your biggest professional achievement?:
Undoubtedly embellishing live performances to provide the paying public with a memorable show, and having the good fortune to have been involved in a plethora of spectacular events performed by very talented people. Possessing a pack of king size signed by Dame Vera Lynn. Also making lots of money for lots of people.

Is RADlite going to change the world?
I certainly think that the convergence of video and lighting will continue, and RADlite answers the call from many LDs to gain control of the complete visual stage picture. Content is crucially important and together with the RADlite we can provide an immensely powerful tool for many applications from stage shows through to fixed Installations.

What was the last record/CD you bought?:
Nelly & Kelly, which I bought for a young friend of mine and kept (how cruel!).

The last live show you attended as a punter?:
Acrobat, at the Roundhouse, late last year. Not a technical show but full of flair and performed by skilled acrobats who managed to make physical strength graceful.

If you were to meet up with the teenage Rory McKeown, what advice would you give him?
Travel and enjoy yourself - it's a wonderful world out there.

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