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Q: Who runs the lights at Phish shows?

CK5 PageChris Kuroda (aka Topher; listen to 11-20-94 Axilla or 12-30-97 Harry Hood; large graphic profile) started with Phish as a roadie after taking guitar lessons from Trey, and has become a lighting genius! He is assisted by many -- including roadies, stagehands, and designers -- but is regarded by some as a "fifth member" of Phish . A group of fans started CK5, initially with the aim of making that designation official.

See also, March 1989 in "This Month in Phish History", which notes that Chris was hired after this ad ran in local newspapers and the March 1989 Phish Newsletter:

"WANTED: Creative light person to run new light show for Phish on a salaried, permanent basis. This very valuable partner will travel with the band as a 5th member. We are looking for someone from the New England area -- no need to live in Burlington. Call (802) XXX-XXXX."

Kuroda has run lights for some other events. He once mentioned in an interview running lights for Santana at some South American () show, and how the other technicians there were blown away by his sweeps and fades. And he reportedly ran lights for the Black Crowes on 3-26-99. (Reported by Bob Silver 3/27/99)
Kuroda circa 1979 Kuroda in 1989 Kuroda in 1999



Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." -- Arthur C. Clarke, "Profiles of the Future", 1962 


 
This page last updated February 03, 2007.
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