25.7.2005
Name
Bruce Ramus
Hometown
Squamish, BC, Canada.
Title on the Road
Lighting Director
Day to Day Role
I live ‘Front of House’ with Willie, Smasher and Bob. From there we control the visual show (lights, video, automation). This little place holds a lot of technology - a lot of creative energy too.
During the gig, I operate a console that commands the lighting system and I also communicate through my headset with about 25 different people - technicians, engineers, followspot operators.
Between the two, I initiate different lighting ‘looks’ in time with the music. There’s hundreds of these cues during a 140 minute show.
I’m in constant contact with Willie during the gig as well - we are always discussing and adapting the looks as we go. We laugh a lot, mainly.
Other times, I prepare for upcoming U2 projects. We always have television shows, or DVD shoots, or extra-tour gigs to arrange… plus the evolution of the show, which involves researching and developing new ideas. These ideas come from the band or the creative team, and are added to the live show daily. It’s great fun.
And I also have a lighting crew - best in the world – and maintaining communication with them is an important part of my day. They’re the ones who move the system from town to town and make it work every day.