Back in 1973, the year we all left school, George McDuff, Peter Barnes and myself decided to form Chameleon Lighting. The company was started to service the fairly new need for lighting in rock 'n' roll tours. We struggled along, innovating rock and roll lighting in the 70's with our own designed equipment, until we had climbed up the ladder to an acceptably high level, supplying tours like Sting, Eurythmics, Motorhead and many more. We also had some success in the Industrials market. By 1991 we felt that we had taken our type of hire company as far as we could, and by general consensus, searched and found a buyer for the business - Meteorlites Productions Ltd. Following a year of working as production manager with MPL, I decided to move to North Devon and become freelance, which is where I have been since 1993.

My 1970's tours included the likes of Budgie, Uriah Heep, Jean Luc Ponty, Alexis Korner, Soft Machine and Kevin Ayers.
1980's saw me working with many bands - Spandau Ballet, with whom I toured the world, carrying the first touring set of Telescans with Compulite console #001 (much fun!), Hawkwind, with whom I spent 7 weird years doing everything for (almost) nothing, and inventing things to look strange, Motorhead, - sorry, did you say something? Tangerine Dream, who really were great to light, and the start of more special events work, one-offs and Video shoots.
By 1990 I had essentially retired from the road, running Chameleon's office full time, but did get involved with the Shamen, Sleeper, Jamiroquai and Primal Scream on tour.
Once the move to Meteorlites/ELP took place, a lot of TV OB's crept in, like location work for the BBC - Mastermind, Songs of Praise, Come Dancing had me as board operator or Gaffer - including the funeral of Princess Diana at Westminster Abbey, the Royal Wedding at Windor, and the funeral of Cardinal Hulme at Westminster Cathedral. I did my debut as TV lighting director on a program for the 50th anniversary of India and Pakistan's independance in 1995. Work, by 1997, was split between touring with Primal Scream, and a variety of TV and conference jobs in various roles, plus a design and installation at a new venue.
1999 rolled in with Television at the forefront of my work, being Head Electrician for CITV's 'Pump it Up series, followed by a similar role at the Brit Awards in London Arena. I was in Birmingham to operate moving lights and general duties for the BBC Crufts show - my 3rd year there.
Moving onward and upward, I operated both a Hog2 and Jands Echelon for BBC's 'Songs of Praise' in London's Royal Albert Hall, followed by another 'Songs of Praise' this time in St. Butolph's Church, Boston in Lincolnshire, aka 'The Stump' A great church to be in - not so easy to rig! I seem to be making a career out of churches - at least they are cool and quiet places, and after so many years of arguing with the sound and backline crew, there are some compensations! 1999 finished up with a successful tour with the Bootleg Beatles.
Year 2000 started with a tour of Australia and Japan with Primal Scream, and year 4 at Crufts! This has been complimented with a number of BBC Question Time shows, and various shows with the Bootleg Beatles, who's website I also re-vamped. 2001 and 2002 continues in the same way, with more Question Times, Crufts and Robot Wars, and the annual Bootleg Beatles touring as well.
Most of my work is now split between lighting and web design. www.cjonesdesign.co.uk is the address of the web design site.

Now - 2004 - I guess a new photo should be in order! This was my first year with no music tours. I must be getting old! Top Gear, and other regulars have kept me busy.

As 2005 kicks off, my 50th year on the planet draws to a close. Now, where did I put those resolutions....
I did actually do a short tour this year - Van der Graaf Generator. A band as old as me :) A busy year, both for lighting and website design.

2006 has so far been busy too - a CD training course developed, lots of TV shows and website work all keeping me on my toes.