Concert industry pioneer Brian Croft died peacefully on October 16, 2024, in London UK, at the age of 86. His influence shaped the careers of an entire generation of touring professionals, and he was honored with the first Parnelli Lifetime Achievement Award in January 2002.
On April 8, 2025, in the Workshop Theatre at the National Youth Theatre on Holloway Road in North London, there will be a celebration of Brian Croft's life for all friends, family, and colleagues who wish to pay their respects and remember the immense contribution that Brian made to so many of us in the events industry.
From the early days at school, his formal training in stage management at the Bristol Old Vic theatre school, the birth of the National Youth Theatre, opening the new ICA gallery in the Mall, performing liquid light shows and taking his entire family on tour with the Rolling Stones during the pioneering ESP lighting era, Brian left an indelible and lingering presence everywhere he went, not just in the UK, but through Europe, rolling out Vari-Lite throughout the continent, and finally back to the NYT as a trustee and continuing his support of the world of theatre by being a theatre angel.
There will be a series of tributes starting promptly at 5pm, so you are encouraged to arrive early, and there will be a paid bar after the presentations for those who wish to stay and chat.
Please join us in reliving that journey. Limited spaces available. Book now via the Nation Youth Theatre's ticket system. The tickets are free, but will be needed to enter the venue:
http://www.nyt.org.uk/briancroft