In Memoriam: Bryan Leitch

Live Design was sad to hear that Bryan Leitch, a lighting industry veteran, has passed away at the age of 69 after a long illness. He was a show designer at Mirrad in London, and over his 30+ year career, he worked with many major musical acts, tours, and festivals, including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Coldplay, James Taylor, Kylie Minogue, and more. He was awarded the Knight of Illumination (KOI) Award’s Enrico Caironi Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2012, a true mark of peer appreciation in the entertainment design industry he loved so dearly. 

Mirrad’s website states:

“It is with unbelievable sadness that today we have to share the news that our wonderful friend Bryan Leitch passed away on 23rd April, 2019. So many of you will know Bryan not just as an amazing designer, but one of the kindest and most-loved personalities in live music, who spent his life working with incredible artists, touring the world and supporting friends and colleagues alike, taking on a mentorship role for so many young people in our industry. All our love and thoughts are with Tracey and the rest of Bryan's family.”

A few of his mates have commented on Facebook:

“Sad to hear Bryan Leitch has passed. Lost his battle after a long fight. Privileged to have known this fella, met him on a Cutting Crew tour some 30 years ago, actually gave him his first lighting gig and always watched his amazing career as it developed. Sorry to say we’ll never have that meal now. Rest in Peace fella. I’ll miss bumping into you at random gigs.” — Tommy Jay Smith

“Bryan Leitch, you legend you. May you rest in peace, and thank you.” — Mark Ravenhill

“Saddened today to hear of the passing of Bryan Leitch - a truly inspirational figure in the lighting industry and an exceptional human being. RIP.” — Martin Locket

An ambassador of Backup, a technical entertainment charity, he engaged with those in our industry who were suffering from degenerative and life threatening illnesses:

"His calm and supportive presence and regular contact, no matter what time of day or night, meant so much to those who faced exhausting treatment and recovery. He, himself, was no stranger to this as he suffered from Non Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosed some 9 years previously. He received a Knight of Illumination award for his work a few years ago but Backup will remember him as a Backup Knight in shining armour who willingly and with compassion stepped forward and helped those in need.

Whilst in hospital recently I talked with Bryan and Tracey, his wife, about Backup and Bryan was still so supportive about our charity. She and Bryan recognised how much Backup does for people in our industry who fall on hard times through long term illnesses and how much our financial support can help in such times of family crises. In Bryan’s memory, Tracey would like to ask everyone that is able to, to make a regular donation towards helping our colleagues in need. In Bryan’s memory, Tracey would like to ask everyone that is able to, to make a regular donation towards helping our colleagues in need." — John Simpson, Backup Chairman

Leitch spoke last year about how the financial support Backup gives makes such a difference, and his friend, Ben Albertson discussed how Backup helped him and his family.

Make regular donations on the Backup website here.

Please feel free to send your thoughts about Bryan to [email protected] so we can add to this tribute.