The news is breaking that Rob Lingfield has died.
Rob died on Sunday evening (19 June) after losing his fight with cancer.
An announcement from Plasa’s Matthew Griffiths says: ‘It is with the deepest regret that we learned yesterday of the dreadfully sad news that Rob Lingfield, Chairman of Plasa’s European Regional Board, passed away on Sunday evening. Rob had been battling cancer for over a year, and it is a testament to his courage and strength that he continued to play an active role in the industry right up until this last month.
‘Rob was a major player in the Pro Audio side of the industry, particularly in recent years with Martin Audio, but he was also an influential and strong advocate of Plasa which saw him lead the organisation as Chairman from 2007 up until the present day.
‘His ability to see the bigger picture and ask crucial questions of the Plasa management ensured that a clear direction has been followed over the past five years, including the successful merger with ESTA. His energy, counsel and support will be incredibly missed by us all.
‘Our thoughts are with his family, his colleagues at Martin Audio and the many, many friends he has in the industry.’
Although I had known Rob for more than ten years, I did not know him well. I do know, however, that his was one of the most welcome faces to be seen around the world at the many trade shows he attended – whether on the show floor, or in the hotel bar by the pool.
Interviewed by Total Production International in 2010, he gave a short account of his early career: ‘As a newly-qualified drama teacher, I thought some time out would be good and so I dabbled in a variety of jobs. I was a less than average DJ, but I had good kit. I also worked as a small-time local promoter, lighting designer and roadie, and when lack of funds dictated, I was a supply teacher. I eventually teamed up with Malcolm Hill in the mid-’70s to manufacture and hire sound equipment, which is when I first met Dave Martin.’
His subsequent involvement with Martin Audio was to last 35 years and earned him the respect of all he met. His own career highlight was Live Aid in 1985, ‘which included manufacturing all the sound equipment’ and that year’s Monsters of Rock tour of Europe.
On the show floor, Rob was always welcoming and had all the answers a journalist needed. Away from it, he was invariably excellent company. And anywhere you met him, he remained a gentleman. It is hard to overstate his contribution to the live sound industry, or the high regard in which he has long been held.
