The Irish lighting designer known for working with Irish acts on big festivals and main stages has passed away at a young age from cancer.
Conor Biddle was known for his lighting work with acts like Manic Street Preachers, Kneecap, Fight Like Apes, Enemies, Overhead, The Albatross; Soda Blonde, Meltybrains?, Gemma Dunleavy along with lighting for music videos for Soda Blonde, The Cope, Bono, Christan Cohle and more.
Biddle also did lighting work with festivals like All Together Now in Waterford and Emerge Festival in Belfast.
Just last week, Biddle posted an emotional farewell to his professional life, after lighting the Manic Street Preachers gig in Barrowlands in Glasgow.
He wrote:
As some of you know I’ve been diagnosed with terminal cancer and unfortunately this was my last ever show.
But getting to finish my career with such an incredible band and crew in one of my favourite all time venues has been a dream and I’m so grateful.
I want to say a huge thank you to the @manics, @ravydavey , @naomifrew for bringing me on for the last few years, it’s been amazing.I’ve been so privileged to have the career I’ve had and to work with so many amazing people through the years all over the world.
My take away from this is to live everyday to the fullest. Tell people you love them. Take nothing for granted and get yourself checked regularly.
Fu#k Cancer
My condolences to his husband Sean, family, friends and all who worked with him.
His funeral takes place next Wednesday.
The band Enemies posted a tribute to Conor:
As did Overhead, The Albatross before Conor passed.
Dublin arts and venue space The Complex shared their condolences.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.
