Andrew Polin, Bob Morrissey & LeRoy Bennett
2018 INDUCTEES
Technical Awards: Stage Lighting & Design
Coming soon…
ANDREW POLIN, BOB MORRISSEY & LeROY BENNETT
LIGHTING THE WAY FOR THE STARS
WITH POLICO, EAST COAST LIGHTING AND SEVEN DESIGN WORKS
Members of the Historical Archive Committee of the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame are researching and documenting the career of these important Ocean State lighting design innovators. When work is completed, we will be posting an in-depth biography and history on this page. In the meantime, please enjoy this introduction to their work.
In 1972, two young music fans,16 year old Andrew Polin of Fall River and 20 year old Bob Morrissey of Warwick, formed Polico Lighting and began providing stage lights for regional bands including Johanna Wild with Jon Butcher. Growth was rapid and by 1976, they were the lighting designers for multi-platinum band Boston. Among the additional techs they hired during this time was LeRoy Bennett of Warwick. The company’s reputation for innovation and exciting productions led to major tours in the early ’80s with J. Geils, the Allman Brothers, Jerry Garcia and others. The mid-1980s saw a drop-off in touring concert business, but Polico continued to thrive by concentrating on regional events such as the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals.
In 1995, the partners split with Andrew moving into event production with Presentation Technology A/V and Bob continuing on in stage lighting and design with a new name, East Coast Lighting & Production Services. Bob Morrissey remains committed to new technologies and ECLPS’s creative, innovative and award-winning designs have kept them at the top of their profession.
In 1980, LeRoy Bennett became lighting director for then up-and-coming artist Prince on his “Dirty Mind” tour. The success of that tour led to a 14 year collaborative relationship and established LeRoy at the vanguard of his field. As his reputation grew, so did his client base – his resume boasts superstars from every genre including Nine Inch Nails, The Who, David Bowie, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Lady GaGa, Bruno Mars, Beyonce, Jay-Z and Paul McCartney. In 2012, he founded Seven Design Works to deliver his award-winning productions to television during Super Bowl half-time shows, the Grammys and other special events. LeRoy is recognized worldwide as one of the most iconic innovators in cutting edge production, lighting, and stage design. In 2016, TMI magazine declared him “A Musical Visionary.”