Martin Thomas
Oral History Information
Martin Thomas is a sought-after Pro Lighting Director and Production Manager whose career began as a production assistant. In 1979 in New York City, Martin began touring with local bands helping out as a roadie. Admiring the skills of his fellow roadies, Martin learned all he could about proper truck loading and running cable. While working for East Coast Lighting & Sound, he was given the opportunity to assist with lighting, which he greatly enjoyed. He worked gigs ranging from concerts to car shows. Martin was on tour with D'Angelo when the young artist released one of the year's top-selling albums. The tour was extended, giving Martin time to get to know the crew better. One such crewmate was Bill Reeves, who would go on to co-create Roadies of Color United. Among the artists Martin would serve as Lighting Director are the Black Eyed Peas, Todd Rundgren, Alan Parsons and as Production Manager for Erykah Badu.