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Bob See RIP
Bob See, the founder and the owner of a lightning and sound production company called See Factor, has passed away on February 10.
Robert See speaks to NAMM in 2010
Purple connection? He designed and built the enormous rainbow that adorned the stage of the eponymous band during the RJD years. Later on, he also was responsible for the giant eyes stage prop seen during the Straight Between the Eyes tour.
Thanks to Andrey Gusenkov for the info.
Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing
Will take the magic of a night back in ’76 to my grave (I still have the tickets).Rainbow in all their glory belting out a concert that was epic! I’ve seen plenty of awesome shows but nothin’ will ever beat that night and the lighting was a huge part of the magic!Thanks for the memories Bob.I hope you RIP
February 15th, 2015 at 02:20That were fantastic stage events. I always liked the Rainbow and The Eyes.
Those were the days, when Rainbows, Starry Eyes, Bombers (Motörhead) and Bells (AC-DC) were on stage…
Today it’s more stylish, but less intersting.
RIP.
February 15th, 2015 at 11:14Actually didn’t the ‘Rainbow’ first make it’s appearance at the California Jam with Deep Purple in 1974?
February 16th, 2015 at 05:43I read somewhere a long time ago that Ritchie first had the idea for the rainbow at the California Jam.
February 17th, 2015 at 07:13@3 Yes, a wooden one which inspired RB to have the electronic one designed by Bob See and Co.
February 17th, 2015 at 23:25The Cal jam rainbow was not the same… Blackmore liked it but wanted something that was more dramatic… Check out old rainbow footage and ya see the difference. RIP Bob… Peace
February 18th, 2015 at 02:53Some more info on the Rainbow Rainbow: “See expanded See Factor into a full-service shop where he could design and build for shows, including Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow with 2,400 40-watt bulbs”
2,400 40 watt bulbs! I wonder how many spares they carried on tour. 🙂
http://livedesignonline.com/business-people-news/memoriam-bob-see-1947-2015
February 18th, 2015 at 09:30He was certainly hugely respected by many in the entertainment industry. Sheeesh, he has toured with so many big names in rock music.
February 18th, 2015 at 11:21In regards to the 2,400 40watt bulbs, that sounds like a good cue for a few jokes. How many drummers does it take to change 2,400 bulbs etc? Unfortunately I didn’t get to witness Rainbow in concert, massive regret there, so I didn’t get to view the ‘rainbow’ in all it’s glory! RIP.
Though today’s technology renders the old rainbow archaic,it still was a magical effect even by todays standards.Will never forget the huge blue and white arch slowly fading as Blackmore had the crowd hushed at the end of “Catch the Rainbow” It just didn’t get any better!
February 20th, 2015 at 03:07I can remember seeing the See Factor trucks parked on the berm outside Market Square Arena in Indianapolis many times over the years on concert night for many artists. RIP Bob,and thanks for making those nights even more fun.
February 21st, 2015 at 14:06Yes Scott W @ 5;
I do realize the fact that it was the inspiration to the lighted one. I was just making reference to the fact that it actually first appeared at Cal Jam. Funny how that was the inspiration to the next level when at the same time it also was his next level from Purple to Rainbow where it reappeared just 2 years later. A man with a plan….. 😉
Ch-BeerZ
February 23rd, 2015 at 02:27