Who Will Be on Music 101 Daniel Lucas' Podcast?
The Doctor of Digital will be featured and speaking about Lighting Up!
Lighting Up:
The Grandfather of Rock ‘N’ Roll Productions by Chip Monck
as told to G. Mick Smith, PhD
Table of Contents
Early Life
Edward Herbert Beresford ChipMonck, born in Wellesley, Massachusetts, got the nickname Chip at a summer camp in New Hampshire. He attended South Kent School on scholarships for hockey and crew. Chip's interest in welding led him to design a potato harvester that was sold to McCormick. He received royalty payments for his invention. Chip also learned theatrical lighting basics from Greg Harney at Wellesley College. Harney, originally from Yonkers, New York, had a passion for lighting design and left a lasting impact on Wellesley's theater scene.
Dylan and The Village Gate
In 1958, The Village Gate opened in Greenwich Village, New York City, becoming a popular venue that showcased comedians, jazz, and folk artists. It helped launch the careers of rising stars like Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan, who wrote his early hit "A Hard Rains A-Gonna Fall" on a new IBM Selectric typewriter at the club. The song's bleak lyrics reflected the tense atmosphere during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Dylan lived in the same Greenwich Village building as the club owner, allowing him convenient access to the typewriter. The advanced features of the IBM Selectric typewriter likely appealed to Dylan's impromptu songwriting style.
Newport Folk Festival
Chip Monck played a crucial role in shaping the visual and technical aspects of the Newport Folk Festival from 1959 to 1965. His expertise in lighting design and technical logistics helped create memorable experiences for performers and audiences. Monck's work at the festival elevated its productions and contributed to its reputation as a premier showcase for folk music. His collaborations with iconic musicians and events in the 1960s further solidified his reputation as a skilled and imaginative lighting designer. Overall, Monck's contributions to the Newport Folk Festival highlight his significance in live music production and his lasting impact on concert staging and lighting design.
Newport Jazz Festival
Monck had a long association with the Newport Jazz Festival where he worked for nine years alongside George Wein, the festival's founder. He also developed a close friendship with Charles Altman, owner of Altman Lighting Co., a leading manufacturer of stage lighting equipment. Monck's creative use of lighting instruments, borrowed from Altman, helped elevate the stage lighting at the festival and set a new standard for the industry.
The Apollo
Monck started lighting the stage at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, where he worked with music legends like Chuck Berry, Dizzy Gillespie, and Maynard Ferguson. This marked a pivotal moment in his career, showing that he was making a name for himself in stage lighting design. The Apollo is famous for featuring African American artists and music genres like jazz, R&B, and soul, so working there would have exposed Monck to a vibrant artistic community.
Monterey Pop
Chip Monck played a significant role in the 1967 Monterey International Pop Music Festival, serving as the lighting designer and technical director. His innovative lighting setups and technical expertise helped enhance the stage presentations and overall success of the event. Monck worked closely with artists and organizers to create a memorable and immersive experience for both performers and audiences. The festival, which featured iconic performances by artists such as The Who and Jimi Hendrix, is considered a landmark event in the history of rock music festivals, setting a new standard for live music production and inspiring later events like Woodstock. Monterey Pop validated rock music as an art form and had a significant impact on the 1960s counterculture movement.
The Byrds
Chip Monck was closely connected to the influential American rock band The Byrds, particularly through events like the Monterey Pop Festival and lighting their concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 1967. The Byrds played a key role in the folk rock genre, producing hits like Turn! Turn! Turn!, Eight Miles High, and So You Want to Be a Rock n Roll Star.
Miami Pop Festival
The Miami Pop Festival of December 1968 was groundbreaking as the first rock festival with two main stages, the Flower Stage and the Flying Stage. Designed by Chip Monck, the Flying Stage featured a unique half-shell design that provided optimal sound projection and visual impact. It was suspended above the ground and surrounded by a circular catwalk for performers to interact with the audience. The Flying Stage set new standards for festival staging, providing an intimate and immersive experience for both performers and the crowd. The festival featured iconic acts like Jimi Hendrix and The Doors, making it one of the most memorable music festivals of the 1960s.
Crosby, Stills and Nash
Chip Monck, a renowned stage manager and sound engineer, worked with Crosby, Stills & Nash in Europe in 1969. He was responsible for setting up and operating the sound equipment for the band's live performances during a significant year for the band as they were gaining popularity. Monck's association with CSN in 1969 coincided with the release of their debut album which was a commercial success. His expertise and attention to detail helped ensure the band's live performances were top-notch, contributing to their reputation as one of the greatest live acts of all time. Monck's work with CSN in 1969 reflects his ability to work with talented musicians and helped to cement the band's enduring legacy in the folk-rock genre.
Bill Graham and the Fillmore
Monck began working with legendary concert promoter Bill Graham in the late 1960s at the Fillmore, a popular music venue in San Francisco. He was responsible for setting up and operating sound equipment, as well as designing lighting for performances by famous rock bands like the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. Monck's attention to detail and expertise helped ensure high-quality shows and contributed to the venue's success. Working closely with Graham, he helped implement a cutting-edge sound and lighting system, including the Hanley Sound System, which became a hallmark of the Fillmore. Monck's work with Graham and the Fillmore established him as one of the top stage managers and sound engineers in the music industry, and he played a key role in the venue's enduring reputation as an iconic music venue.
Woodstock
In 1969, lighting designer Chip Monck played a crucial role in the iconic Woodstock Music & Art Fair. Despite facing challenges like a last-minute change in location and a stage roof that couldn't support the lighting, Monck's expertise helped keep things running smoothly. He even served as the impromptu master of ceremonies, delivering memorable announcements like the infamous warning about the "brown acid." Monck's innovative stage design and lighting set the visual tone for Woodstock and contributed to its success as a cultural phenomenon. His work at Woodstock cemented his reputation as a top lighting designer in the music industry.
The Rolling Stones
Altamont Speedway was intended to be a "Woodstock West" but faced last-minute venue changes before being held on December 6, 1969. The Hells Angels, hired as security, ended up causing chaos, including the stabbing of a fan. Chip Monck, a famous production manager, played a crucial role in the event and worked with The Rolling Stones on various projects. Monck informed the parents of Meredith Hunter that he had been killed by the Hell’s Angels at Altamont. The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus was a concert film featuring performances by The Rolling Stones and other notable acts, filmed in 1968 but not officially released until 1996. Monck's work on lighting and sound systems for The Rolling Stones contributed to the development of arena rock.
The Concert for Bangladesh
The 1971 Concert for Bangladesh, organized by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, brought together major musicians like Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan to raise funds for refugees from East Pakistan. The event, featuring a star-studded lineup and designed by Monck, was a groundbreaking humanitarian aid concert that raised awareness and funds for a critical crisis. Despite challenges, the concert raised close to $250,000 for relief efforts and pioneered the all-star concert benefit model in rock music history.
In Concert
The TV show In Concert was produced by Clark Productions and aired live concert performances from major music acts between 1972 and 1975. It competed with NBC's Friday Night rock show Midnight Special and featured performances from artists like Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd, and Bruce Springsteen. The show was known for its intimate atmosphere and helped establish singer-songwriters as worthy of full attention on TV. Monck's involvement in the show showcased his ability to work on large-scale events and his commitment to making a positive impact in the music industry.
Speakeasy TV
In 1974, Monck hosted a rock and roll talk show called Speakeasy which featured interviews and live performances by artists like Billy Joel, Frank Zappa, and Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Monck's persona was later parodied on SCTV as Chick Monk, a marriage counselor using strobe lights and a fog machine.
Mike Bloomfield, Al Kooper, & Alvin Lee
Peter Gabriel
Monck had a strong and successful partnership with the legendary musician Peter Gabriel, working together on various tours and live performances. Their collaboration began in the early 1970s when Monck worked on the sound system for Genesis' tour, and continued through Gabriel's solo career in the 1970s and 1980s. Monck's expertise and professionalism helped to create unforgettable experiences for audiences and shaped the sound and atmosphere of Gabriel's live performances. Gabriel has praised Monck for his contributions to their work together.
Muhammed Ali/George Foreman, Zaire 74
Zaire 74 was a music festival that took place alongside the famous Ali-Foreman fight in 1974, featuring artists like James Brown and B.B. King. Organized by Don King, the festival aimed to promote unity between African Americans and Africans. Despite challenges, Chip Monck's technical production contributions helped create a memorable experience for attendees.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show was a cult phenomenon based on a stage musical by Richard O'Brien. The movie, directed by Jim Sharman, starred Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick in a campy tribute to B-movies and rock music. Chip Monck designed the sound system for the film's iconic musical numbers, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Lighting Design. Monck praised Broadway and Vegas for their great crews and facilities, but criticized Madison Square Garden as not suitable for shows.
When We Were Kings
When We Were Kings (1996): This documentary tells the story of Muhammad Ali's legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" fight. Monck’s credit on the film might indicate a role as a concert line producer for the accompanying music festival.
Broadway and Las Vegas
Monck's work in Broadway and Las Vegas showcases his expertise in designing and building sound systems for major events. He has worked on projects such as Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, and Cirque du Soleil's O and Le Rêve in Las Vegas. His commitment to using his skills for positive impact is evident in his successful collaborations in these entertainment hubs. Monck praised Broadway and Vegas for their great crews and facilities, but criticized Madison Square Garden as not suitable for shows.
Bette Midler Divine Madness
Monck worked as the lighting designer for Bette Midler's successful 1979-1980 concert tour, Divine Madness. Despite Midler's initial hesitation about using a computerized memory board for lighting, Monck brought lavish production values and elaborate staging to the tour, further solidifying Midler's reputation as a top live performer.
Olympics
Chip Monck was the lighting designer for the 1984 Summer Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies in Los Angeles, as well as a consultant for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. His creative lighting designs added to the visual spectacle of the events, which included performances, speeches, and fireworks displays. Monck's work enhanced the experience for athletes, spectators, and viewers around the world.
Parnelli Award
In 2003, Monck received the Parnelli Award for Lifetime Achievement in the concert touring industry. The Parnelli Awards honor outstanding achievements in live production and touring entertainment. Named after Rick Parnell, a pioneer in live event production, the awards recognize the technical professionals who make live events and concert tours possible through their expertise in areas like lighting, sound, rigging, logistics, etc.
John Paul II Mass Dodger Stadium
In 1987, the first-ever papal visit to Los Angeles attracted over 63,000 people to Dodger Stadium for an outdoor Mass. Chip Monck oversaw the technical aspects of the production, creating a visually stunning experience with lighting, sound, and visual effects. Monck's expertise ensured the event ran smoothly and enhanced the overall atmosphere and impact of the historic occasion.
High-Level Pitch
The high-level pitch introduces the first-ever reminiscences of household names by rock pioneer and Tony Award nominee Chip Monck in expanded form. Surprisingly, one of the most iconic incidents in Monck's lighting career and rock production pioneering happened during a cameo speaking role at Woodstock. It was Monck's impromptu announcements that transformed the documentary into some of its most memorable moments in addition to a showcase of great music. He extemporaneously described the weather and safety (like warning people to get down from towers during storms due to electrical danger), and the dangers of bad drugs (like the infamous brown acid at Woodstock).
The book also delves into Monck's pivotal role in the careers of rock legends such as Bob Dylan, The Byrds, The Rolling Stones, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and his work at iconic venues like the Village Gate, Newport Folk Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival, The Apollo, Monterey Pop, the Miami Pop Festival, the Concert for Bangladesh, Peter Gabriel, the Fillmore with Bill Graham, and Bette Midler Divine Madness.
Instead of fading into obscurity, Monck continued to achieve success with projects like In Concert, Speakeasy TV, the Muhammed Ali/George Foreman fight, the music festival Zaire 74, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Broadway and Las Vegas, the Olympics, receiving the Parnelli Award, “When We Were Kings,” and the John Paul II Mass at Dodger Stadium. With a placement of his memorabilia in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Woodstock Museum, Monck's unique stories are sure to solidify his legacy in rock history for every fan to cherish. Also in process is the nomination for Monck’s inclusion as one of the rare inductions of a non-performer in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The book fills a lacuna during the growth of rock since Monck played a critical role as rock emerged out of folk, through psychedelia, and into the genre’s emergence as a major pop phenomenon, well-known venues, and festival attractions. Finally, Monck’s career expertise highlighted major attractions outside the rock realm.