Tony Slee

1949 - 2022

Late 2022 we heard that Tony Slee had died. Tony had worked for years in the Rock and Roll world of touring, before being taken on by Ronan Willson to be part of ‘Meteorlites’, and later ELP. Back in the 1980s Tony still came out on site to be crew chief on the bigger shows, but settled into being a client manager before retiring. His larger than life personality and relentless sense of humour endeared him to everyone he met, everyone seeing him as a best friend. He might have gone but stories about him will live on for many years, he is such a big loss to lighting and to television, and to everyone who knew him.

A good friend of his, Dave Smith of ‘Specialz’, wrote this tribute:

“It’s with the utmost shock and sadness to learn of Tony Slee passing.

His humour and attitude made the hardest and most difficult show fun to be involved with, something that spread to everyone on the crew. His humour, personality and demeanour were infectious and encompassed all who worked with him.

With the endless stories, anecdotes, wind ups and quick witted quips, Tony put the fun back into touring and all the one off shows we did together. He had an innate ability to spin any problem or situation and get a laugh. The shows in which he was involved, were not just a job, it was something to look forward to.

I will forever treasure the great memories of the complicated and convoluted wind-ups that would end in side splitting-laughter when sprung.

It was a privilege to have known and worked with him and I’m proud and honoured to be considered a friend of nigh on 40 years; he was a one of a kind. In the last few years contact has been through frequent long phone conversations that, well, discussed everything and nothing at the same time.

A light has dimmed in my life and many others around the world. Thanks for the great stories, all the laughs. Above all, thanks for just for being you.”