Light-show technician Richard Borders has some stories to tell after working with some of the world’s most famous musicians.
During an appearance on WJCT's “First Coast Connect,” Borders shared some of his experiences building laser light shows for artists like The Who, Pink Floyd, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and many more.
He says one of the bands he worked with led him to help produce one of the most famous music festivals of all time.
“I worked with Hair, and they helped plan Woodstock, and so I got involved in planning Woodstock then too,” Borders said.
Borders says he even inspired one of The Who’s songs, “Going Mobile,” which was written in his mobile home.
“We were going from California to Texas, and my crew went on the truck, and Peter [Townshend] and Keith [Moon] came with me, and that’s how 'Going Mobile' was written,” Borders said.
Borders shared another memorable time when he had "deep" talks with Janis Joplin when he was snowed in with her and her band while traveling.
“She was very deep,” Borders said. “She was a lot more spiritually aware than people were aware of, but it did come out on stage.”
Borders says he created his light-and-laser shows so people could see the music.
“Everybody, when you listen to songs, has visuals you create, from either—memories, new memories, or past memories—or just what you see when you hear music,” Borders said.
Today he produces and directs television shows. Some of his shows can be seen on Jacksonville’s MeeMee TV channel. And his light shows are still on display during live concerts.
“I’ve seen the music scene develop in New Jersey, and now being in Jacksonville and seeing the Jazz Fest, I’m just amazed,” Borders said. “This is the next big music center coming.”
Listen to the full conversation and more of Richard Borders' stories on Thursday’s episode of the “First Coast Connect” podcast on iTunes.