US AND THEM

Many years ago I had a friend who lived across the street from L.A.'s Loyola Marymount University in the upstairs of his grandfather's house. The tenant upstairs from that in a tiny loft was an engineering student who could walk across the street to the campus. One of his interests was developing and building laser lights. On more than one occasion he would invite us up and show us his latest creation (along with the proper music and, um, "fruitless tomato" leaves). We were always amazed and aghast at the fantastic light show that had ensued.

I don't remember too much other than that or what his intention was for them, but this was the early 1970's. The first official laser light show was in 1973 at the Griffith Observatory and Planetarium in Los Angeles. Not long after that, rock concerts began to use the technology, so this guy, needless to say, was on the leading edge.

Before laser lights, the psychedelic atmosphere at rock concerts (other than the self-administered type) was by the use of projected images called a "liquid light show". This was accomplished by the use of projecting liquid slides or overheads behind the performers, creating a very hip visual experience. Being present at a few of these, I can tell you that they were quite an effective mood-enhancer, especially with bands like Pink Floyd.

This article from SHOW magazine (April 1971) provides images from some of the more well-known shows, such as The Joshua Light Show which was used to great effect at Bill Graham's Fillmore East. The article discusses the beginnings of the psychedelic light shows, their development and use. Far out, Man!