It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Bruce Jackson, one of the two founders of Jands.

Along with his school friend Philip Storey, Bruce formed J & S Research Electronics in the late 1960s, the company which soon became known as Jands.

In 1970, Bruce sold his share of Jands and went to America, where he did live sound for performers such as Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen and Barbara Streisand. Bruce went on to become one of the pioneers of the live audio industry, working with Clair Brothers Audio, Apogee Electronics and Lake Technology to develop many sound technologies we take for granted today.

Bruce will be sorely missed by his many friends around the world, and by those of us at Jands who knew him from the early days, or who got to know him more recently through his involvement with the Sydney Olympics and other major events.

Our heartfelt condolences to Bruce’s family and to all who knew him, worked with him and appreciated his immense contribution to the audio industry.

Links

http://clairglobal.com/bruce-jackson/

Australasia’s leading touring audio suppliers; Jands Production Services Pty Limited (JPS) and Johnston Audio Services, (JAS) have entered into a Heads of Agreement to merge the two companies. The Heads of Agreement is subject to undertaking of due diligence which is expected to be completed by the end of June.

Both companies have long histories in the touring sound market and over the past four decades have supplied production services to nearly every major tour and music event in Australia and New Zealand.

Eric Robinson, CEO of JPS, commented, “In our discussions it has become clear that we’re both facing the same challenges on large tours and music events. Our clients are looking to us for increased efficiencies and jointly we’ll be able to respond in a way that reduces costs, expands our equipment offerings, and solves logistical problems. Potentially it brings major benefits to promoters and touring artists.”

The companies will continue to operate from their existing premises in Sydney and Melbourne and both expect to benefit by having access to a larger pool of equipment and expertise. The merged group expects to use the synergies of working together to deliver outstanding service for their clients.

Commenting on the move, JAS Managing Director Bruce Johnston stated, “I am excited about the new equipment and services we’ll be able to bring to our customers. The combination of JAS and JPS will create one of the best audio companies in the world, providing real benefits to Australian and international artists.”

The merger of the two companies will increase the level of support and service available to JPS and JAS clients and reinforces the group’s ongoing commitment to meeting the challenges of the modern touring market. Together the companies intend to remain at the forefront of technology, clearly demonstrated by the recent introduction of new speaker systems and significant investment in control and amplification packages.

Jands Production Services was founded in 1970 and operates in the theatre, corporate and touring audio markets.

Johnston Audio Services commenced operations in 1985 and provides audio for tours, festivals and fixed installations.

During December and January Jands Production Services is providing sound and production services for concerts, festivals, theatre shows and corporate events. Here’s some:

Concert Tours	Theatre	Corporate
Kanye West	High School Musical	Lord Mayor’s NYE Party
Alicia Keys	Rocky Horror	Luna Park Big Top
Sting	Priscilla	Australia Day Celebration
Crowded House		Live at the Applestore
Delta Goodrem
Big Day Out
Nevereverland

During October JPS will have equipment and crews on tour, in the theatre and at a host of corporate events. Here’s some of the performers and events using Jands Production Services this month.

Concert Tours	Theatre	Corporate
Stevie Wonder	Rocky Horror	Live at the Applestore
Rihanna / Chris Brown	Priscilla –	Toyota Motor Show stand
Eros Ramazzotti	– Queen of the Desert	NRL – Grand final
Def Leppard	Sydney Dance Co. Sid’s	Sony Foundation Ball
Simple Plan	– Waltzing Masquerade	Australian Idol
Snoop Dog	Little Women	Media Federation Awards
Michael Franti	Godspell –	Youth in Search
& Spearhead	- at Barker College	Footy Show Final
Supergrass		UBS

From outside Australia please call your international code +61 2 9364 7500