Bill Hanley: the Father of Festival Sound

Bill isn't just interested in the history of Audio Engineering. For sixty years, by inventing, designing, building and operating audio technologies that have became today's standards, he has become a large part of that history.

In 2007, Bill addressed the Audio Engineering Society's History Project. (with John Chester, Dinky Dawson and Roy Clare.)

Beautiful vintage images enhanced Bill's detailed monologue about his work from Newport, The Fillmore, Woodstock and many other projects.

Public interest in Bill's career, and in Woodstock particularly, is tremendous. Bill answers many emails asking for details about the Woodstock microphones and loudspeakers .

Speaking at the Audio Engineering Society, NY

People

Bill is happily recalls his memories of friends such as Janis Joplin "I used to drive her to the shows ...She was a real nice kid" he says. He worked many times with stage lighting innovator Chip Monck, with whom he shares the honor of the Parnelli Award.

Venues

Bill's career has brought him to so many special places. At Newport, Bill was there for the "riot" as Dylan went electric. His story of the 1966? Beatles tour, when screaming teenagers forced Bill to produce an even louder sound system, is a major lesson in the industry. At Woodstock, it is said, the only things that worked correctly were the water system and the sound. Bill's stories from teh Fillmore East are of interest to Rock and Rollers and Sound Engineers alike.

Music

"It's about the Music!" Bill often reminds me, poking a finger against the side of his head. His dedication to the basic task of bringing intelligible and pleasant sound to audiences is Bill's legacy. From big bands to Peter, Paul and Mary, whether live or recorded, Bill shows his love of music by sharing it with the world.

Technologies

Bill's contributions to the sound industry include numerous modern standards such as the stage snake, wedge monitor, Front of House mixing. (details)

Bill's explanations of these innovations are inspirational to anyone interested in understanding human creativity and invention.

Recording

Many of the countless recordings Bill has engineered were pressed to vinyl, including the Newport Festivals and Woodstock.