One of PLASA Show’s most popular features, Classic Gear Live, returns in 2025 with a new location and an expanded collection of rare and iconic entertainment technology.
Now located on the upper level (Gallery level) of Olympia London, this unmissable feature brings together two distinct showcases: Classic Gear Live by Rob Halliday, focused on the history of lighting and projection, and CH Vintage Audio by Chris Hewitt, presenting legendary rock and roll sound systems.
A new vantage point for vintage gear
This year, Classic Gear Live moves to stands K82 and K109, offering a fresh perspective on the history of live production. With a specially designed dark space, visitors can experience theatrical and psychedelic projections as they were originally intended – including Aldis and Optikinetics effects projectors, and Strand’s classic effects discs.
Marking several anniversaries, Rob Halliday’s display will feature rare equipment that tells the story of the industry's evolution – from the Thorn Q-File (which inspired the first ETC console) to significant desks from ETC’s history, in honour of the company’s 50th anniversary.
A mock-up of a pre-CAD lighting designer’s workspace, complete with drawing board and hand-drawn plans, offers a tactile trip into the past. Demonstrations of reel-to-reel tape editing and appearances by members of the Historic Stage Lighting Collective, Technical Theatre Preservation Group, Backstage Heritage Collection and Broadcast Engineering Museum further underscore the importance of preserving technical heritage.
In addition, a special seminar on Tuesday 9 September will address the value and challenges of conserving this legacy.
Legendary sound systems with CH Vintage Audio
Next door, at stands K105 and K106, Chris Hewitt and the CH Vintage Audio team return with an impressive collection of historic professional PA equipment.
From the mixing consoles that defined the sound of Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, The Who and Mike Oldfield, to the very systems used at the Isle of Wight Festival and on the Dark Side of the Moon tour, these audio pieces represent a golden era of innovation in live sound.
For 2025, CH Vintage Audio will also pay live tribute to one of music history’s most iconic moments: The Beatles’ rooftop concert in 1969. Scheduled for Sunday and Monday (times to be confirmed), a tribute band will recreate the full performance with replica instruments, original-style costumes and the original Fender PA system used by the Beatles themselves.
Celebrate the gear that made history
Classic Gear Live offers a unique opportunity for industry professionals and enthusiasts to experience the evolution of entertainment technology first-hand. With original equipment, expert talks and live demonstrations, it’s where past and present meet on the show floor. It will be located on the Gallery level of Olympia London, at stands K82/K109 and K105/K106, as part of PLASA Show 2025, taking place from 7 to 9 September.
