Ben Farrey (Miles) was a regular member of Coldplay’s touring crew for over 10 years. (Photo: Coldplay/Instagram)
UK - Knight of Illumination Award winning live video director Ben Farrey (previously Miles) sadly passed away last week. Sharing the news, Coldplay – just one of many high-profile bands and artists Ben worked with throughout his career – paid tribute to a ‘beloved’ member of their crew in an emotional post shared across their social media platforms on Thursday 14th May.
The message, signed by all members of the band, reads: “We're sad to report that we lost one of our most beloved and talented crew members last night. Ben Farrey was our live visuals director. He was in charge of everything that you saw on the screens at our live shows. If you ever made it to a show, you’ll know that he was ridiculously good at his job. He was also one of the kindest and most generous-spirited people you could ever meet. We love you, Ben.”
The message was accompanied by a video of Ben saying what he loved most about his job. He said: “What I really like is coming to work, because my work day is the day thousands of people have been waiting for. The anticipation and the excitement – there’s some electricity in the air every work day.”
Having worked with Coldplay for over 10 years, Ben won the prestigious Knight of Illumination Award for Video Electronic Content in 2016 for his work on their A Head Full of Dreams tour. His considerable talents were also put to work for acts including The Spice Girls, The Script, George Ezra, Elbow and more.
Avolites - where Ben spent time working in the service department at the beginning of his career - also paid tribute on social media, posting: “We are all missing you Ben. Such a shining example of how to always be positive and kind to everyone, your spirit always shining through and pulling the team together. It was your talent, commitment and positive attitude that took you all the way to the top: from your first days in the Avolites Service Department, all the way to video director for Coldplay and The Script. Forever a mentor to so many, we are so sad to lose you.”

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