Audiovisual is a constantly evolving world, in which certain names stand out not only for their technical contribution, but also for the lasting imprint they leave. Richard Lachance is one such name.

Having entered the audiovisual arena 50 years ago, Richard has not only followed the industry’s evolution in Quebec, but has also been a key player, propelling its reputation far beyond the province’s borders.

From his early days to his influential career at Solotech, Richard has embodied a passion for his craft and a steadfast commitment to excellence. He has leveraged his technical skills to elevate Solotech onto the international stage, being a living example that behind every successful event are dedicated and passionate individuals.

Richard Lachance’s fascination with audiovisual technology began as a youthful enchantment that would shape the course of his entire career. It was the legendary Woodstock Festival of 1969 that first sparked his interest. At just 15 years old, Richard was captivated not only by the music but also by the monumental task of broadcasting sound to nearly 400,000 attendees. This event marked a turning point, igniting a curiosity that would soon become a lifelong pursuit.

By age 20, he had constructed his first sound equipment, modelled after the systems used at Woodstock. This hands-on approach was not just due to the scarcity of professional audio equipment at the time in Quebec; it was a labor of love and a testament to his dedication to mastering the craft.

In 1974, this passion led to the founding of Bruit Bleu, a manufacturing audio company. This milestone marked the beginning of Richard’s professional career in the audiovisual field. The early days were a time of rapid learning and growth. Audiovisual technology was still in its infancy, and Richard, along with a small group of pioneers, was at the forefront of exploring its possibilities.

Richard’s early experiences as a sound engineer for local bands and venues laid the foundation for his expertise. His work was characterized by a relentless pursuit of better sound and more engaging live experiences. Each event was an opportunity to refine his skills and push the boundaries of what was possible with audiovisual technology.

Through his company Bruit Bleu, Richard also took part in providing equipment for memorable events in the province, such as Celine Dion’s first sold-out concert at The Montreal Forum in 1991 or the beginning of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day festivities at the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City.

In the year 2000, a pivotal shift occurred in Richard Lachance’s career path when he sold Bruit Bleu to Solotech. This transition was not just a change in ownership but a significant step forward in Richard’s vision for his future in the audiovisual industry. With this move, he was entrusted with a new and ambitious role: spearheading Solotech’s expansion into the international market.

Richard’s deep industry knowledge and his passion for audiovisual technology, made him the ideal leader for this mission. His goal was clear: to transform Solotech from a well-respected Canadian entity into a major player on the global stage. This task required not only technical expertise but also a strategic understanding of international market dynamics: “To make our mark, we had to be able to export outside Quebec. The challenge was to participate in a predominantly English-speaking industry. Today, the company stands on its own two feet: we’re one of the world’s top 3 production companies.”

One of the first major tests of Solotech’s global reach under Richard’s leadership was the Britney Spears “CIRCUS” tour, which marked a significant milestone for Solotech as it was the company’s first full-service provision to a major American artist that covered sound, lighting, and video — a 360-degree service model that was relatively new to the industry at the time. His decision to join Solotech was driven by the belief in a holistic approach, “I agreed to come to Solotech because the future of the industry was in 360 solutions. They gave me the freedom to work on the commercial side of our industry and build it into the greatness it is today.”

The success of this tour established Solotech as a reliable and innovative provider capable of handling large-scale, complex productions across borders. It set the scene for Solotech to secure additional renowned international tours, solidifying its reputation in the industry. Richard shares that the company’s values of passion, respect, innovation, collaboration, and excellence were key to this reputation: “We opened up to the world, and the world opened up to us”.

Richard recalls the early post-Woodstock era when the demand for live sound and lighting began to escalate. “At the beginning, we were artisans. It was all about constructing your equipment, loading it into a truck, setting it up in a venue, and then moving to the next city.” This hands-on approach not only required technical skill but also a deep commitment to the craft, a sentiment that has guided him throughout his career. The industry’s growth, according to Richard, accelerated rapidly towards the end of the 1980s as artists increasingly saw the value of investing in their tours, creating a robust demand for high-quality audiovisual services.

“It’s been 50 years of incredible evolution,” Richard remarks with a sense of pride and humility. His journey from the early days of manually crafting equipment to witnessing today’s high-tech digital transformations encapsulates a half-century of groundbreaking changes. “I’m not nostalgic about the way it was. I’ve been lucky to have participated in it. I’m proud to have witnessed this evolution in the field.”

In addition to his technical prowess and strategic vision, Richard Lachance has played a significant role as a mentor, shaping the careers of many within the audiovisual industry. His mentoring extends beyond imparting technical knowledge; it involves fostering a culture of hard work, respect, and deep human connection.

One of Richard’s long-standing mentees, Nicolas Labbé, Senior Technical Specialist at Solotech, vividly recalls over 35 years of guidance under Richard. Their early years working together were characterized by tireless dedication and the thrill of live music. “We didn’t sleep a lot, we worked, and we did shows,” Nicolas remembers.

Labbé emphasizes the profound impact of Richard’s approach to relationships, a cornerstone of his mentorship. “He forms long-lasting relationships with people. Still to this day, people come to him, looking to work with him specifically,” he notes. These connections have evolved from professional networks into deep, enduring friendships, illustrating Richard’s personal investment in those he mentors.

When it comes to newcomers in the industry, Richard has one big piece of advice, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the artistic community: “Get close to the artist. Take an interest in music, dance, and all forms of art. Don’t distance yourself from artists, because without them, we can never be craftsmen. It’s not just about technology. That way, you will have a career where you can lend your technical skills to their artistic knowledge.”

Richard Lachance could go on for hours telling you stories about the equipment he built from scratch, about iconic clients he has worked for —from Queen Elizabeth II to Pope John Paul II —and about the unforgettable experiences he’s lived through. His career is filled with tales that span the globe and decades of technological evolution in the industry.

Despite originally planning to retire in 2019 to make space for new talent in the industry, Richard’s passion was too strong to step away entirely. His decision to return to Solotech as a consultant in 2020 was driven by this relentless enthusiasm. “I think I can still help. I’m not irreplaceable, by any means, but I enjoy talking to people I respect and with whom I’ve created magic,” he shares, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the audiovisual world.