Charlie Watkins
1923–2014 · Founder and PA designer, Watkins Electric Music
Major contribution
Watkins developed scalable WEM PA systems and mixers that helped make large British rock festivals practicable.
Watkins approached PA after hearing how poorly singers carried over amplified bands. His WEM systems increased available power by linking slave amplifiers and using loudspeakers selected for vocal reproduction rather than simply repurposing guitar amplification.
A WEM system served the 1967 Windsor National Jazz & Blues Festival, and Watkins developed the five-channel Audiomaster to provide more useful mixing facilities. WEM subsequently supplied major outdoor events, including the Rolling Stones in Hyde Park and the Isle of Wight festivals.
Key work
- Windsor National Jazz & Blues Festival PA (1967)
- WEM PA advertising campaign (1968)
- Rolling Stones, Hyde Park PA (1969)
- Isle of Wight Festival PA (1970)
In the chronology
Selected sources
- Charlie Watkins · Sound On Sound
- Charlie Watkins’ WEM PA and the Rise of Festival Sound · Reverb