The  recent interview in the Independent with Linford Hudson follow spot operator at the London Palladium for 47 years started me thinking about the job of spot op on a show.

I hadn't really given it much consideration as on most rock shows the follow spots, if there are any, are run by the truck drivers or local crew and not specialists. While those part timers often do a reasonable job it is quite a tricky gig. I've done it a few times in the past when trucks have broken down or people not turned up and I was surprised how tricky it was to just point the thing in the right direction and not just wave it all over the place.

Additionally to pointing it at the right place you have to be able to respond to the lds instructions in your headset about where and when to shine it.

It's also interesting that in an age where nearly all lighting equipment is automated the follow spot is entirely in human hands. 

Super Trouper follow spot