British pyromusical pays tribute to DJ Burston

The first show of the international fireworks competition lit up the sky above Brno Lake. The British fireworks project by Radio Swindon 105.5, in collaboration with Flash Barrandov SFX, paid tribute to DJ Alan Burston, nicknamed Dr. Rock. Burston's stepson Adam Guy was also involved in the preparation of the pyromusical.

"Alan played in clubs and pubs, where he earned the nickname Dr. Rock, and he also broadcasted in radio for a long time. People said he was ‘an absolute legend’ and appreciated his knowledge and passion for rock’n’roll, R&B and rockabilly. He had fans all over the world and had a significant influence on the emerging West Country punk scene,” said Guy. “He also travelled extensively in America collecting records, he had thousands of them," he added.

The fireworks display began with the obligatory song The Race by Yello, which all fireworks creators include in their shows above the lake. After a quick opening part, the show continued with colourful effects and the punk rock song Teenage Kicks by The Undertones, followed by a selection of hits from the last century in various genres, from blues to rock’n’roll.

Although the show was a tribute to Burston, who passed away last November at the age of 83, it was not gloomy, slow or sad. The pyrotechnicians prepared an energetic show that got the audience moving and lit up the Brno sky with all colours.

The audience was so captivated by the music selection that some spectators swayed to the rhythm, and after the final explosion of golden effects, there was deafening applause. “I enjoyed the music the most, it was very lively,” commented Jáchym Klimeš on the fireworks. Rosťa Stuchlík shared a similar opinion: “If the first fireworks display was this well thought out, I'm already looking forward to the next one. The British did a great job, especially with the music.”

The audience was also generous with their praise online. “What the British team presented? Awesome from start to finish,” praised David Blaude on Radio Krokodýl's Facebook page, where viewers can rate all five of this year's fireworks displays.

The fireworks competition continues on Wednesday, 18 June, when the Italian team Luci di Notte, led by Renzo Cargnelutti, will continue the punk theme with their pyromusical Fire Water Burn.

Dominika Lišková
The author graduated from FSS MU in Brno,
for more information from students of the faculty visit Stisk online