From his early days as a band roadie in 1968, Fran Quigley has been at the forefront of event management, orchestrating unforgettable experiences for music concerts, award ceremonies, and more. With a rich history spanning over five decades, Fran and CAVS blend innovation with expertise to bring your vision to life, leaving a lasting impression on every occasion.
At the tender age of sixteen Fran started out as roadie to R&B band “The Movement”. This is where he began to learn what plugged in to what!
FQ moved onwards to be roadie with Orphanage, whose members were Phil Lynott, Brian Downey, Joe Staunton, and his brother Pat Quigley.
FQ's major advancement when Philip Lynott asked him to be Lizzy's roadie. He also took up a day gig in a music store, The Band Centre, from where he convinced Brian Tuite, the boss, to take up the management of Thin Lizzy.
FQ takes on an extra role, 7 nights in the Revolution in charge of sound and lights and then added another AR roadie for the top Pop group The Four Faces, who played 3 nights residencies in the clubs. Now holding down 4 jobs.
FQ aquires The Band Centre and sets about building his own concept of a music industry.
FQ puts together his JBL concert sound system and went out on his first town in the UK with American Country legend Buck Owens which kicked off in the Albert Hall, London.
The Band Centre is supplying audio facilities for almost all of the international superstars performing in Ireland for Jim Aiken Promotions such as Roy Orbinson, Leonard Cohen, Cliff Richard, Gene Pitney, Kenny Rogers, The Stylistics.
Now a major upgrade to a Martin audio system that would satisfy the most discerning Rock, Pop, and Country acts. Then also added a stage lighting dept.
FQ is pushing to create a wholesale distribution network with his product line H/H, Citronic and others at the RADA Damo Exhibition in the RDS.
FQ recognises the potential of this era of Pirate Radio and backs Radio Dublin with his technical man John Kane building transmitters for installations.
FQ joins with Andrew Boland to open Keystone Studios on Harcourt Street. He also takes over McGonagles Rock Club which presents the best of Irish Rock.
McGonagles hosts the first and last International Song Contest after Johnny Logan's win in 1980.
FQ ran various themed disco events in rented venues under the names of Busby's and Legend's.
FQ opens his new club The Source with instant success and it became a cult venue mostly for the goths.
FQ had already been trading since 1972 with his Band Centre but now creates a new corporate identity. An AV company specialised in catering for corporate events, CAVS.
Throughout the 90’s CAVS has expanded and forged paths in numerous corporate areas such as conferences, workshops, and exhibitions providing custom-made solutions to every event.
The Big Jump – CAVS moves from our long-established site in Harcourt Street to our new 20,000 sq. ft. premises in Merrywell Business Park, Ballymount, allowing us even more opportunity to expand our operation.
We increase our L-Acoustic inventory and partner with SSE Audio Group in the UK, where our system goes on tour and is used for major festivals including Download, T in the Park, Global Gathering, V Festival, Reading Festival.
CAVS continue to expand, with new stock, vehicles and projects.
We invest in a major upgrade of our high-end visual stock, including the acquisition of 20K HD Christie projectors, 12K HD Barco projectors, an AV Stumpfl Wings media server, Blackmagic lightware and JVC cameras. Our investment is rewarded with some high-profile commissions.
CAVS goes from strength to strength as our experience and expertise is regularly called on for major national events and conferences.
We have just received our brand new L’Acoustics Kiva II. Acquiring 24 Kiva II Tops, 8 SB15m and 4 La8 AES amps.
A forerunner from day one, CAVS will continuously set its sights on through-and-through audiovisual excellence, to craft events that ensure our clients rise above the crowd.
