Terrible news.
According to Metro Nashville Police, a longtime stagehand and lighting technician for country music legend Randy Travis was shot and killed by his wife at their Nashville home over the weekend.
Police were reportedly called to the East Nashville home on Sunday evening, where they found 68-year old Thomas Roberts on the scene with a gunshot wound to the chest. He later died at the scene.
Roberts’ wife, Christine Roberts, told police that she shot her husband because he had cheated on her. Police recovered a pistol from the scene, and booked Christine into the Metro Nashville jail on a charge of criminal homicide. Her bond is set at $100,000.
Thomas Roberts was a former lighting technician for many country artists, including for two decades with Randy Travis. He had recently retired with plans to travel with his grandson.
After the news of his death, Randy shared a tribute to Roberts:
“The stage has gone dim with the passing of Thom Roberts.
For many years, the Randy Travis band and crew had the opportunity to share the winding roads and the beautiful venues with one of the very best stage lighting technicians in the business.
Thom not only had a magical sense about lighting a stage; but, he had a quiet, charismatic presence that ignited your soul. Always willing, with a ‘can do’ and ‘happy to do it’ attitude. He was a gentle giant of a man that wore a constant smile on his face and carried a song in his heart. One would search a lifetime to find a kinder, gentler spirit.
Thom was my friend and I loved him dearly. As we go back out next week, for the “More Life” tour of Randy Travis, the music will not be near as sweet; but, I will once again be reminded of the blessing I was given to have Thom Roberts on the road with us for so many miles, and so many memories.
It certainly won’t be the same; and, I know I speak for the entire band and crew when I say the light that he truly created, in our hearts, will never be extinguished or forgotten.
Tonight, I will look toward heaven and am sure I will see flashes of Thom’s handiwork in the night sky—letting us know he is home, and all is well.”
Michael Golden, Vice President of Bandit Lites Inc., Roberts’ former employer, also shared a statement on his passing:
“Thom was a talented lighting professional and just as importantly he was a humble, yet extremely genuine man. I got to know Thom in the early 90s when I had the opportunity to work with him as the supplier of lighting for Vince Gill, and I consider Thom one of the “old guard” that transformed the wild west of touring into a respected and professional career.
Thom worked for many artists and institutions around the city, but anytime I ever heard his name a smile would cross my face. This city and our music community will miss Thom, but we will all be better because of his reputation and the foundation he helped build.”
