Rolling Stones Set Designer Mark Fisher Dies

Rock concert guru Mark Fisher, who created stages for The Rolling Stones and U2 and oversaw the London Olympic ceremonies, has died at the age of 66.

Among his many notable creations were a four-legged structure called "The Claw" for U2's last tour, the staging of The Wall by Pink Floyd in 1980 and more recently the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert outside Buckingham Palace.

Fisher, a stage designer and architect, died in his sleep at the Marie Curie Hospice in Hampstead, north London, following a "long and difficult illness", his company said.

He was senior designer for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and was one of the executive producers for the ceremonies at London 2012.

The Stones said they were "saddened" by his death, and his stage sets had played a major part in the success of their tours.

Fisher is credited with shaping the look of large-scale rock shows over the past quarter of a century. With his firm Stufish, he created the designs for all Stones, Floyd and U2 tours over the past two decades.

Over the years he has also worked on productions such as the hit Queen musical We Will Rock You and Cirque Du Soleil shows.

He also worked on the Stones' latest 50 And Counting anniversary tour, which visits Hyde Park in London next month.

The Rolling Stones - who are currently preparing for their Glastonbury performance this weekend - said: "We are all extremely saddened to hear of the death of dear friend Mark Fisher.

"The remarkable sets he designed for us over the last two decades played a major part in the success of all those tours.

"His passion, dedication and professionalism was infectious.

"We all loved his dry sense of humour and unflappable demeanour, a quietly soft-spoken genius.

"Mark will be sorely missed - not only by us but by every crew he worked with.

"Our sincere condolences go to his wife and family."

Other recent work by Fisher has included Lady Gaga's Born This Way ball, Madonna's MDNA tour and Metallica's Death Magnetic tour.

A statement from his company Stufish said he had faced his illness with "stoicism and courage and his customary good humour".

It added: "His work influenced not only the colleagues and crews with whom he worked, but also surprised and delighted the many millions of people who experienced his designs all over the world."

He was awarded an OBE in 2000 following his work on the Millennium celebrations in London.