ERR lighting technician and musician Tauno Pjaeslane dies at 52

Tauno Pjaeslane (August 3, 1974 – August 26, 2026), who for many years worked as a lighting technician at Estonian National Broadcasting (ERR), died on Wednesday, August 26, at the age of 52. Alongside his broadcasting career, he was also active as a musician and photographer.

Pjaeslane was one of the founders and the bass guitarist of the band Dallas. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the group took its music to international audiences, touring in Canada and the United States. He later played in the bands Stella and Köök.

Support for young musicians

Despite his own success in music, Pjaeslane consistently supported young musicians, offering them advice and words of encouragement. Photography was another major passion, which he pursued both professionally and for personal enjoyment.

For nearly 20 years, Tauno Pjaeslane worked as a lighting technician at Estonian Television. Friends and colleagues describe him as having had an excellent ear and refined musical sensibility, along with a remarkable sense of humor.

Speaking on behalf of ERR colleagues, Elo Selirand remembered Pjaeslane as an artist and creator in both visual art and music, noting that as a bassist he was never the frontman but the one who held the rhythm and set the mood. She also recalled his sharp wit and the fact that the lighting for his broadcasts was always prepared well in advance.

ERR has expressed its sincere condolences to Tauno Pjaeslane's family and loved ones.