Geezers of Gear
Music Industry veteran talking about anything and everything with incredible people - behind the scenes creating live events, concert and entertainment. Over 300 episodes, with memorable conversations and stories from many pioneers of the event and concert touring world, including hot new up and comers. Geezers Of Gear is never boring, offering great surprises as well. Plus, check out the NEW "Leading Ladies" episodes - that celebrate the incredible women of the concert business, with host (and Geezers Of Gear Producer) Sarah Birnie and our fully Ai FutureTech podcast for industry releases.
Hosted by a music industry veteran, Geezers Of Gear explores everything behind the curtain of live events, concerts, and entertainment with the people who make it all happen. With more than 300 episodes, the show delivers memorable conversations and stories from legendary pioneers alongside today’s rising talent. Always engaging and full of surprises, Geezers Of Gear keeps listeners connected to the heart of the touring world. Don’t miss the NEW Leading Ladies episodes celebrating the remarkable women of the concert business, and FutureTech, the first fully AI-driven podcast spotlighting industry news, product launches, and innovations.
Recent Episodes
July 30, 2026
The Power of Kindness in Industry Transitions with Patti Thurston
Patti Connors Thurston, a pioneering figure whose career has taken her from lighting designer to marketing executive and industry leader. She broke barriers as the first woman to work for IATSE Local #8 in Philadelphia, toured with artists including Patti LaBelle, held executive roles at Obie's Lighting, Production Resource Group (PRG), and The Designory, and was part of the small group that helped create the Parnelli Awards. Throughout every chapter of her career, Patti has championed the peopl
July 29, 2026
The Human Timecode Behind Weird Al’s Live Show
FUTURETECH - Featuring ETC We dig into the high-pressure artistry of running a major comedy tour completely live, from manually firing 111-cue sequences to keeping split-second jokes locked in without timecode. The episode also explores creative preprogramming at home, lighting against giant LED walls, festival rig cloning, and why the desk was so intuitive a nine-year-old could run a set.
July 27, 2026
Building a Community for Women in Live Music with Malle Kaas
LEADING LADIES PODCAST In this episode, Malle, CEO of Women in Live Music (WILM), shares her inspiring journey from sound engineer to founder of a global community supporting women and underrepresented groups in the music industry. She discusses industry challenges, the importance of community, and how to foster diversity and inclusion backstage. Malle Kaas is a live sound engineer, certified nurse anesthetist, and the CEO and co-founder of Women In Live Music (WILM), the European or
July 22, 2026
Inside the 850,000 Firework D C Spectacle with Pyrotecnico
FUTURETECH Featuring Pyrotecnico We break down the jaw-dropping logistics behind a massive Washington, D.C. pyrotechnics display, from hazmat transport and federal oversight to the split-second control it takes to launch a historic show. Then we explore how fireworks power the sports business, why corporate sponsors love them, and how drones are reshaping—but not replacing—the boom.
July 3, 2026
ETC Reshapes Global Leadership for European and APAC Expansion
Futuretech Featuring ETC ETC is making a major leadership shift with Darren Beckley stepping into a new European operations role while David Lincecum refocuses on automated lighting growth and APAC oversight. The episode also highlights ETC’s new community support through Geezers of Gear and its partnership with Eventwire.
June 29, 2026
When Confetti Meets Lasers - The AIM & Pangolin Merger
FUTURETECH Featuring Artistry In Motion and Pangolin Laser Systems. This week on Geezers Of Gear - FutureTech, Chris and Lacy dive into the massive news shaking up the special effects world: Artistry In Motion (AIM) is merging with Pangolin Laser Systems. We break down what this means for live production, touring crews, and the future of spectacular show design. Will we see laser-guided confetti, or is this all about backend R&D and logistics? (Spoiler: It's a bit of both!) Plus, we discuss w
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About the Hosts
Marcel Fairbairn
Marcel is a lifelong music and live events industry veteran with more than three decades of experience spanning touring, production, and business leadership. As the founder and host of Geezers Of Gear, Marcel has created a platform that captures the stories, wisdom, and humor of the people who power concerts and live entertainment behind the scenes.
Since launching the podcast in 2018, Marcel has guided over 300 episodes featuring legendary pioneers, technical innovators, and rising talent shaping the future of the industry. Known for his candid style and genuine curiosity, he brings out the best in every guest, whether they are road-hardened veterans or new voices breaking through.
In addition to Geezers Of Gear, Marcel has expanded the brand to include Leading Ladies, and FutureTech, the first AI-driven podcast in the live events space. His mission across all platforms remains the same: to document the history, highlight the present, and inspire the future of the live events community.
Since launching the podcast in 2018, Marcel has guided over 300 episodes featuring legendary pioneers, technical innovators, and rising talent shaping the future of the industry. Known for his candid style and genuine curiosity, he brings out the best in every guest, whether they are road-hardened veterans or new voices breaking through.
In addition to Geezers Of Gear, Marcel has expanded the brand to include Leading Ladies, and FutureTech, the first AI-driven podcast in the live events space. His mission across all platforms remains the same: to document the history, highlight the present, and inspire the future of the live events community.
Sarah Birnie
Sarah is the producer behind Geezers Of Gear and the host of Leading Ladies. With a background in touring and hospitality, Sarah brings a unique perspective to both the production and creative direction of the shows.
As producer, she has been instrumental in shaping Geezers Of Gear into one of the industry’s most respected podcasts, ensuring every episode delivers engaging conversations and meaningful stories from behind the scenes of live entertainment.
Through Leading Ladies, Sarah shines a spotlight on the incredible women driving innovation, leadership, and creativity across touring, production, and design. Her thoughtful approach and genuine curiosity create an inspiring space where experiences are shared, challenges are discussed, and the next generation is encouraged to take their place in the spotlight.
As producer, she has been instrumental in shaping Geezers Of Gear into one of the industry’s most respected podcasts, ensuring every episode delivers engaging conversations and meaningful stories from behind the scenes of live entertainment.
Through Leading Ladies, Sarah shines a spotlight on the incredible women driving innovation, leadership, and creativity across touring, production, and design. Her thoughtful approach and genuine curiosity create an inspiring space where experiences are shared, challenges are discussed, and the next generation is encouraged to take their place in the spotlight.