Episodes

Not too many people can lay claim to being the very first guy in the world to program a moving light system. Tom was a tech, then Programmer at Showco (Vari-Lite) when they developed and launched the VL0 then VL1. He struck gold again with ETC when he was there as they moved into their first LED sourced products - now a significant part of ETC's sales. Brought to you by

In March of 2020, we put together this small group of visionary leaders from the industry - and at the time - had NO idea what it was for. We just knew that we needed to talk through this, and hopefully, provide some guidance or insight to folks who were pretty shocked, anxious and stressed. We made some bold predictions (mostly WAY wrong) but we also said some things that really ring true, still today. It's been a hell of a year... and the gang reflects, listens back to some of our predictions,...

During 30 years in the business, Larry Richter has produced world class concerts, tours and events for the biggest names in music from North America to China, Jamaica to Russia. He’s been a tour manager, tour accountant, tour director, promoter and venue owner / operator. Much to learn from this episode... brought to you by .

as he's known by most - has been managing tours since the early '90's, but even before that, he was a FOH sound engineer. He's worked with artists including Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode, Kiss, J-Lo, Kesha and Stone Temple Pilots. He's also a passionate member of the TPA and is doing all he can to help those who need during COVID. This episode is brought to you by .

That "P-Word".... (pivot) is the main topic of discussion. Patrick was able to turn a childhood hobby - RC planes, cars, etc - into a business in only 8 or 9 months. Already working with clients like Bieber and T-Mobile, Patrick has earned himself a real place in the Drone video business. Also the pair discussed the industry, recovery timing, and even sailing!

Jake has been Production Manager for The Firm, AC-DC, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Motley Crue, Madonna, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, The Stones, U2, Shakira, Beyonce, Insomniac and of course, the Wiggles and Barney too!… Plus SO much more. He's a legend and a great story teller as well. Not to mention his ongoing efforts to save our industry!

Marty Hom has been a "top of the heap" tour manager for almost 40 years now and has toured with acts like Fleetwood Mac, Shakira, Janet Jackson, Beyonce, Lionel Richie, Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Shania Twain, Van Halen, Sheena Easton, Paula Abdul and so many more. In fact, 2020 was planned to be another great year that would place Marty with the Rolling Stones... but then came COVID! Marty is at the height of his career, and is hoping to get back to work soon, and took a couple of hours to...

Few people have managed to create new work, sometimes with new clients, in 2020. Robb has added to his skillset, and even created a music video with Chevelle this year. He's learned the world of virtual performances / XR stages, and even created better Zoom environments for entertainers and companies alike. He didn't have to cut wages or staff, and managed to keep his company, SoMidwest alive. Take a listen, and you'll learn how he did it. Episode brought to you by the - more than just a Zoom li...

Another installment from the COVID crew. Host Marcel Fairbairn, with John Featherstone, Eric Loader, John Wiseman and Ben Saltzman. The gang cover a little politics, virtual events (or not), the new relief deal, the vaccine and more. A very good recording... don't miss it.

While Michael is currently best known as Production Manager for Reo Speedwagon and Brian Setzer, you'll learn that he does and has done SO much more. He's a very reliable, hard working professional who has earned every opportunity he's been given. Unfortunately, since March, he's had ZERO gigs like so many, and he can only hope that things begin to turn for our industry, and he can get back to what he loves, with his road families. Episode 125 is brought to you by the Marketplace.

Bud Horowitz has been designing shows since the 70s. He started in theater, and quickly decided that touring was his real calling. He worked with an eclectic list of artist that includes Devo, Captain and Tennille, Natalie Cole and Stevie Wonder, before settling in really nicely for 20+ years with Yanni, whom he was doing shows with earlier this year, prior to being halted by COVID. Yanni brought Bud to spectacular show locations including the Pyramids in Egypt. Like the rest of us, Bud is keepi...

The Activity (a design firm) and The Farm (pre-viz studio) have recently partnered with Matt Geasey with Just Networking, to offer a very unique - remote - solution to their design and pre-viz clients. Learn more about it on Episode 123, brought to you by .

Most of us are presented with challenges, and we're lucky enough to pull through it. Nicholas Strand was hit with several, and still, somehow manages to land on his feet. He's got an incredible / sad / inspirational story and a really amazing pivot as well. A great listen for all! Brought to you by Elation Professional

Another check-in from some of the brighter minds in the business, Eric Loader / Elation Professional, Ben Saltzman / ACT Lighting, John Featherstone / Lightswitch, John Wiseman / PRG and Marcel Fairbairn from GearSource. In another must hear discussion you'll hear them discuss the industry, the virus, politics and more.

Not many people have a bio that starts with: I had a gun pulled on me three times I've been shot once, stabbed twice I overdosed once I've been in three bus crashes Was in four bus fires I survived two plane crashes. one with the Goo Goo Dolls in 1999 when the band’s plane skidded off a runway in Italy Quake is a very impressive and highly respected FOH Engineer / Production Manager, with some incredible stories.

I had a few things to say, and ended up talking into my mic for around 40 minutes... covering Politics, Business, COVID and more. I am a very passionate person who is doing all I can to help us recover... ALL of us. I hope you enjoy these honest to goodness Sunday thoughts!

Cosmo is a talented lighting designer, working for AC/DC and Aerosmith currently (well...) but so many others as well. But most people know Cosmo as the Hawaiian shirt wearing, super nice guy who always has time for you. You may not know tho, Cosmo is a passionate patriot who loves this country. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that he has dedicated 2 weeks of his life to 9/11 this year, while helping to pull the Tribute In Light from certain death.

Today on Geezers Of Gear - Brad Nelms joins me to discuss something we started to help our industry be heard, and to help promote and push for addition funding by way of the RESTART Act. We had no idea how quickly and how large this movement would become. On this episode, we talk about how we did it, the growth and expectations, and maybe even what you can expect in the future. Check it out!

There have been a few successful pivots in the production industry as a result of COVID19. A couple of notable ones are Upstaging with their production of PPE and Michael Strickland through his efforts to work between the entertainment world and the Federal Gov't to help bring relief to our industry. But there's another one that is as impressive. Fellow Long Island buddies, Patrick DIerson and Andrew Gumper - who both now reside in Las Vegas, like most of us, found themselves completely out of w...

Michael's career in lighting began in the 70's following experimentation with colored lights and posters in his bedroom as a teenager. At the time, he had no idea he was in for a 40+ year career lighting some of the very top acts to ever perform. Michael has worked for Jefferson Starship, Santana, Tina Turner, Lionel Ritchie, Ozzy, and even a Beatle (Sir Paul). He's well known as a great guy with a wild sense of humor and threatened to show up for the podcast recording without pants (we were abl...

Production and Lighting Designer, Cory FitzGerald, through his firm Silent House Productions has worked very hard to put himself in a place where he's working with some of the very top touring artists. His roster includes Justin Bieber, Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Bruno Mars and many others.

He started with two older brothers leading the way into the lighting business, but at the time, had no idea it'd become many decades of enjoyment and prosper! Memorable events include Sir Paul McCartney at Coliseum and the Times Square New Years celebration for the Millennium. Episode comes to you courtesy of and

Cosmo has stayed busy during his (so far) few months of isolation. First, he managed to get himself healthier, losing almost 50 pounds, but then got some surgery to fix a long nagging problem. Add to that some VERY enticing cooking and sunset photos along with his unbelievable stories from the road and WW2, Cosmo is a hell of an interesting guy!

Finally someone who's actually done it! We've been hearing about these drive-in concerts and how the math simply could never work. These guys have figured out a way, not to get rich - but to get some of their team back working, and their gear being used a bit as well. Even on as few as 25-30 cars per show!