Episodes

Marcel, John Featherston, Eric Loader and John Wiseman discuss current events, a few closures and other antics. Brought to you by .

On episode 144, I am alone with my thoughts... discussing whatever comes to mind. #144 is brought to you by - the leading global gear marketplace.

We discuss some very important challenges that continue to plague our new reality. Shows and tours are pushing out quickly, and others are coming behind them - but at what point to supply chain issues halt our progress? Lets talk about it!

In 2020, I became friends with a young touring video tech named Nicholas Strand. Nick's brand, "Choose Your Attitude" inspired me enough to buy his tee shirts (I highly recommend them for FEEL GOOD wear) and to spend hours upon hours discussing his strategy, business direction, and even his personal and professional challenges. Nick is a unique and inspiring individual with an incredible story to share. When COVID hit, Nick was on tour with the Dave Matthews Band, and suddenly, he was back home,...

On Episode 141 we talk with Behind The Scenes Executive Director, Lori Rubinstein, and Director Jim Digby to discuss the first organization to focus on the critical needs of folks in the Live Events industry. BTS has provided much needed grants to entertainment technology professionals in need for basic living, medical or even, sadly, funeral expenses. The Foundation further encourages the entertainment industry to create their own events and programs in support of charity. COVID has created so ...

Board Members Craig Burross and Lori Cochenour of , along with foundation volunteer Bryan Matthews, will be at FOH to discuss and share the organization’s founding and their endeavor to help support lighting industry professionals faced with adverse life-changing circumstances. Established in 2020, Robe Backstage is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization created to a be a support system for lighting professionals facing financial challenges associated with serious injury, illness, or loss...

John Wiseman and Marcel discuss some things that are very important to people and businesses in our industry as all times, but even moreso today, Post-Covid. Sadly, people are NOT prepared and as a result, we're seeing way too often that folks are relying on Go Fund Me or other forms of crowd support. It's sad, and we need to do better. Hopefully, this is a start to informing people to our shortcomings.

Join Marcel and the executive leadership team from Gateway who join the podcast to discuss the model, their foundation, the schedule for completion, and much more. A very exciting new business that will benefit the entire touring / live events business in N America.

Our new format is up and running... Please join us LIVE on the FOH or the LiveStream on either Youtube or Facebook.

The Venue is a Geezers of Gear weekly discussion / Happy Hour with a group of the industry's thought leaders. This week, the gang discusses a few new thoughts on opening, but also - we get into some discussion on gear, new releases, rental rates and other fun stuff. Check it out!

New this week, more than a year of weekly Happy Hour Zoom discussions becomes The Venue.... with a panel we call the Front Of House. Each week, we will tackle topics that are relevant and timely for our industry. This week, we talk about the massive increase of live events, sporting events, conventions and more.

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