"Triumph Reloaded - it's not a sit on your seat show - its a rock and roll show"
Paul Dexter is a pioneering creative director and production designer whose career in concert lighting and stage design spans more than five decades. Starting in the early 1970s with a homemade lighting rig and a passion for rock & roll, Paul has gone on to shape the visual worlds of iconic artists including Elton John, Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, TRIUMPH, and REO Speedwagon.
As President and Lead Designer of Masterworks Design, he creates fully integrated stage, lighting, and video environments for world-class touring productions, film, and architectural projects. He’s the co-author of Concert Lighting: The Art and Business of Entertainment Lighting, the creative force behind the Las Vegas production Raiding the Rock Vault, and has designed lighting for major films and concert broadcasts.
Paul is currently working on TRIUMPH: Rock & Roll Machine – RELOADED, touring in 2026. He loves talking road stories, design and execution, and why diversifying your skills is key to long-term creative growth. His life motto: Do what you love, be kind, take risks, and don’t be afraid to fail.
Episode 344 with Paul Dexter is brought to you by ETC and Delicate Productions
In this engaging conversation, Paul Dexter, a pioneer in concert lighting and stage design, shares his journey through the evolution of technology in the live events industry. The discussion delves into the impact of AI on production, the nostalgia for the rock and roll era, and the changing landscape of live music, including the rise of tribute bands and new talent. Paul reflects on his early experiences, memorable moments on the road, and the influence of iconic artists, providing insights into the future of music and the challenges faced by today's musicians. In this engaging conversation, Paul reflects on his long career in the music industry, discussing his early days and the evolution of live performances. He shares insights into his collaboration with Triumph, the innovative MXR Vision project, and the role of technology in enhancing live shows. The discussion also touches on the upcoming tour, emphasizing the theatrical elements and positive narrative that will define the experience for fans. Paul expresses excitement for the future while acknowledging the importance of honoring the band's legacy.
#triumphofficial #triumph #triumphreloaded #tour2026 #geezersofgear #etc #delicateproductions
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Early Days
17:44 Innovative Lighting Solutions
20:45 Musical Background and Transition to Lighting
23:49 The Evolution of Live Music and Lighting Design
28:49 Legacy Bands and Their Impact
31:53 The Future of Tribute Bands
34:46 Emerging Talent in Rock Music
37:46 Mentorship and Influences
40:52 Career Beginnings and Opportunities
43:46 Turning Down Elvis: A Career Reflection
45:54 The Early Days of Touring
48:37 The Evolution of Touring: Then and Now
51:08 Nostalgia for the Rock Star Mystique
55:02 The Unexpected Longevity of Rock Legends
57:00 Reviving Triumph: The MXR Vision Project
01:02:53 Innovations in Live Performance Technology
01:09:46 Crafting a Positive Narrative in Music
01:12:59 Theatrical Performances and Live Music
01:15:27 Collaboration with Decisive Artists
01:20:25 Creative Challenges in Design
01:20:35 Reloaded: A New Era for Triumph
01:22:13 Honoring Legacy vs. Innovation
01:23:40 Designing for the Modern Audience
01:27:50 The Significance of Concurrent Tours
01:36:52 Behind the Scenes of Production
01:39:18 Embracing Technology in Design
01:41:41 Geezers Outro Video.mp4
Production Designer
Paul Dexter, Creative Director, Production Designer.
Paul started lighting in the early 70’s after creating a homemade lighting system out of 42 pineapple cans, for a rock band with his friends seeking a record deal. This pioneering venture was guided by the mentorship of Dick Barber, the esteemed road manager for Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention.
Since 1973, Mr. Dexter has been on the road, touring with several rock & roll bands. His career path has led to a colorful background of diverse projects designing theatrical lighting and stage sets including themed concept videos for MTV, full length concert broadcasts and in 2001, Paul was the concert lighting director for the movie, “Rock Star”, starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Anniston. He is the creative director and script writer for the Las Vegas production, “Raiding the Rock Vault”. He is the co-author of two books, published on Routledge/Focal Press, “Concert Lighting; The Art and Business of Entertainment Lighting”.
His collaborative spirit has led him to closely work with an array of iconic musicians including Billy Preston, Dr. John, LTD, Rick James, Motley Crue, DIO, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, TRIUMPH, Aerosmith, Elton John, and REO Speedwagon.
