With a career spanning over 60 years, Roy “Bickel” is a living legend in the world of live entertainment. From his early days as a professional water skier in 1960s Florida to flying through the air as a human cannonball in the circus, Roy’s path has been anything but ordinary.

In 1969, he transitioned from circus tents to concert tours, launching a groundbreaking rigging career that would span Broadway, arena concerts, Olympics, and global productions. He helped standardize the color-coded wire rope system still used today, trained generations of riggers, and worked with icons like Elvis Presley, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, Kiss, Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé.Jethro Tull, Aerosmith, Frank Sinatra, Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Kenny Rogers, Alabama, 10,000 Maniacs, Backstreet Boys, New Kids, Reba and many more.

Roy’s expertise has taken him from rigging Mary Poppins to fly across arenas, to managing safety on Olympic flames, to innovating load-bearing techniques still in use across the industry. His reputation for grit, ingenuity, and mentorship is unmatched—and his stories are as jaw-dropping as his career.

An ESTA Lifetime Award recipient and 2025 Parnelli Honoree, Roy continues to work, teach, and inspire—proving that curiosity, courage, and character can take you from a hotel pool ski show to the biggest stages on Earth.

In this special episode of Geezers of Gear, host Marcel sits down with Roy Bickel, a true legend in the rigging and live entertainment industry. Roy shares his extraordinary journey that began as a professional water skier and circus performer, eventually evolving into a six-decade career pioneering rigging practices for some of the world’s biggest tours.

From flying out of a cannon to rigging for Elvis Presley, Joni Mitchell and countless others, Roy’s stories are filled with humor, hard-earned wisdom, and unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments. He discusses the evolution of rigging technology, the critical importance of safety, and how mentorship and generational knowledge continue to shape the future of the industry.

This episode is packed with incredible tales, life lessons, and a heartfelt look at a career dedicated to innovation, education, and the art of live entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just entering the world of production, Roy Bickel’s journey is one you don’t want to miss.

This Episode is brought to you by GearShare and ETC