Sebastien Boulanger is a 15 year veteran of the Live Events industry, having worked as a Technical Director for the likes of the Quebec Minister of Justice and Cirque de Soleil. Then starting his own events company, IC Events, and finally founding DVOX, a new tech business that brings fan experience to another level.This Epsiode is brought to you by AVL Media Group and ROE Visual

Lori Rubinstein is the Executive Director of the Behind the Scenes Foundation, a 501C3 charity which provides Basic Needs grants to entertainment technology professionals who are seriously ill or injured and Counseling grants for therapy or addiction rehab. The BTS Mental Health Initiative provides tools and resources to support entertainment industry workers and promote mental health and wellness. Lori has been in the industry for over 45 years and was the Executive Director of the Entertainment Services and Technology Association for almost 30 years where she oversaw the creation and development of the ANSI-accredited TechnicalStandards Program and the Entertainment Technician Certification Program. Her experience in the industry also includes working as a lighting designer and stage manager for dance, symphony, theatre, and musicals, and for industry businesses including a lighting supply company, a theatre consultancy, and a manufacturer of entertainment products.

This Episode is brought to you by Ultimate Support part of ACT Entertainment and GearSource

Dizzy Gosnell is the Vice President of Production for Bandit Lites, He has been a part of the Bandit family since 1993 but he first met Michael 40 years ago when Strickland was the production manager for Blackfoot and he was on the lighting crew with Meteorlites for Iron MaidenDizzy started in the lighting business in England in the late 1970’s touring with dozens of bands such as Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Paul Simon, and Frankie goes to Hollywood.

Dizzy has an incredible portfolio online where you can see his drawings of some of the shows he toured with in the 80’s that had no 3D drawings or renderings done at all. Visit Dizzy's Webpage to take a look: https://sites.google.com/site/dizguys/home_1

We first had Dizzy on the Podcast back in Jan 2020, you can check out episode #71

This Episode is sponsored by Main Light and Elation

Few people ever strike gold... but imagine doing it not twice, but 3 times! That's Bob! But there's so much more to the story than most people know, and we managed to get ALL of it over a 2 hour discussion between two old friends. This episode (of course) is brought to you by

If ya know him... you've got an opinion for sure! He's not a guy who enters the room quietly, and doesn't leave you with a lasting impression. The guy has incredible stories though. He's worked for U2, played with U2, opened for U2 - and that's just the beginning! He's done SO much. A 45 year career in stage management, production management and even artist management, and he's calling it quits! Rocko has recently begun to release his videos through his  Check it out - you won't be disappointed!  This episode of Geezers Of Gear was brought to you by

This design team of Seth Jackson, and Nathan Alves have an accomplishment that no other can lay claim to. They were literally, the FIRST to tour - post covid with their client, Toby Keith. They talk about a few challenges this prested, and a bit about other projects. It was a short, but fun chat with a pair of very accomplished, and successful designers!

Remote and Automated followspots, or tracking systems as some prefer to be called, are becoming a hotly contested, and more widely used range of products. A short few years ago, only the bravest, or most innovative users would even consider automating ALL of their spots, but today, many, even most of the larger shows have some form of spots that are not controlled by human operators in the truss. Werner is a brilliant and creative thinker... I think you'll learn a lot. I did!

Few brands have the longevity and brand recognition of Arri. The brand has dominated the N American TV and Film lighting since it's launch in the 70s. John educates us on so many things, while telling some great stories from the LDI show floor.

Not only does VOID have the coolest name among sound reinforcement manufacturers, but they also have (BY FAR) the coolest looking enclosures. And guess what... they sound good too! Rob is an interesting guy... and heck - he's brave enough to exhibit, at a lighting show, post COVID... Great talk that could have gone MUCH longer.

Chris returns to Geezers Of Gear to update us on the technical goings on at PRG - plus shares some of the COVID tech they developed, challenges faced, and even some breaking news on new PRG projects! What is the 5L? You'll find out here!

Another weeky entry in our Geezers Of Gear happy hour discussions. Week 64 included the usual discussions on covid challenges, gear shortages and tradeshows.

LDI is an incredibly important show to ANYONE in the live events, lighting or entertainment technology business. I've been going to the show since 1989, and intend to continue going as long as I remain in the industry. It's an amazing networking show, and opportunity to meet, learn and interract / network.

Lots of folks working, but we still manage to get this group together each week for spirited discussions about the current events within our industry.

Ola Melzig began as a stagehand working on local shows in Stockholm 1989. Over the last 20 years he has gone on to produce high profile shows beginning with the massive Eurovision Song Contest, but also The Commonwealth Games, The Nobel Prize Awards and recently serving as Executive Producer of The American Song Contest as well. In February 2017, Ola was awarded Production Manager of the year at the annual TPI Awards in London.

Ola is married to Joan Lyman, they have six grown up children and the family split their time between Stockholm, Sweden and Austin, Texas.

This episode is brought to you by ROE Visual and AVL Media Group

Discussion centered on touring challenges, travel challenges, the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and shortages of gear and personnel. Pretty much "the usual". One step forward, and 2 back! But getting closer to this illusive "normal" I hear about.

Of course, COVID is discussed. It's such an incredible roller coaster ride in our industry today. Tours start, then stop, shows cancel, people's lives are tossed around. We're definitely still deep in this challenge, although there are definitely pockets of success!

Our weekly discussions returned and have been a mixed bag of industry related discussions. Here, we get into upcoming tradeshows, how much work everyone has, and much more.

Ahhhh the joy of connecting with industry individuals each and every week. Some great conversation this week around tradeshows, work, travel and more.

For more than a year of the COVID pandemic, a group of "drop ins" carried a weekly discussion that was based on helping folks survive the mess, and sometimes (including this week) a little political as well. We decided to bring it back... and it was a BLAST! Listen here!!

I will always say that one of the most amazing things I was involved in organizing was this Red Alert Restart last year. The group who started it, and the ensuing MASSIVE number of volunteers - just incredible. Join us as we walk down memory lane with most of the follks who got this started.

When athletes are in the early stages of Free Agency, it is often called Crazy Season. Folks are signed quickly, while being persued by multiple teams for more than their ask. The current used equipment market is comparable. A few items are selling for double what they were in 2020, and there just isn't enough of so many things. The GearSource team have a unique perspective, given the company's clobal markets. You might pick up some important pointers on this one, wherever you are!

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!

Neel Vasavada is the founder and president of Overdrive Energy Solutions.Neel is a driving force in the movement to bring green technology to the events industry. His engineering background and experience with both sustainable energy and live entertainment business development has led him to found Overdrive Energy Solutions with his co-founder Jahn "BOXER" Hardison.In 2003 he founded Apex Speed Technology, a provider of control systems and engineering consulting for prototype, research & development and motorsports vehicle projects, Customers included early-stage Telsa, Zero Electric Motorcycles & The US Department of Energy. Neel has also led business development for capital equipment suppliers and tech companies in live events since 2012. He led eps america - one of North America’s fastest growing production equipment suppliers of the last decade.Overdrive has become a leader in sustainable energy for live events. In 2023 a partnership with sustainability non-profit Reverb.org resulted in the 2 largest solar powered stages in US history. The first was Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion, which reduced fossil fuel use for stage power by 95%. In August, Overdrive made history with the largest temporary solar field ever for a US festival, powering parts of Billie Elish’s headlining set at Lollapalooza Chicago. Overdrive has also provided power at notable events and venues such as Coachella, Google's I/O developer conference and Dodger Stadium, with over 2.5MWh of energy deployed. Moving forward, Neel is committed to developing cost-efficient, reliable and clean energy systems for live events - and beyond.This episode was brought to you by Act Entertainment/ Ultimate Support Systems and GearSource.

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, unknowing of the future, and still mourning the recent loss of both his mother and wife. Nick put his head down, and with inspiration from both of the strongest and most important women in his life, decided to focus on launching and growing his brand. Together, we are hoping to inspire others to act as well!

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 much need, so we'll address those concerns and more! Please Visit today!

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 of employment due to unforeseen or mandated production shutdowns. Be sure to visit .

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, and continues to positively point north through the darkness. It's a fun episode.. I hope you'll take a listen.

Michael Keeling is a Production Designer, Creative/Show Designer Director and as it says on his website, Veteran (he said it not us!) as Creative and Producer for ​Live Concert, Festivals, Content, Artist-Production, Media Campaigns and Creative Productions. Michael has worked with incredible artists including Lenny Kravitz, Coldplay, Justin Timberlake, Aerosmith, No Doubt, Incubus, Genesis, Pink Floyd and Frank Zappa to name but a few. Michaelis is the CEO of Project X, he started Project X nearly 30 years ago, you can visit www.projectxcollective.live and check out all the incredible achievements Michael has accomplished from Concert Tours, commercial & television productions to Lighting Design/Direction for Super Bowl Spots for Nike “Fast Is Faster, Samsung " Milk" , Sonos, Jambox and others.Michael has many Industry Accolades including MTV2 -VMA Award- The Bravery “Honest Mistake” Best Music Video-winner and MTV-VMA Award- Lenny Kravitz “Are You Gonna Go My Way” Best MV-Male Artist-winnerMichaels Motto is DREAM | DESIGN | DELIVERThis episode is brought to you by Elation and Main Light

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 sit down with Geezers Of Gear to discuss the past, present and future.

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 light... Contact GLP for more information.

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 keeping himself as busy as he can, while waiting for the clouds to lift. Be sure to check out his Harman webinar at . Episode 124 is sponsored by

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 .

Phay Mac Mahon started his career in production management in 1976 with Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats. Since then he has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Pink, Shakira, George Michael, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Nicki Minaj, Ricky Martin and Garth Brooks.

Phay has also provided Production Management for corporate clients such as Volvo Ocean Race, Orange Arrows Formula One, Gulf Air Formula One, Guinness and South African Breweries

Phay has just returned from Japan with the Red Hot Chili Peppers who he is now touring North America with.

This episode is sponsored by AVL Media Group and ROE Visual.

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.