Geezers of Gear
Episodes
#172 - Donny Lodico
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's funny how many folks think of Donny as a "video guy", when he has spent his entire career in lighting design and lighting account exec roles. Per...
#171 - Check In with Cosmo Wilson
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Few designers have stayed as busy, throughout their careers, as Cosmo has. And like Frank, he really has done it his way! From Judas Priest and AC/DC ...
#170 - Chris Ferrante / CEO of Ayrton
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Chris was born in Malta, schooled in Scotland, moved to USA, then to China where he began working with Ayrton. Now, he lives in Germany, but works in ...
#169 - Lighting Designer / Programmer - Michael Meacham from iDesign
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are not many clubs in the world at the level of Club E11EVEN, and there are not many lighting design and installation companies who could have e...
#168 - Michael Strickland / Bandit Lites
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A great chat with a live events industry leader who single handedly carried much of the industry thru a near death experience! So much is unknown abou...
#167 - Huntly Christie - founder, CEO and Owner of Christie Lites
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Huntly started in the music industry like so many of us - as a musician, a drummer. He toured clubs while also learning about loading trucks, lighting...
#166 - Production / Lighting Designer, Sooner Routhier
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sooner joins again as our unofficial "Geezette of Gear" to discuss what she's been up to since the dreaded pandemic. In case you haven't been paying a...
#165 - Stephen Vitale... CEO of Live Events Productions
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mr Vitale is the CEO and 4th generation owner of 133 year old Pyrotecnico. During the pandemic, Stephen engaged his team and created a roll up of Soun...
#164 - Mark Rudge brings 37 years of knowledge and experience to Geezers!
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Rudge joined the US Lighting world in 1985, and has been a permanent fixture ever since. To know Mark is to love him. He's just one of those guys...
#163 - Josh Weisberg from Scharff Weisberg & Worldstage
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Josh has literally been in the business 4 decades, and still rolling! He co-founded Scharff Weisberg, went on to merge and become Worldstage (leaving ...
#162 - Bob Gordon... The Console Whisperer
20 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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, a...
#161 - The Rocko Reedy Show!
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#160 - Live from LDI - The Darkroom Creative
21 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 - pos...
#159 - Live from LDI - Werner Petricek / zactrack
21 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Remote and Automated followspots, or tracking systems as some prefer to be called, are becoming a hotly contested, and more widely used range of produ...
#157 - Live from LDI - John Gresch / Arri
21 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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....
#158 - Live from LDI - Rob Hofkamp / Void Acoustics
21 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Not only does VOID have the coolest name among sound reinforcement manufacturers, but they also have (BY FAR) the coolest looking enclosures. And gues...
#156 - From LDI - Chris Conti, Chief Innovation Officer / PRG
21 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
#155 - Geezers Of Gear Happy Hour 64
21 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Another weeky entry in our Geezers Of Gear happy hour discussions. Week 64 included the usual discussions on covid challenges, gear shortages and trad...
#154 - The Show Must Go On.... A discussion about LDI... with LDI
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 198...
#153 - Geezers Of Gear Happy Hour 63
14 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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....
#152 - Industry Happy Hour #62
07 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Discussion centered on touring challenges, travel challenges, the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and shortages of gear and personnel. Pretty mu...
#151 - Happy Hour #61 with the usual cast of maniacs
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#150 - Happy Hour 60
23 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Our weekly discussions returned and have been a mixed bag of industry related discussions. Here, we get into upcoming tradeshows, how much work everyo...
#149 - Geezers Of Gear Happy Hour 59
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ahhhh the joy of connecting with industry individuals each and every week. Some great conversation this week around tradeshows, work, travel and more....
#148 - The Return of our Weekly Happy Hour
10 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 so...
#147 - Red Alert Restart 1 Year Anniversary.. Wow
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#146 - The Venue 11 with GearSource team on the current CRAZY SEASON for Gear
12 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#145 - The Venue 10... with The Covid Crew
05 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Marcel, John Featherston, Eric Loader and John Wiseman discuss current events, a few closures and other antics. Brought to you by .
#144 - The Venue 9 - Another livestream discussion
29 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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.
#143 - The Venue 8 - New World Challenges.. Gear and People!
21 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss some very important challenges that continue to plague our new reality. Shows and tours are pushing out quickly, and others are coming behi...
#142 - The Venue #7 - Choose Your Attitude.. Staying Positive against ALL odds!
14 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 te...
#141 - Behind The Scenes... Providing Help to Live Events since 2005
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On Episode 141 we talk with Behind The Scenes Executive Director, Lori Rubinstein, and Director Jim Digby to discuss the first organization to focus o...
#140 - The Venue #5 - The Team from Robe Backstage discuss their helpful platform
01 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Board Members Craig Burross and Lori Cochenour of , along with foundation volunteer Bryan Matthews, will be at FOH to discuss and share the organizat...
#139 - The Venue #4 - Is Your Business (and Personal Business) in Order
23 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#138 - Gateway Studios and Production Services Leadership Team
18 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join Marcel and the executive leadership team from Gateway who join the podcast to discuss the model, their foundation, the schedule for completion, a...
#137 - The Venue #3... Random Chatter
16 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Our new format is up and running... Please join us LIVE on the FOH or the LiveStream on either Youtube or Facebook.
#136 - The Venue #2... Let's Talk About Gear!
10 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#135 - The Venue 1 / We are BACK!
03 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 wil...
#134 - Tom Litrell... Literally, the world's FIRST Moving Light Programmer!
07 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#133 - The Covid Crew Anniversary... yup 1 year to the day since our first!
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 kne...
#132 - Promotor, Tour Manager, Tour Accountant - Larry Richter
09 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
#131 - Tour Manager - Tim "Gooch" Lougee
01 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 inc...
#130 - Patrick Whalen of Backstage Productions / Backstage Aerial
18 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#129 - Legendary Production Manager Jake Berry
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jake has been Production Manager for The Firm, AC-DC, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Motley Crue, Madonna, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, The Stones, U2, Shaki...
#128 - Top Tour Manager (and nice guy!) Marty Hom
02 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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, Beyon...
#127 - Robb Jibson does it different in 2020
22 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 C...
#126 - The Covid Crew Christmas Special
22 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Another installment from the COVID crew. Host Marcel Fairbairn, with John Featherstone, Eric Loader, John Wiseman and Ben Saltzman. The gang cover a l...
#125 - Michael Richter - Production Manager (and SO much more!)
18 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
#124 - Bennett "Bud" Horowitz, Lighting Designer
08 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
#123 - The Bridge... A Pivot to Remote Shows with Patrick Dierson (The Activity / The Farm) and Matt Geasey (Just Networking / The Bridge)
19 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 - rem...
#122 - Nicholas Strand... Choose Your Attitude®
19 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#121 - The Covid Crew is BACK!
16 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Another check-in from some of the brighter minds in the business, Eric Loader / Elation Professional, Ben Saltzman / ACT Lighting, John Featherstone /...
#120 - Tim "Quake" Mark
09 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#119 - Just Me... and my thoughts!
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 passiona...
#118 - Cosmo Wilson at Ground Zero.... 9/11 a Tribute In Light
11 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#117 - We Make Events / #RedAlertRESTART
25 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 additio...
#116 - Patrick Dierson / Andrew Gumper pivot with Mod Pro Services
07 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 productio...
#115 - Michael Keller / LD
14 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#114 - Cory FitzGerald
30 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#113 - Troy Eckerman
16 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#112 - Tales From A Pandemic.... Cosmo Wilson
14 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 s...
#111 - Neil Juneja and Joe Cole talk about Drive Thru Raves
06 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 fig...
#110 - Pyrotecnico's Rocco Vitale and Bob Ross
27 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Learn a bunch about the Pyro business from Rocco and Bob. Rocco's family is currently in it's 5th generation operating this US Based pyrotechnics and ...
#109 - John Wiseman... Tales From A Pandemic
26 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The 2nd in my series of "Tales From A Pandemic". John is one of my favorite people in OR out of the business, and I wanted to check in and just see wh...
#108 - Aidas Gimbutas.... Mainlight
22 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I love this guy! Not many with the sense of humor that Aidas has carried, throughout his career. One of the champions of practical joking, but also, a...
#107 - Robb Jibson
20 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Robb got his start like so many, trying to find an answer to creating a "cooler look for his band". That led Robb to a job in his early teens, wrappin...
#106 - Michael Keeling
15 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Michael started his career like so many others.... sheer luck. 15 years old and hanging out with friends one day dreading the idea of returning to sch...
#105 - Production Industry Happy Hour 8
14 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Another weekly get together with some very smart and industry leading individuals - to discuss what's important to us all. Also, we hear from Nick Riv...
#104 - David Davidian
12 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
David's resume begins in the 70s and continues to grow today! David has worked with more artists than you can fit in this description with highlights ...
#103 - Joel Nichols of Apollo Design, Avid Labs and Blue Pony
07 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the early '90's, Joel and his wife saw an opening for an opportunity to disrupt the process and price on delivering a pretty straight forward produ...
#102 - Production Industry Happy Hour 7
07 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In probably the best discussion yet, the industry gets together to discuss our current challenges, opportunities, ideas and more. This group is beyond...
#101 - The COVID19 Crew Update
04 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The crew is back! Join me with Eric Loader, Ben Saltzman, John Wiseman and John Featherstone, as we discuss the many updates and ideas concerning the ...
#100 - Production Industry Happy Hour #6
30 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What a great conversation with a bunch of passionate and hard working folks who just want to get back to work! Some great discussion this week... Enjo...
#99 - Steve Watts and Peter Johansen discuss Peter's storied history in lighting
24 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
My friend, former business partner and sometimes GoG co-host, Steve Watts from Abstract Lighting in the UK, takes an hour to sit down with arguably, o...
#98 - Production Industry Happy Hour 5
22 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Our weekly happy hour discussion with folks from manufacturing, rental companies, tour management, promotion, design, and more. A great, knowledgable ...
#97 - Tales From a Pandemic.... with Robert Roth
22 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In a new Geezers of Gear Series, called Tales From A Pandemic... Our first guest, Robert Roth shares with us his new, daily Pandemic routine. In Rober...
#96 - Troy Vollhoffer / Premier Global Productions
17 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Troy was literally born into show business. His grandfather ran a theater in his hometown of Regina, Canada and his father also ran a theater, while h...
#95 - Christian Jackson... LD / Programmer.... You Tuber!
16 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Not only did Christian learn about lighting on You Tube, he's since learned to turn his You Tube passion into a lucrative part of his earning arsenal ...
#94 - Production Industry Happy Hour 4
16 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Another weekly discussion with a large group of industry folks. This week we talked about some of the information being shared stating that there will...
#93 - Live Events Coalition founder, Isaac Rothwell
09 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Isaac was laid off from his job in AV and like many of us, wondering "what now". Instead of waiting to be run over by the bus of unemployment, depress...
#92 - Production Industry Virtual Happy Hour 3
09 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An amazing group of people is assembling each week for a drink and a lively chat about this virus, the industry, the things we're all doing to keep bu...
#91 - Industry COVID19 Discussion 2
06 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Once of our biggest episodes was episode #85 where I was able to assemble a top group of individuals who shared important information with our listene...
#90 - Production Industry COVID19 Virtual Happy Hour #2
02 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Our industry is filled with REALLY creative, and normally productive people.... who are ALL going a little bit nuts at the moment, without work, witho...
#89 - Craig Caserta, Lighting Director and Programmer
30 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Craig grew up in Brooklyn, NY and literally fell into the business when a friend of a friend said someone needed a few hands to help out. Shortly afte...
#88 - Production Industry Virtual Happy Hour #1
26 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I really spirited and fun discussion with some top industry folks from manufacturing, rental companies, design, crew folks, etc. A shared and common i...
#87 - John Huddleston from Upstaging
25 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
John is one of the nicest, hardest working guys I've met in the industry. He's fun, fair and firm all in the same guy! The company, like ALL in our in...
#86 - Randy Wade joins me to discuss his long career in touring sound, lighting and journalism
23 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Randy began his career as an agent before joining Morpheus Lighting (twice), Performance Magazine, Varilite, ShowCo, Audio Analysts and also working w...
#85 - Industry Leaders discuss COVID19 impact on the business and forward looking ideas
18 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I pulled together 4 key industry folks to join me and discuss the impact this virus has had on our industry but more importantly, to give s...
#84 - Richard Rutherford
16 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Like so many of us, Richard got his start in music, where he was a vocalist / wanna be rockstar. As luck would have it, his "real job" in a music stor...
#83 - Sooner Routhier, Lighting Designer
11 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sooner Rae Routhier is an award-winning Designer, Producer, Director, and one of today's leading creative minds in the world of experiential entertain...
#82 - The Lumen Brothers... Discussing their Podcast on our Podcast
09 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Lumen Brothers are primarily made up of 3 old friends from the Theater / Opera lighting world who got together in 2017 and decided to create a Pod...
#81 - Phay "Phamous" McMahon, Production Manager and former LD
06 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Phay began back in the 70s, with his first "break" coming from Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats. Shortly there after, he began working with a group of...
#80 - Patrick Whalen / Backstage Productions
26 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Patrick became intrigued by the lighting and production world early, while still in his teens. He took a slightly different approach though, writing a...
#79 - Seth Jackson, LD, Production Designer and Creative Director
24 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We discussed Seth's upcoming book, Concert Design - The Road, The Craft, The Industry at length. So many great things about this book for people who w...
#78 - Cosmo Wilson... LD
19 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Cosmo (Charles) Wilson began his lighting touring career in the 80s and really, hasn't slowed down! He's worked with a "who's who" list including The ...
#77 - Roel Apers from KLSTR discusses his new technology for connecting, addressing, controlling and monitoring lighting networks
18 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
KLSTR is a brand new technology created by some very smart guys in Belgium who simply sought out a better way. At the foundation, they hated wasting s...
#76 - Bob Barnhart fresh off of SuperBowl 54
17 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bob Barnhart just designed Super Bowl 54, remarkably his 21st Halftime Show as lighting designer. In addition, Bob designs for So You Think You Can Da...
#75 - Benoit Richard... From Rock and Roll to Iron Man... A remarkable career in Lighting!
13 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Benoit has done what so few have in the concert lighting world, and reinvented himself to establish a parallel career.... in Movies! Having worked wit...
#74 - Duck Lights founder Lee Duck
12 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A unique business model is always intriguing and this one caught our attention at the recent NAMM show in Anaheim. Lee was a touring musician and foun...
#73 - Lowell Fowler... Founder of Highend Systems
06 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I've always considered this guy one of the nicest, kindest and most passionate people in the industry. Lowell started with lightshows using overhead p...