Geezers of Gear

Chris Lose is a man with more Job TItles than most folks will gather in a lifetime. While his entire career has been in lighting, it hasn't been linear! He's literally done everything! Tech, Master Electrician, Production Manager, Programmer, Director, LD, Account Rep, Designer Relations and more. At the core has always been a commitment to calm and kindness. Join us on Chris's journey, and also -...

Not many designers have 50 years lighting the world's leading acts, from Hawkwind to Peter Gabriel, Wham, Zappa, Def Leppard and even Diana Ross. Jonathan's resume literally spans 5 full decades, and he retired on his own terms in 2018. There's a REALLY cool story included in this recording on what really happened that triggered the recording of Smoke On The Water. I had goosebumps! This episode i...

The group who gathered often during COVID come back to discuss a very important and sombre topic. We're losing too many friends, and it's entirely unnecessary. We're certainly not doctors, but we care enough to share some ideas, and also - to share our own stories, battles, and more.

I always think of myself as a guy who's been around since the earliest days of automated lighting, but in fact, that's not accurate. I began in the industry in 1991. Our guest, Dan English, began his career with Morpheus in 1981, a full 10 years before me. And soon after, he was there to witness the birth of the Morpheus Panospot, Panobeam, Color Fader, and so many more innovative products. Dan re...

Gordon is a very well known and kind soul in the live events lighting space. Based in the UK, Gordon cut his teeth in nightclubs, but has since grown businesses in both the architectural lighting and production space as well. If you've ever been to LDI, Plasa and a handful of other shows - you'll know him as the last man standing (with Elvis visa in hand!!) at the bar as well. Join us on this jour...

Ben helps to select the greatest lighting products for Live Events and Zenith Lighting. Gain insights on his picks for the best stuff at LDI 2022!

Chris is a well known account executive working with Christie Lites in New York and shares some great product insights from the LDI show floor.  Quick LinksGet Embed PlayerShare on SocialDownload Audio File

This thing is impressive! Imagine being in a room with Jake Barry, Marty Hom, Charlie Hernandez, Stuart Ross and a list of 60 other top names in the industry. I am blown away by what they're putting together, and the pricetag for it all. Wow. Here details directly from 3 of the 4 partners on this, Marty, Stuart and Charlie, along with Rock Lititz Conference Director - Emily Cassidy. Check out  to...

We had COVID... it came, tried very hard to destroy our industry, then (for the most part) left - and it's like we've learned nothing. As an industry, we went back to what we were doing, and forgot the important lessons we've learned. So a group of us, Marcel, Michael Strickland, Ellen Lampert (LDI), Seth Jackson and Nathan Alves have combinded to discuss the foundation of an association, simply c...

Vic's 40 year career began in NY and brought him to California, and recently he moved to be closer to family in Virginia. He's worked with a "who's who" of talent, and has an enviable resume. We had a fun chat about everything from ice hockey to travel and even a little bit of lighting! Sponsored by .

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. Perhaps it's the last bunch of years he's spent with Video West... who are also an estimated 40% lighting. Anyway... learn this and more on Episode 172, brought to you by .

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 to Aerosmith, Journey, Blondie and more - Cosmo has had a blast. This year alone has been a highlight of most careers, but he isn't slowing down! Brought to you by ... Enjoy!

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 Paris... Confused? Listen to Episode 170 and you'll clear that all up! A great talk with one of the kindest folks in the business. Brought to you by .

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 envisioned this, and pulled it off. That club became a pivital moment in the growth and legitimacy of Miami based iDesign. But the truth is, Michael and Christine started the business in the early 2000's, and have done dozens of worldclass projects, l...

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 about Michael, and we uncover a lot of it on Episode 168, brought to you by ACT -

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 and sound. He chose lighting for his future, and in 1985 founded Christie Lites from his home town, Toronto. He's grown Christie into a multi-national mega-player in the lighting business. This episode is brought to you by the fine folks at .

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 attention, Sooner is an incredible designer who’s won 2 “LD of the Year” Parenelli’s, has developed and produced incredible moments for some of today's biggest headlining artists including, Coldplay, The Muse, The Weeknd, KISS, Imagine Dragons, The Lu...

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 Sound, Lighting, Video companies who would team up with his own Fireworks and SFX businesses to become Live Events Productions. Many victories and challenges later, LEP operates as a successful and vibrant collection of great businesses. Visit LEP at and...

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. Super nice, fun to share a pint with, and a great worker! Interesting, almost all of his biggest and longest positions have been with women. He explains why! This episode has been brought to you by .

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 long before their demise), founded a Consulting firm and now, a new stage of his career, which he breaks on our podcast! This episode is brought to you by

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! R...

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....

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.