Backstage Cowboys Podcast

Marcel Fairbairn had me on the Geezers of Gear podcast a few weeks ago and I really wanted to get more out of him so I asked him if he would like to be featured on the Backstage Cowboys Podcast and he accepted. Marcel also happens to be the founder and owner of Gear Source. THE online platform for selling and buying used professional AV gear worldwide. I have used it myself and I can tell you there's nothing else like it out there. https://www.geezersofgear.com/ https://gearsource.com/

If you're not happy where you are then be somewhere else. Good advice coming from somebody who's been everywhere. Robert Sassade has so many stories to tell. From his early career as a production manager to working for the armed forces in Afghanistan to rebuilding Haiti and so on. Truly one of the best Backstage Cowboys interviews. Enjoy!

Lysane is a sound engineer working at the Bell Center in Montreal.

Worried about PAR64 bulbs being discontinued? On this episode I'm talking with some folks who have engineered a solution to that problem. 2 brothers from California came up with an LED retrofit unit that pops right into your PAR64 or PAR56 CAN and runs on your existing dimmers. No install, no cabling, nothing. It's as easy as changing a bulb.

Pierre Marleau is the owner of Orange Frog Productions in Calgary. Pierre is originally from Montreal and has worked all over Canada and US before landing in Calgary and starting his own company. I always enjoy very much these conversations with experienced company leaders. So much to learn!

Aaron Gehrt, also known as ''SMOKEY'' is the repair manager for an American manufacturer called Blizzard pro lighting in Wisconsin. And his email signature also states that he prevents wild fires. Thats what happens when passionate people full of humor are involved. Just be warned though, this episode might get funky. But that's what the backstage cowboys podcast is all about. We're not only exploring the backstage universe but we're also going into the heads of those who make the infrastructure of the backstage. You also might want to check out Blizzard Pro's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/blizzardlighting

At the time of this recording, Frank Perron happened to be working at the Superbowl tailgate party in Los Angeles. Frank works for Stageline, a mobile stage company. Ever been to a festival where you see this big ass stage in the middle of nowhere that actually wasn't there the day before? Well Frank is the guy who makes that stage appear and disappear after the show.

Chris is an audio visual tech at a University but is also an experienced lighting designer and board operator. And a really nice guy too.

Manny Eleftheriou also known as Crazy F'n Manny is the owner and one of the founding members if IWS (INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING SYNDICATE). He is not only a wrestling pro but also the producer and main tech guy behind IWS events ever since it's foundation in 1998.

On this episode we're going to Toronto to have a chat with one of the coolest lighting guys I know. And I'm not just saying that because he has orange hair. FOX PROCENKO has pretty much done it all, from tour busses to planes to movie sets, you name it.

What a great time I had chatting with Gordon Clarke who is head of training at the Avolites Academy. There's a lot more to training than just passing on information. It's also about making the whole learning experience more efficient by applying proven psychological methods.

I was fortunate enough to have the charming Thomas Nell on my podcast. Thomas is a true artist. A very experienced lighting designer and senior partner at Spotlight s.c. in Milan, Italy. Spotlight is a manufacturer of high quality theatrical lighting fixtures.

Among many other things Paul is one of the masterminds behind the famous Martin lighting consoles from the light jockey to the Maxxyz to the M1. Paul's career and experience is very impressive and inspiring. He gave way to a whole new generation of lighting consoles and by ricochet light board operators with the help of Pierre Roy.

On this episode we talk with a true gentleman, Matthew Coull. Matthew is the owner of the Aileron Group, an event planning and production company.

The AFC has been supporting industry players in need since 1958. In this episode David Hope, Executive director explains how the AFC is handling the Covid-19 crisis.

David Henry is a lighting director and teacher in Nashville. He put together several online courses at learnstagelighting.com. If you're the kind of person considering a career in lighting, this guy can certainly help.

’’The cab ride that changed my life.’’ Richard Forte is a great FOH audio engineer. Born in Cuba, grew up in New York and then moved to Montreal Canada. Richard's amazing story begins when he was driving a cab in New York city. He takes on two passengers that will change the course of his career. This very long interview is full of surprises. Stick till the end!

If it ain't rock n roll, don't call me! Pierre Roy is the Lighting Director behind the Harley show in Montreal among many other things. This highly talented LD is a mentor and reference for many a lighting tech in the industry. Enjoy!

Robin is a young talented technical director and lighting designer from Belgium living in Montreal. He's a real cool guy and also owns his own Avolites desk.

Like to watch hockey on TV? Without my good buddy Eric Massicotte, you wouldn't hear anything. Eric takes us behind the scene of broadcasted sports events and tells the story of what brought him there.

''Don't do what I did''. Jacque ''Coco'' Levesque is a genius. With all the ups and downs that come with such a status. Coco has been the mentor of many a lighting designer/programmer. His life has been a mixture of breath taking mega light productions and chemical substance consumption which explains why some praise him while others would rather never see him again. This charming man, once again is doing the backstage cowboys community a huge favor by taking the time to tell his story.

Frenchie started out as a musician/luthier in Montreal. He is now living on a boat in Florida. WTF? This is the story of a passionate man who literally can see sound. In this episode we dive into his world and discover his secrets that rose him to this level of competence and happiness.

Early 70's. A New York musician goes knocking restlessly on a producer's door trying to land a record deal but instead winds up touring with a Canadian band called ''RUSH" as their agent and light designer for over 40 years. Listen to Howard tell his incredible story on this episode of the Backstage Cowboys Podcast.

Ian Bertrand is a good friend of mine and an expericenced technical director, project manager, video and sound guy. He has done it all and is now in China with Cirque du Soleil working for Solotech. Find out what led him there on this episode of the Backstage Cowboys Podcast.

On this episode of the Backstage Cowboys Podcast, I talk with Lorne Levitt, Andrew Jarvo and Adam Zemel from Total Events in Montreal. Great insights of the corporate event world from the producer's point of view. These awesome guys spill the beans and bring you into their world. Literally. There are even job opportunities! We cover all technical and human aspects of corporate events. Enjoy!

I met Frank on my way to Spain on a folk tour. What an amazing fellow! I would describe him as a mountain full of experience, common sense, rock and roll and everything else in between. He is now technical director at Centre Juliette Lassonde in St-Hyacinthe. You gotta listen to this!

While all cameras, lights and microphones are focused on the stars; have you ever wondered about the people operating the cameras? What's their story? Who made those last-minute adjustments on the star's dress? Is that someone hanging off a truss above the set holding a follow spot? What about the carpenters who made a dull studio look like we were on a mountain top in Switzerland? Wouldn't these people have incredible stories to tell? Well here they are. ​ The Backstage Cowboys Podcast is all about bringing forward the major players in the showbiz business and getting them to speak out about their lives and experiences. Everything you have always wanted to know about the industry behind the scenes is right here at backstagecowboys.com. Our podcasts feature interviews with some of the country's most experienced techs and designers. Our newsletter keeps you informed about what's going on right now along with tips and tricks to help you make it as a backstage cowboy yourself.