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46 MARCH 2017 plsn.com plsn.com MARCH 2017 47 Guns N’ Roses Muse’s Drones Tour Billy Joel Justin Beiber Trans Siberian Orchestra PEOPLE IN THE KNOW PLSN Checks In with the PMs Running the Top Tours of 2016* By NookSchoenfeld PM: “I’m the production manager for this tour, and there’s only two things you need to know. First off, I’m the guy that needs to know everything that’s going on with this monster production, from the lights to the set to the audio. Whenever something goes wrong, I’m the guy the artist is going to turn to first. If the stage isn’t level, if he can’t see, if he can’t hear, he will come to me. So, I always need to be in the loop if there are any issues on any given day. We hired you because you’re good, I’m told. So go out and do what you do best. Any questions?” Lighting guy: “Sure, what’s the second thing I need to know?” PM: “I don’t have a lot of rules. But out here we play by this one: Two strikes and you’re out!” —Nook’s introduction to PM Chris Lamb in 1986 at Lionel Richie rehearsals. W ords of wisdom for any member of a touring entou- rage to go by. The job of the production manager is to get the show on the road, then keep it running like a smooth, well-oiled machine. He is the commander of the team of technicians, riggers, wardrobe, caterers. But most of all, this person is the problem solver. Because no matter what obstacle one finds on any given load-in, it’s his gig to work with the team to do everything to overcome it. It’s the production manager who cuts the deals with the vendors. The PM’s job is to keep a show running on a budget, and that includes deciding what size set will fit in every ven- ue booked, how many lights they can afford, and the quality of the video walls and PA systems. It’s a cutthroat business of bidding for services to get a tour. Often, the PM may have a preferred vendor who gets the last shot at handing in a final bid. The PMs also hire a lot of the same crew for every tour. Just like a sports coach, they want to surround themselves with players that do a good job for them. PMs have certain LDs, FOH mixers and stage managers they like to use, because they have had successful runs with them on other tours. Besides being in the hot seat, there are a thousand little things a PM does every day to impact how the gig goes. They keep an eye on things taking place in the venue that day, while advancing the next gigs on the phone. Show calls, local union bills, dressing rooms, making sure the stage is set for sound check, opening doors for the crowd…the list is endless. While some technicians will walk into a challenging ven- ue and start figuring out what aspects of the production they want to blow off that day, the PM will look after the interests of the artist and figure out a way to make it all fit somehow. And they will tell you to quit your bitching when necessary. The bottom line is, the PM is our fearless leader. If they say the show must go on, it goes on. PLSN is proud to introduce you to a group of people that lead our touring world. These players are just some of the top production managers on the road today. There are many oth- ers that are due recognition, but last year’s biggest tours were staffed by this bunch of pros. Touring Production Managers Touring Production Managers PM for Guns N’ Roses (#4), Rolling Stones (#9) and AC/DC (#36) Years working with them all: “Too many to count between them all. Guns is out ‘til next September at this point.” Other Recent Clients: Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath Home Base: Arizona Quote from Opie: “Thank you for including me, but I do not put myself as one of the top production manag- ers. I am humbled to be where I am today with all the bands and managers that have given me the chance to work with them. I keep trying to do my best every day, as we both know — this is all we know.” GNR Tour Partners: Upstaging (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), Stage Effects and Pyro Engineering (FX), Tait (Set) Rolling Stones Tour Partners: Upstaging, Neg Earth (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), Tait (Set) PM for Billy Joel (#14) Years working with this client: 35 Other Clients: Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen (Site coordinator, was his PM from 1985-2003) Home Base: Chelsea, MI Company: “I am just known world- wide as “Boomer,” thanks to Lyle Centola.” Quote from Boomer: “I have been fortunate to work alongside with the top veterans of the road. I’d like to say thanks to Roy Bickel (ELP), who taught me what you have to have to be in this business, and stay in this business. George Travis (Bruce Springsteen TM), for giving me the opportunity to excel. Mike Brown (United Production Services) who taught me how to deal with people and understanding the local stage- hands and promoters. Steve Cohen (Billy Joel), who let me go my own way and become a part of a family. My brother, Ted Thrasher (ELP), for taking me on for the first time.” Billy Joel Tour Partners: 4Wall, Steve Cohen Productions (Lighting), Screenworks (Video), Stageco, Sew What? (Staging, Soft Goods) PM for Justin Bieber (#6) Years with Bieber: Two Other Clients: Ariana Grande, Kanye West, Tori Kelly Home Base: Thousand Oaks, CA Company: Tour Support Shout Outs: “I would not be where I am today if It was not for a lot of folks, first off Ted Gardener who pushed me to be a PM when I was Tool’s LD in the early 90’s. I ended up PM’ing for them for a few years and eventually gave up lighting and just did production. Same story goes for John Cutcliffe, when I was LD for Tracy Chapman and Soul Coughing. Both amazing managers in their own right. But truly the most important people that have been there for me is my crew, a lot of which have worked with me for over 20 years. There are no words that can sum up the importance of ‘The Crew,’ we roadies are the heartbeat of the music business.” Justin Bieber Tour Partners: VER (Lighting, Video), SGPS (Set), Strictly FX (Pyro) PM for Rihanna (#20) and Bruno Mars Years with these clients: Bruno Mars: 2011-present. Rihanna: North American leg of the Anti world tour. “I filled in for Bobby Schneider while he took a leave of absence.” (See Bobby Scheider’s profile, page 52.) Regular Client: Bruno Mars (no big tour in 2016) Home Base: Long Island, NY Company: Sleep Is A Crutch Ltd. Website: sleepisacrutch.com Shout Outs: “I love my wife Melinda and my daughters, who sacrifice the most with me on the road, yet support me as I continue to tour. “Another shout out to Rob Brenner, who took a chance and hired me for a small tour in 2008 (Jonas Brothers), which grew in every way imaginable. I’m grateful he did as it, allowed me to learn and grow a lot over my three years with the boys. Tributes: “ML Procise — I miss him daily. He was a steady voice in my head, guiding me through decision-mak- ing and supporting me on both a professional and per- sonal level. “John Labriola an amazing LD, and person that I had the pleasure of calling a friend and colleague for years. He pushed me to be my absolute best as he pushed himself daily to have the best-looking show, despite what he was given, in every corner of the earth. “Krudos:” “I am equally in debt to all the crews that sur- vived my tours in the early years when I knew nothing, but figured it out on the fly.” Rihanna Tour Partners: VER (Lighting & Video), Tait (Set), Pyrotek Special Effects (Pyro) PM for Coldplay (#3) Years with Coldplay: Since 2011 Other Clients: Shakira, The Cure Home Base: Los Angeles Company: Leabody Inc. Quote from Bill: “I was extremely honored to be nominated to Tour Link Touring Hall of Fame 2017. I got my break with the Pretenders. I went from backline roadie to stage man- ager/production manager. The great Stan Tippins, tour manager for the Pretenders, was the one who gave me the job. I’m still at it.” Coldplay Tour Partners: Upstaging, Lite Alternative (Lighting), VER (Video), Stageco (Set), Strictly FX (Pyro) PM for Muse (#18) Years with Muse: “Four- plus, on and off.” Other Clients: Roger Wa- ters (Going on 12 years). “Between Muse and Rog- er Waters, that has been most of my past 10 years. I’ve done major campaigns for Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Mötley Crüe, etc. I started in 1986 with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. I was a PM before I knew what a PM was.” Home Base: New Orleans Quotes from Chris: “The Production Manager position is a very interesting one that I think has been handled in many ways over the years. I believe my role is to create an environment where the crew is set up for success. At the end of the day, we all have to get the job done. I need to operate the artist’s business in a pragmatic and cost-effective manner…It is also my wish for the crew to become personally invested in each project. Be proud of it. And when it’s finished, want to come back and do it all over again.” Muse Tour Partners: Neg Earth (Lighting), PRG XL Video (Video), Brilliant Stages (Set) PM for Trans Siberian Orchestra (#25) — East Years with TSO: 6 Other Gigs: PM for Game of Thrones 2017, Live Nation Philadelphia, No Doubt/Gwen Stefani Home Base: Scranton, PA Shout Outs: “Most import- ant thanks has got to go to my wife Michelle, who despite being the biggest Christmas elf in the world, allows me to do TSO year af- ter year, being on tour during the entire holiday season, because she knows how much I enjoy the job. “I’d also like to say thank you to the Trans Siberian Orchestra management team — Elliot Saltzman, Adam Lind and Kenny Kaplan — for giving us a great working environment to put out a great show each year along with the tools to pull it off twice a day. They make TSO a great place to work. Each year at the end of the touring season, Jeff and I get to pick the best of the best crew to do what we do. They allow us to assemble what I like to call two ‘Roadie Pro Bowl’ teams. I’d also like to shout out to my production counterpart at TSO West, Jeff Boguski, as well as my best buddy and longtime stage manager, Steve Roman.” TSO Tour Partners: VER (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), SGPS/ShowRig (Set), Pyrotek (Pyro) PM for Trans Siberian Orchestra (#25) — West Years with TSO: 15 Other Clients: American Young Voices Home Base: Brooklyn, NY Company: Production Strategy Shout Outs: “The key to the successful TSO tours I’ve been a part of over the years has been the team at Nightcastle Management. Tour director Elliot Saltzman and managers Kenny Kaplan and Adam Lind have fully supported me in all aspects of taking the show on the road. Additionally, working with Jimmy Pettinato build- ing the show and David Comeau touring the show has been a great experience — I’ve been very fortunate to work with a solid team of industry pros!” TSO Tour Partners: VER (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), SGPS/ShowRig (Set), Pyrotek (Pyro) Dale “Opie” Skjerseth Bobby “Boomer” Thrasher Chris Gratton Joel Forman Bill Leabody Chris Kansy Jimmy Pettinato Jeff Boguski Coldplay’s fiery finale Coldplay topped Pollstar’s 2016 list for total tour tickets sold. STEVE JENNINGS Bruce Springsteen’s “The River Tour 2016” topped the Pollstar charts as last year’s biggest worldwide moneymaker. PM Ron Cameron ran the show. STEVE JENNINGS *Top 25 worldwide tours, as ranked by Pollstar. (For full list, see sidebar, page 52.)

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Page 1: PEOPLE IN THE KNOW Touring Production Managers

46 MARCH 2017 • plsn.com plsn.com • MARCH 2017 47

Guns N’ Roses

Muse’s Drones Tour

Billy Joel

Justin Beiber

Trans Siberian Orchestra

PEOPLE IN THE KNOW

PLSN Checks In with the PMs Running the Top Tours of 2016* By NookSchoenfeld

PM: “I’m the production manager for this tour, and there’s only two things you need to know. First off, I’m the guy that needs to know everything that’s going on with this monster production, from the lights to the set to the audio. Whenever something goes wrong, I’m the guy the artist is going to turn to first. If the stage isn’t level, if he can’t see, if he can’t hear, he will come to me. So, I always need to be in the loop if there are any issues on any given day. We hired you because you’re good, I’m told. So go out and do what you do best. Any questions?”

Lighting guy: “Sure, what’s the second thing I need to know?”PM: “I don’t have a lot of rules. But out here we play by this one: Two strikes and you’re out!”—Nook’s introduction to PM Chris Lamb in 1986 at Lionel Richie rehearsals.

Words of wisdom for any member of a touring entou-rage to go by. The job of the production manager is to get the show on the road, then keep it running

like a smooth, well-oiled machine. He is the commander of the team of technicians, riggers, wardrobe, caterers. But most of all, this person is the problem solver. Because no matter what obstacle one finds on any given load-in, it’s his gig to work with the team to do everything to overcome it.

It’s the production manager who cuts the deals with the vendors. The PM’s job is to keep a show running on a budget, and that includes deciding what size set will fit in every ven-ue booked, how many lights they can afford, and the quality of the video walls and PA systems. It’s a cutthroat business of

bidding for services to get a tour. Often, the PM may have a preferred vendor who gets the last shot at handing in a final bid.

The PMs also hire a lot of the same crew for every tour. Just like a sports coach, they want to surround themselves with players that do a good job for them. PMs have certain LDs, FOH mixers and stage managers they like to use, because they have had successful runs with them on other tours.

Besides being in the hot seat, there are a thousand little things a PM does every day to impact how the gig goes. They keep an eye on things taking place in the venue that day, while advancing the next gigs on the phone. Show calls, local union bills, dressing rooms, making sure the stage is set for

sound check, opening doors for the crowd…the list is endless.While some technicians will walk into a challenging ven-

ue and start figuring out what aspects of the production they want to blow off that day, the PM will look after the interests of the artist and figure out a way to make it all fit somehow. And they will tell you to quit your bitching when necessary. The bottom line is, the PM is our fearless leader. If they say the show must go on, it goes on.

PLSN is proud to introduce you to a group of people that lead our touring world. These players are just some of the top production managers on the road today. There are many oth-ers that are due recognition, but last year’s biggest tours were staffed by this bunch of pros.

Touring Production ManagersTouring Production Managers

PM for Guns N’ Roses (#4), Rolling Stones (#9) and AC/DC (#36)Years working with them all: “Too many to count between them all. Guns is out ‘til next September at this point.”Other Recent Clients: Ozzy Osbourne, Black SabbathHome Base: ArizonaQuote from Opie: “Thank you for including me, but I do not put myself as one of the top production manag-ers. I am humbled to be where I am today with all the bands and managers that have given me the chance to work with them. I keep trying to do my best every day, as we both know — this is all we know.”GNR Tour Partners: Upstaging (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), Stage Effects and Pyro Engineering (FX), Tait (Set)Rolling Stones Tour Partners: Upstaging, Neg Earth (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), Tait (Set)

PM for Billy Joel (#14)Years working with this client: 35Other Clients: Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen (Site coordinator, was his PM from 1985-2003)Home Base: Chelsea, MICompany: “I am just known world-wide as “Boomer,” thanks to Lyle Centola.”Quote from Boomer: “I have been fortunate to work alongside with the top veterans of the road. I’d like to say thanks to Roy Bickel (ELP), who taught me what you have to have to be in this business, and stay in this business. George Travis (Bruce Springsteen TM), for giving me the opportunity to excel. Mike Brown (United Production Services) who taught me how to deal with people and understanding the local stage-hands and promoters. Steve Cohen (Billy Joel), who let me go my own way and become a part of a family. My brother, Ted Thrasher (ELP), for taking me on for the first time.”Billy Joel Tour Partners: 4Wall, Steve Cohen Productions (Lighting), Screenworks (Video), Stageco, Sew What? (Staging, Soft Goods)

PM for Justin Bieber (#6)Years with Bieber: TwoOther Clients: Ariana Grande, Kanye West, Tori KellyHome Base: Thousand Oaks, CACompany: Tour SupportShout Outs: “I would not be where I am today if It was not for a lot of folks, first off Ted Gardener who pushed me to be a PM when I was Tool’s LD in the early 90’s. I ended up PM’ing for them for a few years and eventually gave up lighting and just did production. Same story goes for John Cutcliffe, when I was LD for Tracy Chapman and Soul Coughing. Both amazing managers in their own right. But truly the most important people that have been there for me is my crew, a lot of which have worked with me for over 20 years. There are no words that can sum up the importance of ‘The Crew,’ we roadies are the heartbeat of the music business.”Justin Bieber Tour Partners: VER (Lighting, Video), SGPS (Set), Strictly FX (Pyro)

PM for Rihanna (#20) and Bruno MarsYears with these clients: Bruno Mars: 2011-present.Rihanna: North American leg of the Anti world tour. “I filled in for Bobby Schneider while he took a leave of absence.” (See Bobby Scheider’s profile, page 52.)Regular Client: Bruno Mars (no big tour in 2016)Home Base: Long Island, NYCompany: Sleep Is A Crutch Ltd.Website: sleepisacrutch.comShout Outs: “I love my wife Melinda and my daughters, who sacrifice the most with me on the road, yet support me as I continue to tour.

“Another shout out to Rob Brenner, who took a chance and hired me for a small tour in 2008 (Jonas Brothers), which grew in every way imaginable. I’m grateful he did as it, allowed me to learn and grow a lot over my three years with the boys.Tributes: “ML Procise — I miss him daily. He was a steady

voice in my head, guiding me through decision-mak-ing and supporting me on both a professional and per-sonal level.

“John Labriola — an amazing LD, and person that I had the pleasure of calling a friend and colleague for years. He pushed me to be my absolute best as he pushed himself daily to have the best-looking show, despite what he was given, in every corner of the earth.“Krudos:” “I am equally in debt to all the crews that sur-vived my tours in the early years when I knew nothing, but figured it out on the fly.”Rihanna Tour Partners: VER (Lighting & Video), Tait (Set), Pyrotek Special Effects (Pyro)

PM for Coldplay (#3)Years with Coldplay: Since 2011Other Clients: Shakira, The CureHome Base: Los AngelesCompany: Leabody Inc.Quote from Bill: “I was extremely honored to be nominated to Tour Link Touring Hall of Fame 2017. I got my break with the Pretenders. I went from backline roadie to stage man-ager/production manager. The great Stan Tippins, tour manager for the Pretenders, was the one who gave me the job. I’m still at it.”Coldplay Tour Partners: Upstaging, Lite Alternative (Lighting), VER (Video), Stageco (Set), Strictly FX (Pyro)

PM for Muse (#18)Years with Muse: “Four-plus, on and off.”Other Clients: Roger Wa-ters (Going on 12 years). “Between Muse and Rog-er Waters, that has been most of my past 10 years. I’ve done major campaigns for Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Mötley Crüe, etc. I started in 1986 with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. I was a PM before I knew what a PM was.”Home Base: New OrleansQuotes from Chris: “The Production Manager position is a very interesting one that I think has been handled in many ways over the years. I believe my role is to create an environment where the crew is set up for success. At the end of the day, we all have to get the job done. I need to operate the artist’s business in a pragmatic and cost-effective manner…It is also my wish for the crew to become personally invested in each project. Be proud of it. And when it’s finished, want to come back and do it all over again.”Muse Tour Partners: Neg Earth (Lighting), PRG XL Video (Video), Brilliant Stages (Set)PM for Trans Siberian

Orchestra (#25) — EastYears with TSO: 6Other Gigs: PM for Game of Thrones 2017, Live Nation Philadelphia, No Doubt/Gwen StefaniHome Base: Scranton, PAShout Outs: “Most import-ant thanks has got to go to my wife Michelle, who despite being the biggest Christmas elf in the world, allows me to do TSO year af-ter year, being on tour during the entire holiday season, because she knows how much I enjoy the job.

“I’d also like to say thank you to the Trans Siberian Orchestra management team — Elliot Saltzman, Adam Lind and Kenny Kaplan — for giving us a great working environment to put out a great show each year along with the tools to pull it off twice a day. They make TSO a great place to work. Each year at the end of the touring season, Jeff and I get to pick the best of the best crew to do what we do. They allow us to assemble what I like to call two ‘Roadie Pro Bowl’ teams. I’d also like to shout out to my production counterpart at TSO West, Jeff Boguski, as well as my best buddy and longtime stage manager, Steve Roman.”TSO Tour Partners: VER (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), SGPS/ShowRig (Set), Pyrotek (Pyro)

PM for Trans Siberian Orchestra (#25) — WestYears with TSO: 15Other Clients: American Young VoicesHome Base: Brooklyn, NYCompany: Production StrategyShout Outs: “The key to the successful TSO tours I’ve been a part of over the years has been the team at Nightcastle Management. Tour director Elliot Saltzman and managers Kenny Kaplan and Adam Lind have fully supported me in all aspects of taking the show on the road. Additionally, working with Jimmy Pettinato build-ing the show and David Comeau touring the show has been a great experience — I’ve been very fortunate to work with a solid team of industry pros!”TSO Tour Partners: VER (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), SGPS/ShowRig (Set), Pyrotek (Pyro)

Dale “Opie” Skjerseth

Bobby “Boomer” Thrasher

Chris Gratton

Joel Forman

Bill Leabody

Chris Kansy

Jimmy Pettinato

Jeff Boguski

Coldplay’s fiery finale

Coldplay topped Pollstar’s 2016 list for total tour tickets sold.

STEVE JENN

ING

S

Bruce Springsteen’s “The River Tour 2016” topped the Pollstar charts as last year’s biggest worldwide moneymaker. PM Ron Cameron ran the show. ST

EVE J

ENN

ING

S

*Top 25 worldwide tours, as ranked by Pollstar. (For full list, see sidebar, page 52.)

Page 2: PEOPLE IN THE KNOW Touring Production Managers

48 MARCH 2017 • plsn.com plsn.com • MARCH 2017 49

PEOPLE IN THE KNOW

www.experiencemorris.com615.890.6277

CONGRATS,

EDFROM YOUR FRIENDS AT

Kenny Chesney rocks a stadium in 2016

Adele

Paul McCartney

Madonna

PM for Kenny Chesney (#16)Years with Kenny Chesney: 14Other Clients: Hall & Oates (1987-1999), Tim McGraw & Faith Hill (2000-2001).Home Base: Las VegasCompany: Production Solutions Intl.Shout Outs: “The list of people that have been influential to me reaches far and wide. I couldn’t list one, 10, or 50 without leaving an equal number out. Leave it to say that I am thankful and grate-ful for what I have taken in from every experience and relation-ship I’ve encountered on this crazy, amazing, journey.”Words of Wisdom: “If you have integrity and passion, you have a great foundation for success. Do what you say you will do, when you say you will do it. Have some heart and soul in what you do. Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take things per-sonally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best.”Kenny Chesney Tour Partners: Morris (Lighting), Screen-works (Video), SetCo (Set)

PM for Adele (#5)Years with Adele: TwoOther Regular Clients: P!NK, Radiohead, LordeHome Base: U.K., L.A.Company: Catapult Productions Ltd.Words of Wisdom: “The late Da-vid ‘Tree’ Tordoff once pointed out that the crew doesn’t work for the PM, but the PM works for the crew. Once I adopted that philosophy, my life got a lot easier.”Adele Tour Partners: Upstaging, Neg Earth (Lighting), Cre-ative Technologies (Video), Tait (Set)

PM for Paul McCartney (#7)Years with ‘Macca:’ 15Other Clients: “Basically just Paul McCartney — it’s a fulltime job.”Home Bases: Cave Creek AZ/Los AngelesCompany: Decision Point Consul-tants, Inc.Words of Wisdom: “It’s easier to speak two languages than to shut your mouth in one….”Shout Outs: “Paul McCartney, Barrie Marshall, all the folks at MPL-USA/UK and Terry Pouch-ain who have allowed me to work very closely with them to achieve success. Also, thanks to our excellent production staff (Scott Chase, Diane Eichorst, Gino Cardelli). Could not be done without them.”McCartney Tour Partners: Upstaging (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), Tait (Set), All Access Staging (Scissor Lifts), Pyrotek (Pyro)

PM for Madonna (#13)Other Clients: Britney SpearsYears with Madonna: 1.5Years with Britney: 4Home Base: Just outside Chicago, ILCompany: JD Production ServicesWords of Wisdom: “Have a plan but don’t be afraid to change it!”Shout Outs: “I’d like to give a shout out to these people for giving me a break in my career. Maurice Jones (MCP Promotions in the U.K.); Steve Levitt (Production North in the U.K.); Arthur Fogel, Gerry Barad and Tres Thomas from LNGT; Jamie Spears, Robin Greenhill and Lou Taylor from Tri-Star.Madonna Tour Partners: PRG (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), Tait (Set)

Ed Wannebo

Richard Young

Mark “Springo” Spring

Jason Danter

STEV

E JEN

NIN

GS

Bruce Springsteen

Drake

PM for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (#1)Years with The Boss: 15Home Base: BostonQuote from Ron: “I have been privileged to work with so many friends and brilliant colleagues on so many fantastic projects. (You know who you are.) My eternal thanks for all the opportunities.”Springsteen Tour Partners: Morpheus Lights (Light-ing), Pete’s Big TVs (Video), Tait (Set)

PM for Drake (#11)Years with Drake: FourOther Clients: NKOTB, System of a DownHome Base: Las VegasCompany: CR Entertainment Productions LLCWords of Wisdom: “Always have a top notch production staff. You can never have too many balls!” (A reference to the production for Drake’s “Summer Sixteen/Boy Meets World” tour, which included close to 800 22-inch LED-lit spheres on an elaborate rigging system.)Drake Tour Partners: PRG (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), SGPS (Set), All Access Staging (B-Stage), Pyrotek (Pyro)

Ron Cameron

Chris Roberts

Black Sabbath

PM for Black Sabbath (#15)Years with Black Sabbath: 2013-2017Other Clients: “Ozzy Osbourne and Sabbath are the only ones I would call ‘regular clients.’ But since I started PM’ing I would include Beyoncé, The Rolling Stones, and now taking over Muse for 2017.”Home Base: Las VegasCompany: Globe Gear Works LLCShout Outs: “Thank you to Jay Schmit for seeing a future production guy in a smart-assed lighting guy. Thank you to Jake Berry for the continued support and education. Thank you to Opie for trusting me with such long-term clients of his in the Rolling Stones, Ozzy and Sabbath.”Black Sabbath Tour Partners: Upstaging (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), Tait (Set), Strictly FX (Pyro)

George Reeves

STEVE JENN

ING

S STEV

E JEN

NIN

GS

Page 3: PEOPLE IN THE KNOW Touring Production Managers

50 MARCH 2017 • plsn.com plsn.com • MARCH 2017 51

PEOPLE IN THE KNOW

VISIT  OUR  SHOWROOM  

10218    Miller    Road      Dallas,    TX    75238

CONTACT  US  

214-­341-­4822                                [email protected]

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WE ARE

ROAD READY

GeminiLSV_PLSN_Ad_QtrTabVert_v3.indd 3 2/22/17 8:44 PM

PM for Rod Stewart (#24)Years with Rod Stew-art: 32Other Clients: Diana RossHome Base: Salisbury, U.K.Words of Wisdom: “Work hard and you can accomplish your goals.”Rod Stewart Tour Part-ners: Upstaging, Neg Earth (Lighting), CT Touring (Video).

*Photo Notes: This photo shows one of Rod Stewart’s residency shows at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

PM for Garth Brooks (#8)Years with Garth: Since 1991.Tour’s Home Base: NashvilleShout Outs: Brian offers up these words about working with Garth and Trisha Yearwood: “Garth and Trisha uplift and encourage everyone on the tour, just like family. They make it easy to want to work hard and contribute.”Tour Partners for The Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood:* Bandit Lites (Lighting), Moo TV (Video), Atlanta Rigging (Rigging, Motion Control). *Along with its 2016 dates, this tour included shows from 2014, 2015 and it continues in 2017.

PM for Carrie Under-wood (#23)Years with Carrie: Since June 2016Home Base: Los Ange-les and Nashville.Companies: B&G Production Services (bgpsusa.com), Road Case Rentals (roadcase-rentals.com)Nickname: Graham has been lovingly referred to as The Grim Reaper over the course of his career.Shout Outs: To mentors including Dickie Bell (Iron Maiden), Tony Wigens (American Idol), Manny Parodi (Production Storage Group) and “a cast of thousands — the hard-working road crews I have worked with since coming to the USA in 1975.”Carrie Underwood Tour Partners: Bandit Lites (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), SGPS (Set), Strict-ly FX (Pyro)

Lars Brogaard

Brian PetreeGraham Holmes

STEV

E JEN

NIN

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Beyoncé

Maroon 5

Beyoncé

PM for Beyoncé (#2), with Jake BerryYears with Beyoncé: 2013-2017Other Artists: In 2016, Janet Jackson (1993-present). Also: Cher, Bette Midler, SadeHome Base: Southern CaliforniaCompany: Just a Guy Pushing BoxesAbout Malcolm: He has made a career out of staying out of the limelight. Even his family does not possess a photo of him. “And I’d like to keep it that way.”Words of Wisdom: “Work hard, believe in yourself. Treat every-one as you would want to be treated. Stay humble at all times, because what we do is not really all that important in the big picture of things.”Shout Outs: “My grandmother for giving me an old school work ethic, Marty Hom for getting me my first big gig, Roger Davies for trusting me with his artists and allowing me to work for Tina Turner, one of the most loving, kind and amazing en-tertainers I have ever worked with.”Beyoncé Tour Partners: Neg Earth (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), Tait, Stageco (Set/Staging), All Access (Light Frames), Pyrotek (Pyro)

PM for Maroon 5 (#21)Years with Maroon 5: 9Other Clients: Kelly Clarkson. In the past he’s also PM’d for Counting Crows, Dire Straits, Bjork, Duran Duran and Supertramp.Home Base: Dana Point, CACompany: Sweaty Productions, Inc.Shout Outs: “I have had the pleasure to work with many, many companies over the years. Too many to name, and in some way, they have all helped me be better at what I do.”Maroon 5 Tour Partners: Upstaging (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), Tait (Set), Pyrotek (Pyro)

PM for Beyoncé (#2), with Malcolm WeldonYears with Beyoncé: “I came in for a spell when the original PM had to exit for personal reasons. Due to conflict-ing dates with other shows — the ball was handed off to Malcolm Weldon when I left.”Other Artists: In 2016, EDC shows in Mexico City, India, Vegas as well as Nocturnal Wonderland. Jake also cov-ered shows with the AC/DC tour. Other clients over the years include the Rolling Stones, U2 and Madonna.Home Base: Scottsdale, AZCompany: Jake Berry Productions (jakeberryproductions.com)Beginnings: Jake Berry got his first gig when he went to vis-it his brother who was doing some roofing at Rick Wakeman’s house. “Rick dragged me down to the pub to help set up some keyboards and that was that. He was my first employer.”Quote from Jake: “It’s a different world than when we started. Artists need to tour to earn a living now. There are a lot more aspects to finance in our business now.”Shout Outs: “There are several people who were instrumental to my career. Among them is Peter Mensch from AC/DC, Mi-chael Cole, from the Rolling Stones, Roger Davies from Cher and Tina tours I’ve worked, and all the bands that have hired me. Lastly all the crews that gave their all for me over the years, I have to give them a lot of credit.”Beyoncé Tour Partners: Neg Earth (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video), Tait, Stageco (Set/Staging), All Access (Light Frames), Pyrotek (Pyro)

Malcolm Weldon

Alan Hornall

Jake Berry

2016 was a great year for us, 2017 expected to be even better.

Thanks to Charles, Thomas, Motion, Malcolm, Jake, Joel, George, DC, Springo and all our clients who have supported us along the way!

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SOLOTECH LAS VEGAS+1 (702) 614 8882

SOLOTECH NASHVILLE+1 (615) 457 1506

SOLOTECH MONTREAL+1 (514) 526 7721

SOLOTECH QUÉBEC+1 (418) 683 7656

SOLOTECH TORONTO+1 (416) 259 3500

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Rod Stewart*

Garth Brooks

Carrie Underwood

Page 4: PEOPLE IN THE KNOW Touring Production Managers

52 MARCH 2017 • plsn.com

PEOPLE IN THE KNOW

Celine Dion

Iron Maiden

Toruk

Luke Bryan

Rihanna

PM for Celine Dion (#10)Years with Celine: 11Home Base: Las Vegas and Montreal2016 Tour Notes: Charles Ethier has long worked with designer/tour managers Yves Aucoin and Denis Savage to support this artist. Aucoin not-ed that Celine’s 2016 tour was “emotional” but also healing” for the tight-knit production family after the loss of Celine’s husband and manager, René Angélil, on Jan. 14, 2016. “It was good to get back on the horse.”Celine Tour Partners: Solotech (Lighting & Video), Tait (Set)

PM for Iron Maiden (#19)Years with Iron Maiden: 7Other Clients: U2, Van Halen, Metallica. “I also work as a tech-nical director/project manager on large scale ceremonies like open and closing of European games.”Home Base: Telluride, COCompany: MHM Inc. ( Mad House Management)Words of Wisdom: “Over the last 30 years I’ve been in the business, I’ve always made a point to never give anyone a reason to not to ask me back.”Shout Outs: “A long list, but to name a few — Roger Chopping and John McHugh from Upfront, Inc., where I worked as a rig-ger in the early days. Frank Stedtler with Van Halen was a huge support. Dickie Bell, Rod Smallwood and the whole Maiden camp are currently very much in my debt.”Iron Maiden Tour Partners: Premier Global Production (Lighting), PRG Nocturne (Video)

PM for Cirque du Soleil’s Toruk (#17)Years with Cirque: 19; (Thomas is a Cirque employee)Home Base: MontrealWords of Wisdom: “No matter how many guidelines you want to implement, you will most of the time be fixing things on a case-by-case scenario.”Toruk Tour Partners: Solotech (Lighting, Video), Tait (Set)

PM for Luke Bryan (#12)Years with Luke Bryan: 3Other Clients: Steel PantherHome Base: NashvilleWords of Wisdom: “There will always be a show; just bring it all in and put it all up.”Luke Bryan Tour Partners: Elite Multimedia (Lighting & Video), SetCo (Set)

PM for Rihanna (#20)Years with Rihanna: FiveOther clients: Jay-Z, Kayne West, P. Diddy, R. KellyHome Base: Oakland, CACompany: The Production Partnership. (Along with his du-ties as touring production manager, Bob also works with Gal-lagher Staging and does all kinds of site coordination, tour management, consulting and promoter management.)Mentors: “Mo Morrison, Benny Collins, Michael Ahern, Pat-rick Stansfield, Charlie Hernandez, Jake Berry, Eric Barrett, Morris Lyda, Stuart Ross, RZO, Q Prime Management, Rick Sales, CAA, Jared Paul and Roc Nation. “They all have helped me get to where I am today. I’d like to quote an old friend: ‘It’s Gonna Be Great…They Are Gonna Love It.’ —Benny Collins.”Rihanna Tour Partners: VER (Lighting & Video), Tait (Set), Pyrotek Special Effects (Pyro)

Charles Ethier

Patrick Ledwith

Thomas Duchaine

Gary “Gaz” Chrosniak

Bobby Schneider

Top 25 Worldwide Tours, 2016*1. Bruce Springsteen

& the E Street Band2. Beyoncé 3. Coldplay4. Guns N’ Roses5. Adele6. Justin Bieber7. Paul McCartney8. Garth Brooks9. The Rolling Stones10. Celine Dion11. Drake 12. Luke Bryan13. Madonna14. Billy Joel15. Black Sabbath16. Kenny Chesney17. Cirque du Soleil/Toruk18. Muse19. Iron Maiden20. Rihanna21. Maroon 522. Elton John23. Carrie Underwood24. Rod Stewart25. Trans-Siberian Orchestra

*As ranked by Pollstar

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