Backstage Pass is a series of six episodes that tracks the evolution in the early 70’s of an era when production and staging exploded in the ‘rock and roll’ industry. Get your own Backstage Pass and go on the road to some of the biggest and most iconic ever musical events during that time. Hear how the industry grew from the Moody Blues touring with two small trucks in the UK carrying all their equipment accompanied by just a handful of ‘roadies’ to Abba, the Rolling Stones and many bands and artists having multiple articulated or semi trucks on the road. The growth was seismic - Abba’s fleet of trucks had ‘Abba bigger than Volvo’ emblazoned on the side - tours criss crossed continents, massive crews and endless road boxes and crates of gear and specialist equipment travelled by air as well as road and shows would take days to set up and take down. With your Backstage Pass you will hear from some of those that were there. Their stories, told with warmth, affection and humour will tell you how they made it happen...
episode 3: Episode 3: Onwards and Upwards
As ESP Lighting developed into the market leader in the rock and roll production business it pioneered the use of equipment and design and became a bench mark for others to aspire to.
In this episode, your Backstage Pass gives you a taste of Osmond mania, you hear from the man who was proudly to become the longest serving employee of the Rolling Stones, the arrival from the USA of monster follow spots called Super Troupers which threw a new light onto performers, about how lasers didn’t cut it but how Queen and Freddie Mercury particularly impressed crew members with their interest in the lighting and professionalism approach and about how being at the sharp end of music management and contracts which was not always all sweetness and light.
Part of Pantheon Podcasts