The Giggs Podcast: #19 Fitz & ICE - Live From Lititz | Rigging, Venue Production, & Event Promotion

Welcome to The Giggs Podcast! Giggs is the career platform for live event professionals. We're starting this podcast because there's not nearly enough content out there about what it really takes to be on the road. Whether you're an aspiring tour manager, a seasoned backline tech, or just getting started in the business, this podcast is for you. We're taking you behind the scenes to explore the highs and the lows of life gigging on the Giggs Podcast. 

At THE Conference: Live At Lititz, Giggs CEO Nikki Sanz sat down with Brandon "Fitz" Fitzgerald, is a tour rigger based in Washington, DC. In the vibrant, often chaotic world of live events, some of the most compelling stories come from the people behind the scenes. Brandon Fitzgerald, or “Fitz” as he’s known in the industry, is one such individual whose journey into tour rigging is as unique as it is inspiring.

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A Career Born from Serendipity

Brandon’s path began at 19 when he unexpectedly found himself in the production business. His grandfather, a prop master at the National Theater in Washington, D.C., suggested a part-time job. What started as an experiment quickly turned into a calling. His first big show? Taylor Swift’s 1989 tour kickoff.

“It was an accident,” Brandon recalls. “I turned around and saw the sea of people, then looked up at the riggers on the roof. That moment, I knew—I wanted to do that.”

Learning the Ropes

Rigging isn’t just climbing high structures and ensuring everything stays in place—it’s a nuanced art. Brandon spent years begging people to teach him, buying equipment with the last $400 in his bank account, and enduring grueling gigs like the mud-soaked Moonrise Festival.

The work is both physically and mentally demanding. A rigger’s safety depends on their gear and their respect for heights. “Fear is a healthy thing. If you lose it, mistakes happen,” Brandon says.

Climbing Higher

From local gigs in D.C. to high-profile tours, Brandon’s career has taken off. He has worked for stars like Lainey Wilson and System of a Down and has tackled global tours spanning South America, Australia, and Europe.

But it’s not all glamorous. “Our industry is hard to understand unless you live it,” he notes. Long hours and personal sacrifices are par for the course, yet the love for the craft keeps him grounded.

Giving Back

Now a seasoned professional, Brandon is committed to mentoring newcomers. “I wish I had someone to guide me when I started,” he says. He makes it a point to offer advice and share knowledge, ensuring the next generation of riggers thrives.

Looking Ahead

For Brandon, the journey isn’t over. His next goal? Rigging at a stadium, one of the few challenges he has yet to tackle.

Brandon Fitzgerald’s story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of dreams—even when they start by accident. Whether you’re in the industry or a fan in the crowd, his dedication ensures that every show goes on without a hitch, high above the stage.