The Giggs Podcast: #35 Michael Strickland | 50 Years of Lighting Up Stages & Advocating Behind-The-Scenes

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. 

Michael Strickland is the Founder and Chairman of Bandit Lites. He started the company at 12 years old, grew it while working as Kenny Rogers’ production manager, and turned it into a global leader serving artists like Queen, Aerosmith, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, and hundreds more.

He’s also an advocate for the live event workforce—testifying before Congress, leading pandemic relief efforts, and helping pass the Save Our Stages Act. Michael is the only non-musician to ever receive both a CMA and an ACM award, and he’s also earned everything from Pollstar’s Heroes of Live Award to the Parnelli Lifetime Visionary Award.

Listen to the whole episode now! Click here to listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube!

From High School Gym to Global Stages

Michael Strickland was just 12 when he brought stage lights into his high school gym for a concert. That moment kicked off what would become a groundbreaking career. He went on to found Bandit Lites, now one of the most influential lighting companies in the world, working with artists like Queen, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, and more.

The Early Days of Touring

Back then, touring wasn’t what it is today. Crews rode in trucks, gear was pieced together with household switches, and shows happened in gyms and armories. Michael was right in the middle of it—building rigs, driving trucks, and helping shape the future of live entertainment as we know it.

Believing in People Before the Spotlight Hits

One of Michael’s most legendary stories? Meeting Kenny Rogers in a Vegas bar before Kenny was famous. Michael offered him a truck, a crew, and a chance. When “Lucille” hit the charts, that chance turned into a years-long touring relationship—and a lifelong friendship.

Lighting Shows and Leading Change

Michael hasn’t just built a business—he’s been a fierce advocate for the people behind the scenes. During the pandemic, he testified before Congress, helped pass the Save Our Stages Act, and pushed to include freelancers in federal relief programs. He even helped coordinate nationwide vaccine efforts using stadiums and venues.

A Company That Still Puts People First

Bandit Lites remains one of the few major companies in the space that’s still independently owned. Every full-time employee gets benefits, a 401(k), PTO, and support—because, as Michael says, “There is no Bandit without the people.”

It’s Still Showtime

Even after 50+ years, Michael still starts every day the same way: by looking in the mirror and saying, “Showtime.” His passion hasn’t faded. And if you’ve ever stood in a crowd and felt the magic of a perfectly lit stage—you’ve felt the impact of his work.

⸻

🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear how Michael helped shape modern touring, why he fought for the live event workforce, and why he never once considered doing anything else.