Our Guest Greg Nelson pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a career in live sound engineering. This conversation covers his journey from small venue gigs to major concert productions, the blue-collar grit behind the music industry's biggest shows, and why people skills matter more than technical knowledge for long-term survival in entertainment.

We dig into how the industry has evolved with technology, the growing presence of women in live production, how military discipline shaped work ethic behind the scenes, and the brutal realities of COVID-19 on touring professionals. Greg shares real stories about working with famous artists, navigating high turnover, and why humility and consistency are the traits that keep careers alive.

What This Episode Covers:

Greg's path from small club shows to large-scale concert production and what that transition actually looks like. The blue-collar reality of live sound engineering that most fans never see. How military background and respect for authority create better crew members. The evolution of concert production technology and its impact on the workforce. Why more women are entering live sound and touring production. Behind-the-scenes disasters and how professionals handle them under pressure. Surviving COVID-19 as a touring professional when the entire industry shut down overnight. The high turnover problem in entertainment and what causes it. Why people skills and humility matter more than gear knowledge for career longevity. Memorable encounters with famous artists and personalities on tour. Generational differences in work ethic and how they play out on the road. Studio work vs. live sound and Greg's music preferences. Why rock bands tend to have more stability and longevity than other genres. Career advice for young people considering the trades and live production.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 – Blue Collar Nature of Live Sound Engineering 29:25 – Industry Evolution and Gender Inclusion 35:18 – Behind-the-Scenes Disasters and Challenges 40:29 – Public Perception and Industry Realities 47:44 – High Turnover in the Entertainment Industry 55:18 – Key to Success and Longevity in the Industry 1:00:42 – Studio Work and Music Preferences 1:07:23 – Career Advice for Young People

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