“Upstaging has evolved from a pioneer in the industry to the best touring Lighting company in North America. I had heard of them when I was working at LSD in the late 80’s and early 90’s but hadn’t worked with them. My original connection with Upstaging was through Bob Peterson, working as his gaffer. Over the years I developed a relationship with Hud. It wasn’t until the early 2000’s that we finally were able to work with Upstaging on a tour. The experience they created out in corn fields for designers is legendary, and I was always happy to make the trek even in the winter. By the time we worked with them on Pearl Jam in 2013, Upstaging had matured into one of the best companies in the industry. Hud and the leadership team have built a great culture and stayed true to their roots. They are confident and kind. The fact they are the go-to vendor for both LeRoy Bennet and Jake Berry speaks volumes. I feel lucky anytime we are able to have Upstaging as a partner on a Tour. Congratulations on 50 years!” – Spike Brant, Nimblist
“Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary! To me, Upstaging has always led by example with honesty, quality, and precision. This is a company that has helped me grow in my career and am truly grateful for their support. I look forward to many more adventures together. Rock on Upstaging!” – Tony Caporale, Infinitus Vox Design
“I first had the opportunity to work with Upstaging a slightly shocking 37 years ago, for the first US tour by The Smiths. Even in those days, working from a small building in Elk Grove Village miles away (both geographically and functionally!) from their current sprawling multi-acre campus in Sycamore, there was something very special about Upstaging. From their Midwest hospitality to an unrelenting pursuit of excellence, to the true Upstaging ethos of ‘there is always a better way’, to their commitment to ‘family first’, that unique Upstaging culture was apparent even then, and they have only built upon that foundation. Of the shows I’ve been most proud of since then, Upstaging have played a significant role in most, and some kind of a part in all of them, even if just being friends, collaborators and true creative partners. Congratulations on 50 years of excellence and innovation and thank you for always being there to support everyone at Lightswitch, no matter how bonkers our ideas! Now I have this crazy idea I need your help with…” – John Featherstone, Lightswitch
“Congratulations to the amazing Upstaging team on your 50 years in the industry. It’s been amazing to be part of your journey so far. Many wishes for your success going forward.” -Brian Friborg, Vari-Lite at Signify
“Nine Inch Nails has been lucky to constantly have the support of world-class vendors, and this year, Upstaging upheld their stellar reputation as a company that deserves 50 years of enviable success and accolades.” – Paul “Arlo” Guthrie
“Robert, Robin, John, Chanon, Evan, and the entire Upstaging Team. Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary! It has been an honor and pleasure to work with you all these year.” -Marty Hom, Tour Manager
“I have had the pleasure of working with Upstaging for over 30 years on various projects as a vendor to them. Through the years Robert, Donny and John have made me feel like a member of the family. They are one of the easiest companies to do business with, always fair and have always represent and supported our products in the best way. Their attention to detail and “no drama” approach to show production has been and continues to set the highest standards in our industry.” – Eric Loader, Elation Lighting
“I’m thrilled to wish Upstaging a happy 50th! It isn’t a shock that they would have success and longevity in our industry. Anyone that has been there can instantly see that they do things right. As you walk through their facility you can see that their attention to detail is tremendous and when you meet the awesome group of people that Hud has assembled to work there, it becomes clear why they are so popular with their clients.” – George Masek, Claypaky
“Upstaging—Happy 50th Anniversary to an OUTSTANDING company and group of individuals that make it happen daily! Thanks for being an inspiration to many in our industry and for the years of partnership with Main Light. You are truly Top Notch!” – Rick McKinney, Main Light
“If you are reading this, and have yet to work with Upstaging, you should add it to your list of “vital life events”. The incomparable professionalism, reassuring calm, and wide scope of view and understanding, make this company beyond a “gold standard”. They will take your schematics, listen to the overarching vision, and support you through the “slings and arrows” of outrageous budget cuts, changes to schedules, and bizarre artist changes of direction. Throughout all the turbulence, you will be safe in the knowledge that they’ve “got you” – freeing you up to prepare for the next surprise. I’ve worked with them for the better part of 30 years, and the trust and friendship of the people there is something I hold dear and close. They have great gear, better people, even better attitude, and I cannot be happier to add my voice to those others who have risen a glass in their honor at achieving the 50-year mark!” – Alex Reardon, Silent House
“Congratulations to the entire team at Upstaging for 50 years of excellence in the entertainment industry. I have been working with the Upstaging team for decades. They have always provided top-line equipment and exceptional service. I look forward to our continued relationship and successful endeavors.” – Ed Wannebo, Production Manager
“TMB has had the privilege of serving Upstaging for nearly 40 years. We have consistently found them to be a considerate customer, with an incredibly strong team, top to bottom. They are demanding, but in the best possible way, with a real focus on quality, in what they buy and in what they do. It’s a pleasure to work with them.” – Colin Waters, TMB
“Upstaging has always been a COOL company! A cool company run by cool people!! What sets the company apart is their passion not just for trucking, lighting and the putting on of shows, but their passion for life itself. Don and Robert Carone get as much pleasure discussing the best Barrolo to go with tonight’s veal piccata, as they do the future of the lighting business. So, congratulations to the two brothers, to John Huddleston and to the whole team in Sycamore and out on the road. 50 years of success is an enormous achievement and to have reached this part of the journey with your standards and heads still held high, makes it doubly so. Warm wishes and good vibrations from all your friends in the UK.” – Patrick Woodroffe, Woodroffe Bassett Design
“Upstaging… A very big congratulations on your 50th Anniversary. I’ve had the pleasure of cramming thousands of trusses and cases into your trucks for close to 40 years, and the pleasure of having your lighting support on many tours since the early 1990’s. Upstaging trucking has always been first-rate—top drivers; clean, well-looked after trailers; load bars; ramps; and no mounds of packing blankets getting in the way. And it’s been very impressive to watch the journey as Upstaging has become one of the world’s top lighting companies. The gear, crews, and service are all first rate. On top of everything they do so well, Upstaging has a knack for making us all feel like a part of the family—the midwestern friendliness, the dinners, the parties, the hospitality while programming at their shop, the loaning of gear for our kids’ school plays,… And, of course, there’s those prized Upstaging T-Shirts.” – Ethan Weber
