It is with both pride and sadness that Bandit Lites announces that an original Bandit, Brent Barrett, has moved into his richly deserved retirement. Barrett, along with Founder Michael T. Strickland, first met in grade school in Kingsport, TN. Neither knew this meeting would culminate in a strong bond and friendship that would last both a full career and a lifetime.
While Bandit began in junior high school, the real work began as Barrett and Strickland attended The University of Tennessee together. Barrett was pursuing a degree in Food and Lodging with an intention to be in the Hospitality Industry. After a Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn Tour while in college, Barrett never looked back. Both Strickland and Barrett indeed finished their degrees, and at the same time toured and ended up in their lifelong careers.
“Brent and I grew up together,” stated Strickland. “We have been best friends since grade school. We lived every phase of life together and know more about one another than anyone else. To sum up Brent Barrett is easy: He is a friend. Period.”
Barrett toured with numerous artists in the early days including Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers, Blackfoot, Def Leppard, Molly Hatchet, and many others. He then transitioned into the role of Lighting Director and Production Manager with Alabama. This is a position he would hold for 23 years. Indeed, most people in the industry remember Barrett as the jovial gentleman than ran the amazing Alabama show for many years.
When it was time to retire from the road, Barrett moved into the role of Director of Business Development located in Bandit’s Nashville office. He was eventually named Vice President of Business Development, a title he held until his retirement in July 2023.
Barrett was more than a businessperson; Barrett was a friend to all he met in life. His warm personality and easy demeanor left an indelible mark on all he met. His smile, warm heart, and kindness will be missed by everyone in the industry.
“Brent’s move into the next phase in his life with the love of his life, his beautiful wife Linda, is well deserved, and we all wish them the greatest joy possible,” continued Strickland. “Brent and I stay in touch weekly and indeed he drops by the Nashville office often to see old friends. In honor of his lifetime in the industry we held a retirement party and presented Brent with a plaque that proudly hangs in his former office. The office is dedicated to Brent in honor of his dedication to Bandit!”
Life at Bandit Lites will never be the same without Brent Barrett and everyone works hard daily to live up to the lofty expectations that he established here. From 1970 to 2023, Barrett spent an entire lifetime making the entire entertainment industry a better place, and Bandit Lites is proud to call him an Original Bandit as well as a friend. Bandit can never thank Barrett enough and will forever be beholding to him for the lifetime of service and dedication!
Further information from Bandit Lites, Inc.: www.BanditLites.com
