Episode 4: Gary Geller’s Tales From The Tour Bus - Part 2: From Tour Life to Digital Innovation

In this episode of the Kick & Snare Podcast, Michael Nevins welcomes Gary Geller, founder of Breakpoint Digital, for more fascinating conversation as Gary's experiences in the music industry and beyond just don’t fit in one show. Gary shares stories from attending iconic concerts like Led Zeppelin at MSG and Leon Russell at the Fillmore East to his career transitions from living on the road as a tour manager for various artists, including the Sex Pistols and Living Colour, to his significant contributions to the tech industry, notably with music content innovators, Muze. The journey encompasses his deep dive into music metadata, e-commerce, and later roles driving business forward with various digital companies. Throughout the discussion, Gary underscores the importance of relationships and being good to people in sustaining a successful and fulfilling career.

00:00 Introduction

00:53 Gary's First Concert Experience

01:43 Favorite Concert Memories

03:00 Transitioning from the Road

05:24 Life on the Road: The Realities

07:23 Maintaining Relationships on Tour

09:15 Working with Al Jarreau and David Sanborn

13:20 Living Colour and Vernon Reid

17:55 Transition to Muze: The Early Days

23:22 Empowering Retail with Music Metadata

23:52 Investors with Opposite Personalities

25:11 The Evolution of Retail

27:39 The Rise of E-commerce

31:38 The Impact of Streaming and iTunes

34:44 Career Transitions and New Ventures

42:46 Advice for the Next Generation

44:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts