October 22, 2025 • 7 mins
This episode dives into the evolution of Pyrotecnico, the legacy fireworks and special effects company out of New Castle, Pennsylvania. Chris and Lacy explore the company’s family-driven history, its game-changing innovations like drone shows, and its impact on legendary Live Events
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:19):
All right. Welcome back to Geezers of Gear
Future Tech. I'm Chris, and as always, I'm
joined by Lacey. Today we're diving into the
story of pyrotechnico, one of those names you just can't
separate from the word fireworksin the US.
Lacey, you ever been to New Castle, PA?
You know, I haven't, but I feel like I should have by now.
It's what the fireworks capital of America that right?
(00:42):
I mean that that's not just a marketing thing, is it?
No, it's the real deal. I actually went out there for
1/4 of July show a few years back.
The whole town just it buzzes. You can feel the pride.
And honestly, it's not just about the fireworks, it's about
the people. Pyrotechnico's been there since
the early 1920s, started by Italian immigrants who get this
(01:03):
worked in the tin mills by day and made fireworks at night.
It's got that classic American story, you know?
That's wild. So like 5 generations now,
right? I read that the Vitali family
still runs it and they've got the next generation already in
the business. It's not just a company, it's a
family legacy and they really care about the community too.
(01:24):
I saw the CEO Stephen Vitale talking about wanting to be a
source of pride for Newcastle and even more to give young
people a shot at a career that'spretty rare these days.
Yeah, and you can see it in how they operate.
It's not just about the big shows.
They still do The local community displays, treat every
event like it's the Super Bowl. And I mean the property they're
(01:46):
on. It's been in the family since
1922. You walk around and you just
feel the history. I remember the first time I was
there, the air was thick with anticipation, Kids running
around, everyone waiting for that first boom.
It's a bit like, well, it's likebeing backstage before a big
gig, but the whole town's in on it.
I love that, and honestly it's cool to see a company that big
(02:10):
still so rooted in its hometown,especially when they're doing
thousands of shows a year all over the country.
It's like no matter how big theyget, they don't forget where
they started. Exactly.
And, you know, Stephen Vitale said it himself, they want to be
an option for young people, whether they're coming out of
college or high school. It's hard work, but if you love
entertainment, it's a real path.I think that's something a lot
(02:33):
of us in live events can relate to.
Yeah. Oh, for sure.
I mean, that's how I got started.
Just kind of fell into it, and then you realize it's a family,
even if you're not related by blood.
Pyrotechnico's just taken that to a whole other level.
So let's talk about how pyrotechnico's gone from, you
know, classic fireworks to beingthis full on special effects
powerhouse. I mean, it's not just about the
(02:55):
oohs and ours anymore, is it? No way they've really pushed the
envelope. I was reading about how they
started adding flame, cryo, atmospheric effects, lasers, and
now drones. Like actual drone light shows.
That's a whole new level of storytelling in the sky.
Yeah, and it's not just a gimmick, the CEO said.
(03:15):
If we aren't innovating, we're dying.
And you see that in how they've evolved.
They started getting into special effects around 2010,
mostly because their clients, especially in sports, were
asking for more. And now they're doing things
like FAA approved pyrotechnic drones so you can have fireworks
and drones working together animating logos or telling a
(03:36):
story up there. It's, well, it's a bit like
having ATV screen in the sky, isn't it?
That's such a good way to put it.
And I mean, the tech behind thathas to be wild.
I always wonder, like, what's the hardest effect to actually
pull off live? Is it the timing, the safety, or
just getting all those moving parts to work together?
Honestly, it's all of the above.I mean, you know how it is.
(03:59):
Live events are chaos on a good day, but with drones, you've got
to deal with FAA regulations, weather, programming, the
choreography, and then you add pyrotechnics on top of that.
It's a logistical puzzle, but when it works, it's magic, and
it really does change what audiences expect.
People want bigger, brighter, more immersive experiences.
(04:19):
Now. It's not enough to just light up
the sky. You've got to tell a story.
Yeah, and I think that's why pyrotechnicos stayed at the top.
They're not just following trends, they're setting them,
and they're not afraid to try new things, even if it's risky.
Like the CEO said, they're always building two companies,
the one they are and the one they're becoming.
(04:41):
That's a mindset a lot of companies could learn from.
Absolutely. And you know, it's not just
about the tech, it's about the people behind it, the vision and
the willingness to adapt. I mean, as we talked about in
our episode on Elation's digitaltransformation, it's that same
drive to innovate and stay ahead.
Pyrotechnico's just doing it with a lot more firepower,
(05:01):
literally. All right, so let's get into the
big stuff, the shows that make your jaw drop.
Pyrotechnico has been behind some of the biggest moments in
live events. We're talking Super Bowl
halftime shows, tours for Beyoncé, the weekend, Post
Malone, Shakira, and then there was the National Medal of Honor
Museum grand opening this year. That one had over 1000 drones
(05:24):
and fireworks all perfectly synced.
I mean that that's not just a show, that's a full on
experience. Yeah, and it's not just
pyrotechnico on their own, they've grown a new sister
brand, Live Events, Productions and the whole network, Gemini,
LSV, Delicate, Active, Zenith. It's a proper team effort.
You get seamless audio, lighting, video, special
(05:46):
effects, even drones all workingtogether.
Totally. I remember seeing pyrotechnicos
work at a festival a few years back.
I was backstage and it was just chaos, people running radios
blaring, last minute changes. But then when the show started,
it was flawless. The crowd had no idea what went
(06:09):
on behind the scenes. That's the magic of live events,
right? All that controlled chaos and
then you get this perfect moment.
Yeah, and that's what sets them apart.
They treat every show, whether it's the Super Bowl or a local
4th of July, as if it's the mostimportant one.
And with the 250th birthday of America coming up, they're
already planning for what might be the biggest fireworks here
(06:31):
ever. I mean, the scale of what
they're preparing for, it's hardto even wrap your head around
it. And they're still keeping that
family feel even as they go global.
It's inspiring, honestly. Makes you want to step up your
own game, you know? Absolutely.
Well, that's all we've got for this episode.
Pyrotechnico's story is still being written, and I have a
(06:53):
feeling we'll be talking about their next big innovation soon
enough. Laci, always a pleasure.
You too, Chris. Thanks for listening, everyone.
We'll catch you next time on Geezers of Gear Future Tech Take
care. Future tech is here.
Come on man, we make the specs so clear.
(07:17):
Oh La La with music to your ears.
Hey, hey, hey. Let's go.
New gear vibes, new tech jive gear hits unite.
We keep it live.
All right. Welcome back to Geezers of Gear
Future Tech. I'm Chris, and as always, I'm
joined by Lacey. Today we're diving into the
story of pyrotechnico, one of those names you just can't
separate from the word fireworksin the US.
Lacey, you ever been to New Castle, PA?
You know, I haven't, but I feel like I should have by now.
It's what the fireworks capital of America that right?
(00:42):
I mean that that's not just a marketing thing, is it?
No, it's the real deal. I actually went out there for
1/4 of July show a few years back.
The whole town just it buzzes. You can feel the pride.
And honestly, it's not just about the fireworks, it's about
the people. Pyrotechnico's been there since
the early 1920s, started by Italian immigrants who get this
(01:03):
worked in the tin mills by day and made fireworks at night.
It's got that classic American story, you know?
That's wild. So like 5 generations now,
right? I read that the Vitali family
still runs it and they've got the next generation already in
the business. It's not just a company, it's a
family legacy and they really care about the community too.
(01:24):
I saw the CEO Stephen Vitale talking about wanting to be a
source of pride for Newcastle and even more to give young
people a shot at a career that'spretty rare these days.
Yeah, and you can see it in how they operate.
It's not just about the big shows.
They still do The local community displays, treat every
event like it's the Super Bowl. And I mean the property they're
(01:46):
on. It's been in the family since
1922. You walk around and you just
feel the history. I remember the first time I was
there, the air was thick with anticipation, Kids running
around, everyone waiting for that first boom.
It's a bit like, well, it's likebeing backstage before a big
gig, but the whole town's in on it.
I love that, and honestly it's cool to see a company that big
(02:10):
still so rooted in its hometown,especially when they're doing
thousands of shows a year all over the country.
It's like no matter how big theyget, they don't forget where
they started. Exactly.
And, you know, Stephen Vitale said it himself, they want to be
an option for young people, whether they're coming out of
college or high school. It's hard work, but if you love
entertainment, it's a real path.I think that's something a lot
(02:33):
of us in live events can relate to.
Yeah. Oh, for sure.
I mean, that's how I got started.
Just kind of fell into it, and then you realize it's a family,
even if you're not related by blood.
Pyrotechnico's just taken that to a whole other level.
So let's talk about how pyrotechnico's gone from, you
know, classic fireworks to beingthis full on special effects
powerhouse. I mean, it's not just about the
(02:55):
oohs and ours anymore, is it? No way they've really pushed the
envelope. I was reading about how they
started adding flame, cryo, atmospheric effects, lasers, and
now drones. Like actual drone light shows.
That's a whole new level of storytelling in the sky.
Yeah, and it's not just a gimmick, the CEO said.
(03:15):
If we aren't innovating, we're dying.
And you see that in how they've evolved.
They started getting into special effects around 2010,
mostly because their clients, especially in sports, were
asking for more. And now they're doing things
like FAA approved pyrotechnic drones so you can have fireworks
and drones working together animating logos or telling a
(03:36):
story up there. It's, well, it's a bit like
having ATV screen in the sky, isn't it?
That's such a good way to put it.
And I mean, the tech behind thathas to be wild.
I always wonder, like, what's the hardest effect to actually
pull off live? Is it the timing, the safety, or
just getting all those moving parts to work together?
Honestly, it's all of the above.I mean, you know how it is.
(03:59):
Live events are chaos on a good day, but with drones, you've got
to deal with FAA regulations, weather, programming, the
choreography, and then you add pyrotechnics on top of that.
It's a logistical puzzle, but when it works, it's magic, and
it really does change what audiences expect.
People want bigger, brighter, more immersive experiences.
(04:19):
Now. It's not enough to just light up
the sky. You've got to tell a story.
Yeah, and I think that's why pyrotechnicos stayed at the top.
They're not just following trends, they're setting them,
and they're not afraid to try new things, even if it's risky.
Like the CEO said, they're always building two companies,
the one they are and the one they're becoming.
(04:41):
That's a mindset a lot of companies could learn from.
Absolutely. And you know, it's not just
about the tech, it's about the people behind it, the vision and
the willingness to adapt. I mean, as we talked about in
our episode on Elation's digitaltransformation, it's that same
drive to innovate and stay ahead.
Pyrotechnico's just doing it with a lot more firepower,
(05:01):
literally. All right, so let's get into the
big stuff, the shows that make your jaw drop.
Pyrotechnico has been behind some of the biggest moments in
live events. We're talking Super Bowl
halftime shows, tours for Beyoncé, the weekend, Post
Malone, Shakira, and then there was the National Medal of Honor
Museum grand opening this year. That one had over 1000 drones
(05:24):
and fireworks all perfectly synced.
I mean that that's not just a show, that's a full on
experience. Yeah, and it's not just
pyrotechnico on their own, they've grown a new sister
brand, Live Events, Productions and the whole network, Gemini,
LSV, Delicate, Active, Zenith. It's a proper team effort.
You get seamless audio, lighting, video, special
(05:46):
effects, even drones all workingtogether.
Totally. I remember seeing pyrotechnicos
work at a festival a few years back.
I was backstage and it was just chaos, people running radios
blaring, last minute changes. But then when the show started,
it was flawless. The crowd had no idea what went
(06:09):
on behind the scenes. That's the magic of live events,
right? All that controlled chaos and
then you get this perfect moment.
Yeah, and that's what sets them apart.
They treat every show, whether it's the Super Bowl or a local
4th of July, as if it's the mostimportant one.
And with the 250th birthday of America coming up, they're
already planning for what might be the biggest fireworks here
(06:31):
ever. I mean, the scale of what
they're preparing for, it's hardto even wrap your head around
it. And they're still keeping that
family feel even as they go global.
It's inspiring, honestly. Makes you want to step up your
own game, you know? Absolutely.
Well, that's all we've got for this episode.
Pyrotechnico's story is still being written, and I have a
(06:53):
feeling we'll be talking about their next big innovation soon
enough. Laci, always a pleasure.
You too, Chris. Thanks for listening, everyone.
We'll catch you next time on Geezers of Gear Future Tech Take
care. Future tech is here.
Come on man, we make the specs so clear.
(07:17):
Oh La La with music to your ears.
Hey, hey, hey. Let's go.
New gear vibes, new tech jive gear hits unite.
We keep it live.
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