Welcome to The Giggs Podcast! Giggs is the career platform for live event professionals. We're starting this podcast because there's not nearly enough content out there about what it really takes to be on the road. Whether you're an aspiring tour manager, a seasoned backline tech, or just getting started in the business, this podcast is for you. We're taking you behind the scenes to explore the highs and the lows of life gigging on the Giggs Podcast.
On this episode, we dive into the explosive world of special effects with Cole Bibler, the President and founder of Showlive SFX. Before starting his own company with Hayden Hale, he worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Metallica, Kanye West, Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Kid Rock, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Marilyn Manson, and many more. We dive into his journey, his love for blowing things up, and the unique challenges that come with working in pyro.
Listen to the whole episode now! Click here to listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube!
Introduction
In the world of live events, few careers are as electrifying as pyrotechnics. Cole Bibler, the president and founder of Show Live SFX, recently shared his incredible journey on the Giggs Podcast. From his teenage years on tour with Marilyn Manson to launching his own successful business, Cole’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a love for blowing things up—safely, of course.
Early Start in Pyro
Cole’s entry into the world of pyrotechnics began at 16, thanks to his dad’s job in the live event industry. What started as a summer gig turned into a full-blown career. By his late teens, Cole was already deep into the world of special effects, working on everything from confetti blasts to theatrical effects like burning Bibles for Marilyn Manson’s controversial shows.
Facing the Challenges
Despite his early success, the pressures of touring quickly caught up with Cole. After a heated argument on his third tour with Marilyn Manson, he made the impulsive decision to quit. Returning home to finish high school, Cole struggled to find his way back into the industry. It wasn’t until Malcolm Weldon, a respected figure in the business, offered him a lifeline that Cole’s career regained momentum.
Turning Point
Malcolm’s offer to work as a backstage coordinator for Beyoncé was a game-changer. This role taught Cole how to manage the intense pressures of working with high-profile clients and further honed his skills. But life on the road was tough—Cole began experiencing severe seizures, a condition he’d battled since childhood, which forced him to rethink his future in the industry.
Building Show Live SFX
After years of working for others, Cole decided it was time to go solo. The birth of his daughter and a broken foot just before a major tour prompted him to start his own company, Show Live SFX. Now, he could continue his passion for pyrotechnics while maintaining a better work-life balance.
Conclusion
Cole Bibler’s journey from a teenage roadie to the owner of a successful pyrotechnics business is a story of resilience and passion. He’s proof that with determination and a love for what you do, you can turn even the most explosive challenges into opportunities for growth. As Cole continues to lead Show Live SFX, his story is sure to inspire the next generation of live event professionals.
