When the curtain rises and thousands of fans erupt in ecstatic cheers for their idol on stage, few stop to think about who actually made it all possible. Behind the scenes, far from the spotlight, exists another kind of star. Jake Berry. A living legend in live production. I’ve had the honor of meeting him a few times. Encounters that left a lasting impression—not just because of his professionalism, but because of the quiet dignity he radiates.
On July 5, 2025, Jake Berry once again stood behind a musical monument: Black Sabbath’s "Back to the Beginning" concert in Birmingham. A tribute to their roots and potentially the final act from the heavy metal giants. Berry, as production manager, orchestrated a world-class machine—and added another crown to his already impressive résumé.
From Drum Tech to Production Icon
Jake Berry began his music career in the 1970s as a drum technician. From these humble beginnings, he rose through dedication, curiosity, and tireless drive to become one of the world’s most respected production managers. Over the decades, he has gathered experience from some of the most spectacular tours in music history: U2’s 360° Tour, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Madonna, Metallica, and of course, Beyoncé.
He’s known for combining logistical perfection with creative freedom. A man who knows where every cable lies and how to build a team that thrives under maximum pressure. His productions are not only technically flawless—they’re emotional experiences. A hallmark of his style is that he never compromises on quality or safety.
Back to the Beginning – A Historic Event
The concert in Birmingham wasn’t just any gig. It was a return to the origin, to the city where it all started for Black Sabbath. Jake Berry led a team of hundreds of technicians, logisticians, lighting and sound experts who together created a moment that will live on in rock history.
The stage was built at Villa Park, home of Aston Villa FC. 40,000 attendees in the audience and over 5 million livestream viewers worldwide. A rotating stage enabled rapid artist transitions. The lighting rigs were among the most advanced ever seen in the genre. Everything had to click—from power supply to safety procedures and artist logistics. It did. And Jake Berry stood at the center of it all.
Meeting Jake – Personal Impressions
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Jake on a few occasions. I clearly remember how he moved through a packed arena as if walking in slow motion. He exuded a calm that spread to the entire team. While others rushed around with headsets and papers, Jake walked silently and deliberately, paused, smiled, and gave instructions. Never loud. Never stressed. Perhaps his most impressive quality is his ability to create calm in chaos.
At one moment, I saw him take time to speak with young volunteers and technicians. He asked where they were from, how long they had worked, what they wanted to do. That says something about him. That despite his status, he never forgets the people behind the product.
I’ve carried that with me. Today, I lead with calm, no matter how chaotic the situation. During this year’s Bansko Nomad Fest, that became especially clear. There had been rumors of previous years being messy—but this year, calm and order reigned on my stage. That reminder of how much leadership influences an entire production—and how calm is contagious—was something I took with me from Jake Berry.
Technical Brilliance and Innovation
Jake Berry is not just a logistics expert. He’s an innovator. During U2’s 360° tour, he was responsible for implementing the circular stage setup—something that gave the audience a completely new experience. It required hundreds of trucks, coordination across countries, safety tests, and constant adjustments. He’s also been involved in developing mobile LED screens, new rigging techniques, and digital control systems that are now industry standard.
For the "Back to the Beginning" concert, a hybrid sound solution was implemented where the live arena sound was simultaneously mixed for streaming. It was a technical feat—to offer the same sound quality to a TV viewer in Tokyo as to an audience member in the front row in Birmingham.
Mentorship and Industry Impact
Jake Berry is also a leader outside the arenas. He has spoken at Pollstar Production Live!, where he discussed leadership, the future of production, and the importance of educating the next generation of stage workers. During the pandemic, he urged production crews not to give up, but to deepen their technical knowledge, business models, and safety procedures.
He’s a sought-after mentor and advisor. Many in the industry testify to how his advice helped them advance their careers—not through shouting or lecturing, but by listening, asking questions, and showing the way.
Awards and Recognition
The list of accolades is long. Jake Berry has received the Parnelli Lifetime Achievement Award and has been named "Road Warrior of the Year" by Pollstar multiple times. He’s been praised by artists, crews, and industry insiders alike for his exceptional ability to manage projects where others see impossibilities.
But perhaps the greatest recognition is that so many artists keep coming back to him. When U2, Beyoncé, or Metallica plan something big—they call Jake.
An Eye on the Future
Jake now runs Jake Berry Productions, offering complete solutions for tour productions. The company operates globally, covering everything from logistics and safety to technical design and team coordination.
He’s also involved in sustainability projects within the events industry, advocating for green energy, reusable stage materials, and minimizing transport emissions. He’s not just building for the present—he’s building for the future.
Final Words – A Legend Among Us
Jake Berry is the kind of person who makes the impossible possible. A leader, a mentor, a technician, an artist. Having met him and gained insight into how he works is a privilege. It brings a new level of respect for all the work that happens behind the magic of the stage.
When Black Sabbath took the stage in Birmingham and the tones of "War Pigs" echoed over Villa Park, it wasn’t just a farewell to a band—it was also a thank you to an entire culture of people behind the scenes. And at the center of that culture stands Jake Berry.
A man who doesn’t seek the spotlight. But who everyone in the industry looks up to.
And whom I’ve had the joy of meeting—and being inspired by.
By Chris...