Hosted by comedian Ralphie May, the Pollstar Awards occur during Pollstar Live and celebrates the music industry's movers and shakers. This year's event took place at the historic Ryman Auditorium, which was also awarded Theatre of the Year.
Bandit chair and founder, Michael T. Strickland accepted the award, crediting Bandit's wildly successful year to both its employees and clients, and dedicating it to the late Bob See of See Factor. The award was presented to Bandit by Cinderella lead singer Tom Kiefer.
Strickland said, "To again be named the best in the business by our peers is too much for words. The entire staff at Bandit Lites works tirelessly to deliver the highest quality in the industry, and we are proud that our peers see the result in our service. We promise to continue to work at the highest level and never let a client down. We dedicate this year's award to the late Bob See from See Factor, a true pioneer in our industry."
Because of major projects last year such as Garth Brooks returning from retirement to launch his world tour, One Republic, Jason Aldean, and providing lighting for over a dozen festivals, including Pollstar's Festival of the year, Austin City Limits, Bandit had an astonishing 2014, a feat it looks to repeat as 2015 continues.
"2015 looks to be a record year at Bandit Lites," said Strickland. "The new equipment, new clients and the ever growing festival work already has Bandit in a growth period for this year. The crew and staff at Bandit are the best in the industry, and we work every day to find ways to be even better."
(Jim Evans)
