APRIL 27, 2026
If you are a Metallica fan, you will recognize the trucks that get the band’s lighting and equipment from city to city on many tours. Upstaging, Inc., has been working with the band since the early days and has been an ongoing supporter of the Foundation since our first Helping Hands Concert in 2018. Our relationship has continued to grow, as we now work together to train future roadies through our Metallica Scholars Initiative. Upstaging was also key in transporting donated items during the LA fires.
“Upstaging began over 50 years ago, and to us, relationships mean everything. We consider our clients, colleagues, and team to be family. When we learned that one of our longest-standing clients, Metallica, was starting a foundation, we knew we wanted to help. We’ve been fortunate to be able to jump in and lend a hand when it’s needed most.”
Robin Shaw, Co-founder of Upstaging, Inc.
Robin found herself particularly interested in the Metallica Scholars Initiative. While Upstaging has a robust training program, Upstaging University, working with community colleges to develop live entertainment production programs through MSI has not only been beneficial, but also inspirational. MSI colleges can reach out to students who may not know this exciting career opportunity is available to them. Partnering with these community colleges is a win-win for the community, for Upstaging, and most of all, the young adults looking for a career that is rewarding and fulfilling.
About Upstaging, Inc.
Upstaging began in 1972 with two brothers, their friend, and a single set of stage lights. Their dream was to run a business lighting concert venues in and around Chicago. Within two years, the business had outgrown the group’s two-car garage office and moved into a shop of its own. By the mid-1970s, Upstaging—which had always trucked its own equipment—began offering trucking services to tours.
As the decades rolled on, live performances got bigger and more complex—and Upstaging grew up right along with them. We’ve always stayed a step ahead, offering creative, custom ideas to elevate the impact of a powerful performance. But the real secret to our success for more than 50 years isn’t in the tech—it’s in our people. The garage crew that founded the company still leads it today, and still values strong relationships and customer service over all else.
Whether we’re creating event lighting for a Salesforce conference, installing an exhibit at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, providing lighting or production support for Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones, or making sure Taylor Swift’s equipment gets safely to each tour stop on time, our focus is on delivering exactly what our client needs.
