At LDI 2024 in Las Vegas, two industry veterans—Joe Calzone of Calzone & Anvil Case Company and Les Goldberg, founder of LMG—shared valuable insights about something often overlooked in the entertainment industry: road cases. Their conversation revealed why these protective solutions deserve more recognition in the touring and entertainment world.
The Unsung Heroes of Live Entertainment
Les Goldberg, author of The Show Must Go On, didn't mince words about the importance of quality cases: "Cases are sexy because I don't want to spend a lot of money on something and it break."
This straightforward assessment cuts to the heart of why road cases matter—they protect valuable investments. As Goldberg pointed out, every piece of equipment needs reliable protection, especially in demanding tour environments.
What Makes a Great Road Case?
According to Goldberg, three non-negotiable elements define exceptional road cases:
- Strategic design and functionality
- Truck pack efficiency
- Tech-friendly usability
"I want the tech team to feel confident in whatever the design of a case is," Goldberg explained. "It's going to be functional, it's going to work for them and it's going to make their life easier."
A Legacy of Protection
Calzone highlighted his company's deep roots in the industry, noting that "Anvil was founded in 1952 by the Vallas family" and still uses the tagline "protecting rock and roll since 1952."
This legacy of protection extends to countless iconic pieces of equipment, with Calzone mentioning how they've been protecting Jimi Hendrix's guitar since 1952. While that likely started in the 1960s, who's counting?
The Historical Connection
In a touching moment, Goldberg revealed that his company still displays "Road Case One" in their lobby—the very first case they purchased in 1984, crafted by Calzone himself. This case, originally built for a projector and later converted for teleprompter use, now stands as a museum piece symbolizing the longstanding relationship between these industry icons.
Beyond Cases: Investing in the Future
The conversation also highlighted both leaders' commitment to industry education. Goldberg spoke about the CoiL Learning Center, which focuses on "transferring knowledge from this generation to the next generation," while Calzone praised Goldberg's dedication to mentoring and educating upcoming professionals through tutorials and classes.
Protect Your Investment with Calzone & Anvil Cases
For over 70 years, we've been the trusted name in equipment protection across multiple industries. Whether you're touring the world or shipping valuable equipment across town, our custom fabricated ATA flight and road cases provide unmatched protection.
Ready to experience the difference that proper protection makes? Contact our design team today to discuss your custom case requirements. Our experts will work with you to create solutions that are functional, durable and perfectly suited to your specific needs.
Contact us here or call (800) 359-2684 to protect your valuable equipment with America's #1 custom fabricated case manufacturer.
