Howard Ungerleider

Howard Ungerleider is a Canadian lighting designer and production manager renowned for his decades-long creative partnership with the rock band Rush. He is celebrated for designing some of the most visually ambitious and technically innovative concert tours in rock history, fundamentally shaping the band's legendary live spectacle. His career, spanning over five decades, has established him as a pioneering and influential figure in the field of concert tour production and stage lighting.

Early life and education

Born in Montreal, Ungerleider developed an early fascination with electronics and theater. He pursued his interests by studying Broadway lighting techniques and apprenticing in local theaters, gaining hands-on experience with the technical aspects of stagecraft. His early professional work included designing lights for various musical acts and theatrical productions in the vibrant Canadian music scene of the late 1960s. This foundational period equipped him with the practical skills and creative vision that would later define his career on the international stage.

Career

Ungerleider's major career breakthrough came in 1974 when he was hired as the lighting director for Rush's tour supporting their album Fly by Night. He quickly became an integral part of the band's creative team, eventually assuming the role of production manager in addition to his design duties. His innovative work extended beyond Rush, as he also served as production manager for major tours by artists like Van Halen and Mötley Crüe during the height of the arena rock era. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with numerous other prominent artists and has been a key figure in advancing the scale and complexity of rock concert production.

Notable tours and productions

Ungerleider designed the iconic lighting and stage shows for nearly every Rush tour from 1974 onward, including the groundbreaking productions for the Moving Pictures tour, the Power Windows tour, and the extensive Roll the Bones tour. He was instrumental in creating the legendary "Three Stooges" introduction film and the complex laser sequences for the Grace Under Pressure tour. Other landmark productions include the massive, in-the-round spectacle for the Counterparts tour and the critically acclaimed final Rush tours, Clockwork Angels and R40 Live. His work for Van Halen's 1984 tour and for Mötley Crüe's Dr. Feelgood tour also set benchmarks in 1980s concert production.

Awards and recognition

For his exceptional contributions to live entertainment, Ungerleider has received multiple prestigious awards. He is a multi-time winner of the Pollstar Award for Best Lighting Designer. His work on Rush's R30: 30th Anniversary World Tour was recognized with a Parnelli Award for Lighting Designer of the Year. In 2013, he was inducted into the Parnelli Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a legend in the production industry. His innovative designs have been frequently featured in industry publications like Lighting&Sound America and PLSN.

Personal life

Based in Toronto, Ungerleider maintains a relatively private personal life outside of his demanding professional schedule. He is known within the industry as a meticulous and dedicated professional with a deep passion for technology and storytelling through light. Since the conclusion of Rush's touring career, he has remained active as a consultant and has participated in retrospective projects, including the production of the concert film Rush: Time Stand Still. He continues to be a respected mentor and influential voice in the world of concert production and design.

Category:Canadian lighting designers Category:1945 births Category:Living people Category:Production managers