EP.13 - Listen, Learn, and Light the Stage: Cosmo Wilson’s Rock & Roll Journey cover art

EP.13 - Listen, Learn, and Light the Stage: Cosmo Wilson’s Rock & Roll Journey

EP.13 - Listen, Learn, and Light the Stage: Cosmo Wilson’s Rock & Roll Journey

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

In this episode of the Dynamic Business Leaders Podcast, host Roy Richardson welcomes Cosmo Wilson, an award-winning concert lighting designer and director whose legendary career spans over 40 iconic rock acts—including AC/DC, Aerosmith, Foreigner, The Rolling Stones, Scorpions, Guns N' Roses, John Secada, Gloria Estefan, Steel Pulse, and Van Halen.

Cosmo’s journey began at age 18 as a drum tech in New York. When faced with the possibility of being let go, he taught himself how to set up the drums and earned a permanent spot on the crew. His transition into lighting came while working as a stagehand in Central Florida during the arena rock era. In 1986, he joined the touring road crew for The Cure, later working with Genesis, INXS, and Crowded House—and the rest, as they say, is history.

Roy and Cosmo explore:

  • How saying “yes” and trusting the universe shaped Cosmo’s career
  • The evolution of concert lighting and design
  • Behind-the-scenes stories from touring with legendary bands
  • The historic 1991 Monsters of Rock concert in Moscow, with over 1.6 million fans
  • Cosmo’s philosophy on creating your own luck
  • His love for food, history, and Hawaiian shirts
  • The moment he almost became a “Cosmonaut”

About Cosmo Wilson
Cosmo is a food connoisseur and history buff, known for his vintage lighting designs and signature Hawaiian shirts. He has visited over 83 countries, enjoys cuisine from around the world, and holds a deep appreciation for U.S. military members and the founding fathers of our nation. His global experiences and creative spirit continue to inspire audiences and artists alike.

Cosmo's advice: Put trust and faith into the universe, and big things will happen; Listen and keep your eyes open!

Fun Fact: Cosmo worked AC/DC's 1991 "Monsters of Rock" act at the Tushino Airfield in Moscow, which drew more than 1.6 million fans and was the first free outdoor rock concert in Soviet history.

Tune in now to hear Cosmo share a fun fact about how he almost became a "Cosmonaut." :-)

Learn more about Cosmo Wilson:

  • Wikipedia
  • Cosmo Wilson: Lighting AC/DC since 1990
  • Episode 18 Q&A - CHARLIE "COSMO" WILSON - Wrong End of the Snake
  • Linkedin

Connect with the Dynamic Business Leaders Podcast Hosts:

  • LinkedIn: Roy Richardson
  • LinkedIn: Sean Murphy

If you found this episode of the Dynamic Business Leaders Podcast inspiring, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. This way, you won't miss out on future episodes featuring other dynamic business leaders.

Check out our website here, and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

The Dynamic Business Leaders Podcast is brought to you by Aurora InfoTech, a Cybersecurity Firm that serves the information security needs of small—and medium-sized businesses.

No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.