Music Promoter & Producer Rich Engler

The last half of the 20th century was a time of great change in the United States. The Vietnam War, women’s liberation and the civil rights movement were part of this upheaval of American society. All of these things coincided with the birth of a cultural phenomenon, an art form the world had never seen, or heard before: rock and roll. My name is Rich Engler and I was there.

As a young kid in the 1950’s, I was amazed at the music being made by Bill Haley and the Comets, Chuck Berry and Elvis Prersley. In the early 1960’s I joined a band. I was a drummer, and fancied myself as a hip young guy. Then the Beatles came along and redefined the essence of cool. Everything changed, especially my course in life. I loved rock and roll, but not only because of the music. It was of, for and by my generation.

Rich in his office at the Stanley Theater between deals.

• 53 years in the entertainment business
• Produced and promoted over 6000 concerts and events
• Produced and promoted notables such as the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, Bob Marley, Springsteen, Cher, Shania Twain and many more superstars
• Owned, operated or managed venues Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh, Wilkes-Barre Scranton, Harrisburg, Hershey and Erie
• First inductee into the Pittsburgh rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame
• Owned and operated the Stanley Theatre/Benedum Center for the performing arts in Pittsburgh
• Author of his (big seller book) “behind the stage door