Who We Are

The beginnings of Bergsten Music as a backline and sound company started in the mid-60’s when Andy Bergsten began to acquire gear, both backline and sound equipment for the bands that he played in. In 1968 Van Morrison used Bergsten’s backline and sound system for a date and Andy’s band played the opening act; that was the first rental. Andy continued to provide gear and technical support for his band through the 60’s and 70’s.

In 1977, upon graduating from Berklee College, Andy got a job as “rep” for Syndrum Electronic drums. With the acquisition of Syndrum Bergsten officially became a rental company, and that led the way to working with Boston bands like the Cars as well as many others.  (Listen to the intro of “My Best Friends Girl”). 

Into the 80’s, theaters of eastern Mass like the South Shore Music Circus and Cape Cod Melody Tent had an increasing demand for instrument rentals and to this date they are still our customers.  In 1985 the opening of the Great Woods Amphitheater in Mansfield Mass. created more demand for backline. The need for additional help lead Andy back to Greg Borsari. Greg, a dependable and knowledgeable audio engineer, who Andy had known since 1975, became a seasonal addition to the company. Today Greg is the VP and General Manger of Bergsten Music. 

As the 80’s drew to a close, multiple opportunities were afforded Bergsten Music. First, providing services for the KISS 108 annual radio station show which grew into the one of the largest annual concert events in the world. This show would typically have 25-30 live acts in one day, including up to 10 majors backline set-ups. Bergsten Music had now become the key player in the New England market and as the backline industry changed and grew worldwide Bergsten lead the way in service and in inventory. 

In 1990 and 1991 Bergsten Music was elevated to the national level by providing gear for the National Earth Day Festival held at Foxboro Stadium. The following year the company provided gear for the Don Henley Walden Woods project with artists such as Sting, Elton John, Aerosmith, Don Henley, Jimmy Buffet and more. Bergsten Music rose to the occasion with these events and continued a reputation that spread through the touring community. 

Throughout the ‘90’s Bergsten Music grew in reputation and size: working with the world’s premier artists such as Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney and Aerosmith.  The client list became a who’s who of the music industry. 

The New Millenium 

In 2001 Bergsten Music moved from its original location, to a much larger facility in Hingham, MA giving the company more workspace and closer access to Boston.  This location made it much easier for local and touring clients to pickup their gear. 

In 2007 there were 2 major changes to Bergsten Music. One was the acquisition of Showmix, a well respected sound company serving the New England area. The second was the move to a much larger warehouse that supports the logistics of a company doing hundreds of shows per month. We would like to thank all of the production people and artists for their support and trust. Through them we have built a company that is the standard of how backline and sound service should be done.