For close to 30 years, High Lite Touring has been at the forefront of providing complex technical solutions for a range of small to massive live events in the Czech Republic and other nearby countries in central Europe. Its innovative approach in providing technical, production, and organizational services has made it the “go to” production company in the region for touring bands, concerts, and festivals.
In the following interview, High Lite Touring chief executive officer/owner Martin Duda and Marketing Manager Klara Zidkova tells us more about the company, its activities in the early years to present day, their valued relationship with TAF for the past 15 years, and what the future holds.
How would you describe High Lite Touring to someone who doesn't know you?
High Lite Touring is a leading provider of technical support and touring solutions for music and cultural events in the Czech Republic and neighbouring countries.
In the nearly 30 years since our founding, we have grown into a team of professionals that specialize in sound, lighting, video, rigging, and stage technology. In recent years, our activities have expanded into the design and technical production of the largest events in our region. This is evidenced not only by our client portfolio, but also by the scope of our projects.
We organize concerts and tours for the most famous Czech and international musicians (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Imagine Dragons, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Andrea Bocelli, and more), build stages for the largest domestic music festivals (Beats for Love, Colours of Ostrava, Superbloom Festival, Pohoda Festival, Grape Festival), and participate in world-class sporting and social events (2024 IIHF Men's Ice Hockey World Championships, 2025 IIHF Women's Ice Hockey World Championship, EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan).
What led you to the world of live events?
It all started as a hobby in high school, when friends of Martin Duda, one of the founding members of the company, started a heavy metal band. It literally operated from a basement in its early years, where all of the required equipment was made from whatever was available. Its activities then expanded to discos and dance parties, and in time, to larger events. The key to its success was an overwhelming amount of enthusiasm, courage, and desire to do things differently.
What values and philosophy are behind your work and how are they reflected in your projects?
We believe in honesty and the precise execution of our production activities – down to the smallest detail. We treat our clients as true partners and approach every project as if it were our own. Our goal is not just to provide the equipment or build the stage, but to create an unforgettable experience. We have a high degree of respect for artists, the audience, and our staff. We put our heart and soul into every event and believe that technical production can also be a creative discipline.
How would you describe the company’s journey - from its inception to the present? What were the key moments that shaped High Lite Touring into what it has become today?
The first turning point came in 1995, when we participated in the technical production of the legendary Superdým event in the Czech Republic, which was organized by Radio Orion. Three years later, in 1998, as a young company with no capital and no guarantees, we embarked on the Mrazík na ledě (Frosty on Ice) tour. It was a baptism of fire for the company. Around the year 2000, we began to consolidate our position in the market and continued to gain momentum. We are proud to say that High Lite Touring currently organizes hundreds of events a year, both in the Czech Republic and abroad.
What do you consider your biggest advantage in terms of technical support for events?
Our strength lies in a combination of in-depth technical know-how, precise engineering, and organizational reliability. We are able to handle a project from A to Z, from the initial design through implementation to operational supervision. But what really sets us apart is our ability to provide added value to projects, which is reflected in the high quality of our work, positive feedback on our cooperation, and, ultimately, the long-standing trust of our clients.
What are typical events you handle and where does your specialization lie?
We are primarily at home in the field of technical support for live music events - from concerts in clubs to open-air events and festivals to international tours. However, we also provide support for corporate events, exhibitions, sporting events, and social events. In recent years, we have been increasingly focusing on stage design, including lighting design and video content, which allows us to provide comprehensive solutions under one roof.
What were the biggest challenges you had to overcome in providing technical support for large events?
One of the biggest challenges, as mentioned earlier, was the “Frosty on Ice” tour in 1998. Although we already had a relatively large amount of our own stock at the time, we had to borrow an extremely large amount of money for this project in order to purchase the rest of the equipment required for the show. Today, we face technical and organizational challenges several times a year when large events coincide on the same date. At these moments, optimized logistics, teamwork, and the professionalism of each team member are crucial.
What innovations do you provide that ensure your events are always unique and unforgettable?
We are known for being among the first to test and implement new technologies when they appear on the market. We follow trends, draw inspiration from global productions, and are not afraid to experiment. We work with designs that shape the visual identity of the stage and are always looking for new ways to enhance the artistic impression of the show and provide the audience with a breathtaking experience.
How would you describe your long-term cooperation with TAF? What value does this cooperation provide to you and your various activities?
We have been working with TAF since its inception, with personal ties to management dating back to 1998. It provided significant assistance to us in the early days and is now a key partner in the supply of rigging equipment. Our cooperation is based on mutual trust, technical compatibility, and a shared vision of quality.
What are your plans for the future and what new projects are you working on?
We want to continue strengthening our position on the Czech market, while gaining more international clients. We plan to innovate our technological infrastructure, strengthen professional skills across the company, and develop our internal team. We believe that the future of musical, cultural, and social events lies in a combination of smart design and cutting-edge technology. This is where we see room for new projects in which our partners, such as TAF, will play an increasingly important role.
Learn more about High Lite Touring and its wide range of services at www.highlite.cz.
