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Sound production students and staff get backstage at Metallica
TAFE Queensland’s strong industry connections continue to open doors for students, with Diploma of Music – Sound Production teacher Heath Storrie recently being invited into the inner workings of global rock giants Metallica’s live audio setup and bringing a student along for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Through an invitation from Drew Parsons, Avid Technology’s Audio Applications Support Specialist (APAC), and Rob Bird, Installation and Project Teams Manager at Brisbane Sound Group, Heath joined a select group of Brisbane live production professionals for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Metallica’s audio world.
The access was granted by Metallica’s renowned front-of-house engineer Greg Price, whose career includes mixing for Ozzy Osbourne, Tool, Van Halen, Black Sabbath, and Ozzy Osbourne’s “Back to the Beginning” final show.
Greg, who has also provided educational workshops throughout his career, insisted that a TAFE Queensland student be part of the experience, emphasising the importance of developing the next generation of industry talent.
Following a competitive selection process, current Diploma of Music – Sound Production (CUA50820) student Tom Colwick joined Heath for the tour.
Image from Left to Right: Jeremy Bellis (Senior Audio Technician IJS Productions – Alumni 2016), Nigel Line (Managing Director Brisbane Sound Group), Heath Storrie (Teacher - Alumni 1998), Rob Bird Brisbane Sound Group - Alumni 2003), Thomas Cowlrick (current student 2025)
Metallica currently use the same brand of live sound mixing consoles installed in TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus performance space, enabling Heath and Tom to directly connect what they teach and learn in the classroom with how it is applied on the world stage.
The group were given an in-depth look at Greg’s workflow, processing techniques, and the cutting-edge technologies used to deliver Metallica’s massive stadium shows.
The experience didn’t end there - the group was invited back the following evening to hear the concert from the front-of-house mixing position at Suncorp Stadium.
Witnessing the precision and power of Metallica’s live sound in a stadium environment was, in Heath’s words, “mind-blowing” for everyone involved.
The opportunity also reunited several TAFE Queensland alumni now working in the industry, highlighting the strength of the training pathways and industry networks students build during their studies.
Tom, who completes his Diploma in December, has already completed the Sound Production Work Experience program with IJS Productions and is now working with the company while finishing his qualification.
This experience is another example of how TAFE Queensland teachers bring current, real-world insights directly from industry back into the classroom, ensuring students learn on the same technology, techniques, and professional standards used on the world's biggest stages.
