Nashville, Tennessee – To say Kent Shafferman was Bandit Lites is an understatement. Sadly, Kent passed away early in the morning January 22nd, 2025.
Kent started at Bandit in 1976 at the ripe old age of 16. His first job was with Michael T. Strickland driving in a snowstorm to Lexington, Kentucky for a Conway Twitty/Loretta Lynn show. He was just a kid, but a kid with a big heart and a bigger personality.
Kent had Gino Vanelli hair before there was a Gino Vanelli. The girls loved him! The first few years of his career he was known as Kunta, a variation on Kent. He then became known as Snake, and that name followed him the rest of his life.
The tours Kent worked on are too numerous to list, with the biggest artist in the world. When a new unknown artist named Garth Brooks hit the scene, Kent, Don Lockridge, and Steve Strickland were the original crew. Kent was with Garth until Garth retired in 1998. Kent was a friend to all including Garth, as he was the moving light operator.
After that Kent quickly became the lighting director for Alice Cooper and Def Leppard. Both acts loved Kent and indeed made sure he was available as they booked their tours. He bounced from one to the other non-stop. Kent’s last tour was with Def Leppard in 2004, and his last show was in Moscow. Kent had developed health problems along the way and retired in 2005 after 28 years on the road. Kent battled his health issues since that time, and this week the Lord called him home. His liver and kidneys failed him at last.
Along the way Kent had two amazing sons, Dylan and Hunter, both who will miss him very much. Those of us that knew Kent will also miss him, his warm smile, and his funny wit. His brother Eric, known as Rock, is at his 43rd year at Bandit. Kent also had a brother Kyle, a 10-year Bandit, and a sister Amy. While we all knew he was ill, it is still a shock to see this chapter close as we move forward. He was only 64 years old. His entire family will miss him.
As for me, I am saddened beyond belief. Kent was my brother Steve’s best friend growing up. I had known him since he was 10. He came to Bandit at 16. He was a fixture on Kenny Rogers and Alabama tours for years. He was like my little brother. I love him with all my heart. While we may see these moments coming, they still take our breath away.
Kent, be safe and Godspeed. Please know that your entire Bandit family loves you and we will miss you forever. He was placed in the Bandit Hall of Fame when he retired, but now he is with The Lord.
You may be gone Kent, but rest assured, you will never be forgotten. Tell Steve Hoover we all say hi!
-Michael T. Strickland
About Bandit Lites, Inc.
Bandit Lites is a full-service design, management and producer of live events, theatrical productions, and live shows. Bandit Lites has a full staff of highly trained professionals to deal with all types of production needs. Bandit’s presence will ensure seamless transitions no matter where your next show takes you. More information available at www.BanditLites.com