SHOWCO®️

If you're a fan of live rock music, you've likely heard the defining sounds of Led Zeppelin, Prince, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, and other genre giants. But did you know that the company behind many of those unforgettable sounds was a small Dallas-based company called SHOWCO? Founded in 1965 by Angus Wynne III and Jack Calmes, as SHOWCO Concert Promotions, they quickly became known for bringing top acts to the city, including Bob Dylan, The Doors, and the Beach Boys. SHOWCO’s first large show was the Texas International Pop Festival in 1969. The show was a success in terms of artists and attendance, but not financially. After this, Angus left the concert promotion business and Jack officially turned SHOWCO(est. 1970) into a touring sound reinforcement company with new partners Rusty Brutsche and Jack Maxson. Through trial and error, the team at SHOWCO developed cutting-edge gear that soon had Three Dog Night, Led Zeppelin, and Steppenwolf as their first three touring acts. From the 1970s to the present, SHOWCO's ingenuity has significantly impacted rock and roll's direction, culture, technology, performance, and even its basic business practices. By the 1980s, SHOWCO had become one of the biggest sound providers in the world. If you're a fan of rock music, you owe it to yourself to learn more about the company that helped shape the sound of some of the greatest bands of all time.

About Me

A little about me, Showco Archives, and my website, dedicated to celebrating the rich legacy of SHOWCO and the incredible individuals who made it a household name in live music.

My name is Indigo, and my journey is one rooted in both personal history and a profound sense of responsibility to honor those who shaped the soundtracks of our lives. My father, Donnie (DK) Kretzschmar, was not only a visionary sound engineer for SHOWCO but also a survivor of the tragic Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash—a trauma that ultimately claimed him years later. His resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication inspired me, and it’s his legacy, along with the countless untold stories of SHOWCO’s pioneers, that compelled me to establish this heartfelt project: Showco.co and Showco Archives on social media.

As one of the very first children born into the Showco family, I had a front-row seat to music history. From attending rehearsals and electrifying live shows to witnessing legendary after-parties, my childhood was immersed in the magic and camaraderie of SHOWCO. I was truly musically spoiled—and profoundly grateful.

Exploring my father's archives opened my eyes to something bigger than any single story. SHOWCO’s legacy is the legacy of a community—one built on innovation, teamwork, and the pursuit of perfection in live performance. I reached out to SHOWCO alumni, inviting them to share their memories and artifacts, to weave together a living, breathing tribute to their extraordinary contributions. Each story, each photograph, each backstage pass is a testament to the passion and commitment that made SHOWCO a force in live music.

But preserving history is only part of my mission. Many of our alumni face serious health challenges today—hearing loss and other occupational hazards that too often go overlooked in the concert industry. My father was no exception. That’s why I created The Showco Crew Swag Shop: a way for me to give back to those who gave us so much. When you purchase SHOWCO merchandise, your support goes directly to providing critical healthcare resources for our alumni and to a chosen industry charity. Every item you buy is more than swag; it’s a lifeline and a gesture of gratitude.

Showco Archives and Showco.co are labors of love, dedicated to safeguarding our shared history—the SHOWCO family, the engineers and roadies, the visionaries behind unforgettable concerts. My goal is to ensure that these stories, and the spirit of innovation they represent, live on for future generations who cherish the thrill of live music.

Now, I ask for your help. Please join me in spreading the word so that SHOWCO’s immense impact receives the recognition it deserves from the City of Dallas and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With your support, we can make sure these incredible people and their achievements are honored and remembered.

Let’s work together to enshrine the legacy of SHOWCO—not just for those who came before, but for everyone who believes in the transformative power of live music.

I Thank You

– Indigo Kretzschmar-May (DK’s little girl)

Genesis Crew photo from the 1976 Trick of the Tail tour. Taken in Belgium.

The staff at SHOWCO were an extraordinary group of people from diverse backgrounds who pioneered the rock and roll touring industry. Roadies, lighting designers, sound engineers, woodshop designers, accountants, and tour managers all contributed to the success of the industry. These dedicated individuals came from all corners of the country, recruited by various means, whether it be through newspaper ads, word-of-mouth, or merely spotting a SHOWCO tee at a concert.

Their contribution was invaluable to the evolution of music history, yet they worked tirelessly behind the scenes, behind the music, the band, and the stage without realising the significance of their efforts. They used every technology, talent, and tool available to make the dream come to life, and fifty years on, they remain a tightly-knit group that's more like a family than friends. SHOWCO was, and still is, the family behind the music, making their contribution to music history a legacy that will always be remembered.

Learn more

Please browse the site and see how SHOWCO, and the musicians and performers of all kinds were able to reach more people than they ever thought possible, to perform for those bigger audiences. The “family” of SHOWCO made it happen forever changing the way we all see, hear, and experience live music.

Come back often as I am adding content daily!

Testimonials

"Indigo - You are family and we trust you with the legacy. I was only part of Showco for a few years but I loved doing the work but loved the people more. My co-workers were a mix of diverse people from many different backgrounds who came together for one reason “to make it happen” . Day after day, night after night one goal, one team. We all breathed a collective sigh of relief each night the lights dropped and the show started.
I see this as the house lights dropping for you, let’s get this going!"

- Larry Cox 2023

Showco Alum

"Showco was a company that made a serious impression on how to do things in the industry, which fueled my desire to get into the Touring Industry."

- Marshall Sweeten 2024

House Electrician - Etess Arena

I wanted to say that I’m so happy you are doing this. I’ve always thought that the story of those hard-working guys would be something people would want to read. Kirby Wyatt (Showco alum) always rolled his eyes when I said that and said, “My dear, no one cares.” I still miss him to this day.

I admire your wanting to honor your Dad. I didn’t know him well, as Keny left in 1978, but the few times I was with him, I thought he was a sweet man. My take on these “roadies” was that even though their job seemed cool and sexy, they were just a bunch of ordinary guys that fell into the job of a lifetime…one with such cool memories. BUT they worked their asses off and solved whatever crazy problem that came up. The show went on no matter what they had to do or how many hours of sleep it cost them. I don’t think people realize how HARD they worked. Anyway, Indigo, good for you and good luck. Donnie would have been proud.

- Camilla Whitright 2024

"Thank you for putting this website together, I still to this day consider myself part of the Showco family. As a young man making his way in the world, I learned many lifelong lessons while working there from people like your Dad (Donnie), Jim, Robin, M. L., JW, Kirby, Gary, BJ and others.

- Michael Garvey 2024

Electronics

Dear Indigo,

My name is Edd Kolakowski and I was fortunate to have worked with (and befriended) your father on Led Zeppelin's 1977 tour. At that time, I was employed by Showco's "sister" company in Dallas, Sound Productions. We supplied concert pianos, Hammond organs and Leslie speakers and our personnel traveled together with the Showco crews. It was a big, happy family in reality. Our two companies were involved in so many tours together over the years.

I was always very proud to be included in the company of such talented, friendly and unique individuals. And needless to say, with our collective determination, sacrifices and superlative gear, we consistently delivered the very best concerts for the greatest artists of their day.

I recently learned of your Showco project and want to commend you on recording for posterity all that was accomplished by those hard working and unsung heroes and to hear their personal memories of those exciting days. All the very best to you with your endeavors. It's truly a work of love.

Vaya con Dios,

Edd Kolakowski - 2024

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