What do Led Zeppelin & Lynyrd Skynyrd have in common? SHOWCO

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, a position it held until 2000 when it was purchased by and merged with its chief competitor, Lititz, PA-based Clair Brothers, to form Clair/Showco (now Clair Global). 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.

Genesis Crew photo with Owen, Shertz, Procise, TH, and more.

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

About Me

I have created this website, a unique and comprehensive resource, dedicated to educating live music enthusiasts about SHOWCO and the incredible individuals who made it legendary. It is also a platform for SHOWCO alums to share their memories, photographs, achievements, and more, creating a rich tapestry of the SHOWCO experience.

My motivation to start this project was to tell the story of my father, Donnie (DK) Kretzschmar, a renowned sound engineer for SHOWCO and a survivor of the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash. I also wanted to find ways to help the alums with needed healthcare resources, such as specialized treatments for hearing loss and other occupational health issues that often affect those in the live music industry.

As I delved into my father's archives, I realized that SHOWCO's story is not just about my father but about the collective legacy of its colleagues. I reached out to SHOWCO alumni, inviting them to share their stories, swag, and more. Together, we are creating a living tribute to their contributions to the world of live performances.

Showco.co is a labor of love designed to create archives for our family, the Showco family- the people who made it happen! I hope to capture the legacy of SHOWCO for future generations who love live music and want to be part of the ever-changing technology of every aspect that makes a great concert.

If interested, you can support this great project by purchasing SHOWCO apparel. A portion of the proceeds from each sale goes directly to SHOWCO Alumni via MusiCares, helping to provide much-needed healthcare resources for these industry veterans.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed, encouraged, and supported this project. Your involvement is not just about preserving SHOWCO's history, but about honoring the passion and dedication of all those who have made it possible. Your invaluable support ensures that SHOWCO's amazing legacy is never forgotten.

SHOWCO's impact should be recognized by the City of Dallas and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

-Indigo Kretzschmar-May (DK's little girl)

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!

Just a few people captured wearing a SHOWCO t-Shirt

Groovy, Craig Schertz
Photo courtesy of Karen (Schertz) Wilson

Indigo K-May & Frank Ackenback @SHOWCO Reunion

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

WELCOME

SHOWCO

About Me

Just a few people captured wearing a SHOWCO t-Shirt

Testimonials

Notice of Non-Affiliation and Disclaimer

WELCOME

SHOWCO

About Me

Just a few people captured wearing a SHOWCO t-Shirt

Testimonials

Notice of Non-Affiliation and Disclaimer

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