About Me
I am so excited to share a special project with you—a website dedicated to celebrating the rich legacy of SHOWCO and the incredible individuals who made it a household name in live music. This platform is not just about history; it’s a heartfelt space for SHOWCO alumni to come together and share their memories, photographs, achievements, and personal stories. Together, we’re weaving a beautiful tapestry of the SHOWCO experience.
My journey began with my father, Donnie (DK) Kretzschmar, a talented sound engineer for SHOWCO and a remarkable survivor of the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash. His story—and those of many others—moved me deeply and inspired me to create this resource. I also felt compelled to find ways to support our alumni who may need assistance accessing critical healthcare resources, especially for issues like hearing loss and other occupational health challenges that are all too common in the live music industry. If you feel inclined, you can help this cause by purchasing SHOWCO merchandise; a portion of the proceeds will go directly to support SHOWCO alumni and a chosen industry charity, ensuring that these dedicated professionals receive the care they deserve.
As I explored my father's archives, it became clear to me that SHOWCO's legacy is a collective one, reflecting the contributions of a remarkable community. I reached out to SHOWCO alumni, inviting them to share their stories and artifacts, which we are combining to create a living tribute to their invaluable impact on live performances.
Showco.co is a labor of love aimed at preserving our family history—the SHOWCO family, the people who brought extraordinary music experiences to life. I hope to capture this legacy for future generations who cherish live music and want to understand the ever-evolving technology behind unforgettable concerts.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed, encouraged, and supported this project. Your involvement means so much to me, as it goes beyond preserving SHOWCO’s history; it honors the passion and dedication of all those who made it possible. Your support ensures that the amazing legacy of SHOWCO will always be remembered.
Please join me in spreading the word that SHOWCO's impact deserves recognition from the City of Dallas and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Together, we can ensure that this important story continues to be shared and celebrated!
– Indigo Kretzschmar-May (DK’s little girl)
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.
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!
Showco Shirt Wall of Fame
