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This page is all about the FOS (Friends of Showco) the folks and organizations who’ve had our backs, shared the road, or helped keep the Showco spirit alive. If you know someone who should be part of this extended family, or if you’ve got updates, just give me a shout. Let’s keep the good vibes and connections rolling
FAMILY & FRIENDS OF SHOWCO
Peter Asher
Peter Asher’s legendary music career began in 1964 as one-half of the singing duo Peter & Gordon, who amassed nine “Top 20” records during their career. After heading A & R for the Beatles’ record company, Apple, Asher then founded Peter Asher Management, which has become one of the most successful Artist Management companies in the U.S. Asher’s roster of clients includes such world-class recording artists as James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman, and Carole King. As a producer, Asher has worked with such diverse artists as Billy Joel, Morrissey, Elvis Costello, 10,000 Maniacs, Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Linda Ronstadt, Ringo Starr, Cher, Robin Williams, Jane Monheit, Robbie Williams, Kenny Loggins, Heart, The Dixie Chicks, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Hans Zimmer and many others including the exceptional roster of artists featured on Songmasters’ productions, such as Stevie Nicks, Jackson Brown, Patrick Stump, Cobra Starship, and dozens more.
Jan Michael Alejandro (Jan Al Cases)
This photo is from Jan's first tour as a roadie, and his first tour working with SHOWCO.1977 Iggy Pop Idiot Tour with David Bowie playing keyboards. That’s Jan back left. c1977 Bob Gruen Photography
A poem he wrote dedicated to all his touring friends past and present...
“Without the Rocket”
We all started out by plugging it in and unplugging it
Wrapping a cable
Lifting and loading
Holding a flashlight
Reading a manual
We would soak it up from our peers before us
Wanting to get the gig,
then wondering how to pull it off
Sometimes we would fuck it up
Sometimes we would make the impossible happen.
It was never just rock 'n roll
We were not the artist, but when the lights went up and the show started, we all shared that roar and rumble
We all made the magic happen
Getting high without the rocket
It got lonely
Money didn't matter
Relationships and marriages suffered
Life on the road has its costs
But we were taken to places that we may never have been able to go
Met great people along the way
We were mostly in the background, but wouldn't trade it for the world
We have the stories ...and no regrets
-JMA
JAN-AL CASES
Friends of SHOWCO
Joey Chardukian
Clinton Ray Birdwell
Clinton Ray Birdwell
Showco/Vari-Lite
Joey also happens to be married to my Mom.
- Indigo K-May
Graham Collins
Clinton Ray Birdwell
Barbara 'Butter Queen' Cope
"I was 18 years old when I started working alongside Showco. The staff showed me kindness, support, and trust, which set me on a touring career founded on dedication, integrity, and loyalty." - GC 2024
Mike 'Kiddo' Kidson
Barbara 'Butter Queen' Cope
Mike 'Kiddo' Kidson
Drum Tech - Phil Collins, Bill Bruford, Peter Van Hooke, Paul McCartney
Personal Assistant, Tour Manager/Director - Robert Plant, Phil Collins, Billy Ray Martin, Eric Clapton, The Who, UB40, ACDC, TLC
Simon Kidson
Barbara 'Butter Queen' Cope
Mike 'Kiddo' Kidson
Son of FOS, Mike Kidson
Edd Kolakowski
Edd Kolakowski
Edd Kolakowski
Piano Tuner for Sound Productions
Daniel Koniar
Edd Kolakowski
Edd Kolakowski
"I started as a Vari*Lite operator, working with Showco and ShowLites in Dallas. I worked on tours with James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt (who had some of the first Vari*Lites after Genesis), and Bowie. I joined Vari*Lite 1984-1994 and worked with artists like Morris Day and Journey, as well as on corporate events, TV productions, and movies. Now, I have been working in sports television for over 25 years with FOX, CBS, and NBC."
-Dan
Ernesto Juan (Documentarian)
Havana Jam '79 Sizzle Reel
Denton Monogram (or Denton Tom) - Original t-shirt film positives.
Shipping Notice
Orders placed between August 29th and September 6th will be shipped on September 8th. Thank you for your patience while I’m away—your support means a lot, and I’ll get your order out as soon as I return.