Kirby Wyatt

Showco Lighting Department/Showco Creative Services

1971-1995

In 1972, Showco made a bold move by adding lighting to its services, led by the innovative Kirby Wyatt, who used industrial equipment like lifts and trusses to rig lights above stages.

As the head of Showco's lighting department, Kirby recognized the demand for groundbreaking solutions. He envisioned a Par 64 light capable of changing colors and challenged his team with three specifications:

1. Colors must change with random access.

2. Changes should occur in a quarter of a second.

3. At least six colors should be available.

By 1992, Vari-Lite revolutionized the industry with its Series 300 system and VL5 wash luminaire. This compact and silently operating gear opened new markets, shifting from rentals to sales and gaining traction in corporate events, thanks in part to Kirby Wyatt’s establishment of Showco Creative Services in 1980, which evolved into the Vari-Lite subsidiary IGNITION! Creative Group, Inc.

Kirby also played a key role in the iconic Reunion Tower "The Ball" light installation at the Hyatt Hotel in Dallas, Texas in 1978(Feb. 2nd). Despite the era's technological limitations, he expertly programmed sequences that maximized visual impact, demonstrating his innovative spirit and reshaping the lighting industry.

Furthermore, Kirby is credited in Led Zeppelin's 'The Song Remains the Same' for his contributions to visual effects and lighting.

Kirby Wyatt: 1967

Kirby Wyatt

"One of the coolest people to ever stare into a Par Can".

"One thing Zep, the Stones AND Bill Shatner had in common in the late '70's was Showco. Zep and the Stones had the same lighting designer - Kirby Wyatt of Showco."

"I learned more from him than anyone else in my career. He was patient and forgiving when I made mistakes, and I still apply his teachings daily. In my opinion, he was a pioneer and one of the best in our industry—truly ahead of his time."

"I still remember my interview with Kirby. He gave me an extensive tour of the building, and as we walked into the light shop, which was empty after six o'clock, I couldn't help but ask him why we were doing the tour. Was I hired? He replied, “Oh yeah, didn’t I tell you?” Sweet memories."

"In 1976, during a Who tour, we traveled in a cold bus with a broken heater. Kirby bought two kerosene heaters and set them up in the sleeping area, unaware of the fume dangers. When we woke up, I thought we had died...lol. I kept one of the heaters."

"In 1971, Joe Osborne and I found Kirby in Columbus, Ohio. We needed someone to build a set for our trip to Europe. Working with him changed our lives. He was truly ahead of his time. Every day, I think about the knowledge and patience he shared with me. There was simply no one like him."

"Kirby introduced me to Broadway musicals, starting with Les Misérables. Later, he invited me to see Jesus Christ Superstar in Dallas. I will always cherish the Showco album he gifted me. I will miss him dearly. He also made costumes by hand, as shown in that great photo with the sewing machine!"

He was a talented, no nonsense, lighting guy. So creative. At his memorial they had buttons made with sayings that Kirby used often. "Who’s we, do you have a mouse in your pocket?" "We can find someone off the street to do that job." "Let me say this about that."