Inside the World of Showco Archives with Indigo Kretzschmar-May, Johnny Roberts and Blake Dewberry
Explore the legacy of Showco in live entertainment technology, from pioneering innovations to preserving history through Indigo Kretschmar May's archival efforts. Discover how industry standards were set and the ongoing efforts to document and celebrate this influential company. Explore the rich history of Showco, legendary sound companies, and iconic moments in live music production, featuring insights from industry veterans Blake and Johnny.
Geezers Of Gear Episode #353
Indigo is the founder and solo operator of Showco Archives. As the daughter of legendary senior Showco sound engineer Donnie 'DK' Kretzschmar, she grew up surrounded by the history of the crews who built stadium touring from scratch. Today, she meticulously catalogs thousands of legacy artifacts and spearheads the campaign to induct Showco into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Jonny is a legendary monitor engineer. Over a four-decade career, Jonny has shaped the live sound for an unparalleled roster of icons—including Jackson Browne during the Running on Empty era, Genesis, The Who, and The Bee Gees—capping off his journey behind the console for Van Halen’s final tour.
Blake is the reason your ears were ringing, as a premier sound guy for the legendary Showco, he was on the front lines of live music’s loudest era. We’re talking Van Halen in their prime, The Who, Aerosmith's reunion, and Bad Company. He mixed the smooth soul of Frankie Beverly & Maze, the outlaw country of Waylon Jennings, and the heavy metal madness of Mötley Crüe, Ratt, and Bon Jovi.
This episode is brought to you by Main Light and ETC
Chapters
00:00 The Live Nation Debate
06:47 Honoring Shoko's Legacy
10:09 Introduction to the Panel
11:44 Growing Up in a Shoko Household
14:54 Audio Challenges and Early Experiences
17:56 Memorable Moments in Music History
20:59 Surviving the Leonard Skinner Plane Crash
23:58 Documenting Music History
26:54 The Evolution of Sound Equipment
29:55 The Impact of Shoko on the Industry
32:51 The Transition to Digital Sound
36:00 The Role of Crew in Live Events
38:54 Reflections on the Past and Future of Sound
41:53 The Importance of Team Dynamics
44:52 Final Thoughts and Legacy
50:43 Introduction to Gears of Gear Podcast
51:04 Unveiling the Ultimo Sharpie: A New Era in Lighting
52:09 The Evolution of Lighting Technology
55:08 Archiving Music History
58:11 Challenges in Promoting Legacy
01:01:02 The Passion Behind the Project
01:04:04 Connecting with the Music Community
01:07:09 Personal Stories and Industry Insights
01:17:44 Legacy of the Rolling Stones and Personal Connections
01:20:20 The Evolution of Live Sound Production
01:21:21 The Impact of Shoko on Live Events
01:24:36 Memorable Concert Experiences
01:29:36 Reflections on Iconic Performances
01:32:10 The Influence of David Bowie and Other Legends
01:34:38 Preserving Music History
01:37:42 Future Aspirations and Collaborations
01:44:11 Introduction to MainLight and Its Offerings
01:45:13 Geezers Outro Video.mp4
Archivist/Solopreneur
I’m the founder and solo archivist behind [Showco Archives](https://www.showcoarchives.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com), an independent preservation project centered on “The Family Behind the Music.” As the daughter of longtime Showco sound engineer Donnie “DK” Kretzschmar, I grew up surrounded by the people, stories, and culture that helped define rock ’n’ roll touring. Through oral histories, rare memorabilia, backstage ephemera, and alumni stories, I work to preserve the human side of SHOWCO. This pioneering Dallas-based concert sound company helped shape modern live sound and touring production. Proceeds from the archive support preservation efforts, Showco alumni, and music industry charities including MusiCares and Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.
Retired
Black Oak Arkansas 1st Tour
Elvin Bishop
AWB
ALI -Spinks New Orleans
Genesis
Jackson Browne Running on Empty
Havana Jam
The Clash
Judas Priest
The New Barbarians
BEE GEES Spirits Having Flown (Saturday Night Fever)
ZZ TOP
Blues Brothers
The Who
The Stones
Van Halen US Festival
ZZ Top
Julian Lennon
Aerosmith
Boston
SRV & Jeff Beck
Bee Gees
ZZ Top
Joe Satriani
Bob Dylan
SoundGarden
ZZ Top
Bad Company
Joe Satriani
BEE Gee’s 1 Night Only Vegas
Black Sabbath
Live
Audio Slave Letterman Marquee
Van Halen Last tour for me THE END
Int'l. Dude of Leisure, ESQ.
Showco sound guy
'79 - Beach Boyz, REO Speedwagon, Bad Company - Desolation Angels
'80 - Van Halen - WACF tour
'81 - Van Halen - Fair Warning
'82 - Sheena Easton, Waylon Jennings, The WHO
'83 - Robert Plant/wPhil Collins (drums)- Principle of Moments, Rick Springfeild
'84 - Patty Smyth/John Waite- Co Head line w/ EVH, Quiet Riot- Bang yer Head,
Motley Crue - Shout at the Devil - with (6) Ozzy shows..
Aerosmith - Back in the Saddle tour
'85 - Frankie Beverly/Maze...
Ratt/Bon Jovi - thats it
