Showco

Showco is a sound equipment provider of touring sound reinforcement equipment and services to the concert touring industry, based in Dallas, Texas.

Showco was established in 1970 by Jack Maxson and Rusty Brutsche, and is famous for helping to pioneer post Woodstock-era stadium rock shows by providing state-of-the-art sound equipment for famous acts such as Led Zeppelin, Three Dog Night and James Taylor.cite journal |title=Showco Marks 30th Anniversary; Concert Sound Pioneer Set the Stage for Concert Touring Industry |journal=Business Wire |date=March 2, 2000 |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2000_March_2/ai_59702713 |accessdate=2008-04-12 ]

According to Brutsche:

With Showco equipment and services, the star performers could count on reliable and consistent sound reproduction at different venues. Showco introduced such features as mixing gear and stage monitors to aid the musicians. The equipment was also built to handle rugged touring schedules, outdoor weather conditions and quick assembly and disassembly.cite journal |title=Showco Marks 30th Anniversary; Concert Sound Pioneer Set the Stage for Concert Touring Industry |journal=Business Wire |date=March 2, 2000 |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2000_March_2/ai_59702713 |accessdate=2008-04-12 ]

Later forays into stage lighting led to the 1981 formation of sister company Vari-Lite, Inc.cite journal |title=Showco Marks 30th Anniversary; Concert Sound Pioneer Set the Stage for Concert Touring Industry |journal=Business Wire |date=March 2, 2000 |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2000_March_2/ai_59702713 |accessdate=2008-04-12 ]

The list of artists that Showco has provided equipment for is extensive, including Jesus Christ Superstar; Led Zeppelin; Three Dog Night; Mountain; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Lee Michaels, Grand Funk Railroad; the Osmonds; Rare Earth; Cat Stevens; David Cassidy; Little Feat; The Band; Wishbone Ash; Genesis; Eric Clapton; Leon Russell; James Taylor; Linda Ronstadt; Carole King; Jackson Browne; The Kinks; Commodores; Guess Who; Nazareth; The Average White Band; Black Oak Arkansas; Thin Lizzy; Golden Earring; Robert Palmer; The Moody Blues; Yoko Ono; REO Speedwagon; Ted Nugent; Uriah Heep; Willie Nelson; the Beach Boys; Lynyrd Skynyrd; Bad Company; Freddie King; Alice Cooper; Peter Gabriel; ZZ Top; Bee Gees; Wings; all the way through more current tours like Paul McCartney solo; The Rolling Stones; David Bowie; The Who; Prince; Julian Lennon; Bob Seger; Diana Ross; Janet Jackson; Reba McEntire; Vince Gill; Alan Jackson; Clint Black; George Michael; INXS; Phil Collins; Mick Jagger solo; Boston; Santana; Bon Jovi; Guns N' Roses; Britney Spears; 'N Sync; Ozzy Osbourne & Ozzfest; Korn; Limp Bizkit.cite journal |last=Short |first=Chari |title = Showco Reunion |journal = Total Production US |date=May, 2005 |url =http://www.totalproductionus.com/sitefiles/May05_showco.htm |accessdate=2008-04-13 ]

References

External links

* [http://www.clairshowco.com Clair Brothers, Showco website]
* [http://www.thewho.net/whotabs/equipment/equip-pa.htm#s197576 The Showco PA provided for The Who's 1975-1976 tour]