1985–1989: Digital Shifts, New Frontiers
From 1985 to 1989, touring entered a new phase—digital gear, brighter lights, and bigger expectations on every stop. Showco crews adapted fast, keeping up with rapid changes in technology and the demands of a new era on the road.
This section of the archive highlights Showco’s work during the late ’80s, with materials from tours by artists who pushed the boundaries of live production. You’ll find photos, itineraries, technical docs, and crew memorabilia, all preserved and shared as they’re located and digitized.
I’m building this archive by hand and will keep adding materials as they’re found and identified.
Were you on the road, in the crowd, or working with Showco between 1985 and 1989?
If you have photos, passes, documents, or stories from this era, please contact me to help expand this part of the archive.
Brian Setzer 1985 Stage Plot
Charlie Daniels Stage plot 1985
George Jones Stage Plot 1985
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers & Bob Dylan Stage-plot Farm Aid Sept.22 1985
1985 Birthday Card to Eric Carr from Showco
1985 Birthday Card to Eric Carr from Showco
1985 Birthday Card to Eric Carr from Showco - From Jack Maxson, Robin Magruder, and Rusty Brutsche
Poem to my father (Donnie Kretzschmar; written by alum Chari Short. Sent prior to a vacation my Mom and Dad were taking to Mexico. Shortly before my father's passing in March of 1986.
Dad's 1967 Camaro parked at the GACC - 1985
Dad's 1967 Camaro at White Rock Lake with himself, Benji LeFevre, and 'Wild' Bill Martin - 1985
Select an Artist to View Ephemera (1985-1989)
From the Office
Running a touring sound company took more than road cases and mixing boards. These internal memos offer a rare look at how Showco operated behind the scenes — from policy updates and crew announcements to the day-to-day business of keeping the show on the road.