Roy Snyder
Chester “Roy Boy” Snyder, Jr. was a proud SHOWCO alum (1975–1983) who worked Monitors and FOH, and he lived for the craft—equal parts problem-solver, storyteller, and road-tested pro. A UT Austin grad (Class of ’75), Roy Boy’s first SHOWCO run was with Wings, and he went on to rack up miles and memories with some of the biggest names out there. He always said Linda Ronstadt was his favorite, and that Van Halen was the most fun—exactly the kind of detail that tells you he wasn’t just watching history happen, he was living it from the inside.
Roy Boy even kept what amounts to a roadie diary—capturing the moments between the moments, the people behind the gear, and the little stories that never make the headlines. I’m sharing this page in his memory, with gratitude for the years he gave to the SHOWCO family and the legacy he left behind. If you knew Roy Boy, worked alongside him, or have a story, photo, or remembrance you’d like included here, please reach out—I’d love to help keep his name and his stories alive.
Artists/credits :
Richard Pryor | Thin Lizzy | Mary Kay
Rufus & Chaka Khan | Rolling Stones | The Who
Wings | Bentwood Spectacular | Kinks
The Baby’s | CBS Convention | Bugs Henderson
Joel Gray | Joe Ely | US Festival
Leon Redbone | Jerry Seinfield | ZZTop
The Sparkplugs | New Orleans Festival | Beach Boys
Ray Charles | Kenny Loggins | James Taylor
Mardi Gras | Diana Ross | Waylon & Friends
Gatlin Brothers | Blues Brothers | Linda Ronstadt
Doug Kershaw | Kim Carnes | Van Halen
Saga |
A few captured interviews with Chester “Roy Boy” Snyder, Jr.—in his own words—plus a handful of Roy’s own board recordings and working notes (EQ/settings, soundchecks, and more). I’m also linking out to other released board recordings connected to Roy, so his ear, his approach, and his behind-the-scenes perspective can keep teaching and inspiring. If you have additional recordings, photos, or memories of Roy you’d like to add here, please reach out.