These short clips were recorded during early documentary outreach and preserved as part of the Showco Archives. They capture firsthand reflections from former clients and friends of Showco—what it felt like on the road, and why the work mattered.
Add your voice to the archive!
If you crossed paths with Showco—on tour, backstage, in the shop, or out in the field—and you’d like to contribute a short video reflection, please reach out via the Contact page and note ‘Client Reflections.’ If possible, please keep videos to 3 minutes or less.
Recorded during early documentary outreach for the Showco story, this short message from Chester Thompson (drummer for Genesis) reflects firsthand support for preserving the Showco legacy.
Recorded during early documentary outreach for the Showco story, this short message from Joe Satriani was made possible with help from Showco alumnus Johnny ‘JW’ Roberts. Joe graciously lent his support to preserving the Showco legacy.
Recorded during early documentary outreach for the Showco story, this short message from Leland Sklar was the first testimonial collected for the archive—filmed while he was in town on tour, in support of the Showco legacy.
Recorded during early documentary outreach for the Showco story, this short message from Mike Rutherford of Genesis reflects firsthand support for preserving the Showco legacy.
Related Historical Testimony: Phil Collins on Genesis and Showco
In this BBC interview, Phil Collins recalls Genesis rehearsing in Dallas in 1974, with Peter Gabriel still in the band, and questioning why stages needed banks of separate colored lights when one light might be able to change colors.
Phil explains that Showco—the Dallas sound-and-light company—took the idea and ran with it, helping develop what became Vari-Lite.
This interview adds valuable context to the firsthand reflections gathered through Showco Archives outreach, including contributions from Genesis member Mike Rutherford, longtime Genesis touring drummer Chester Thompson, and Leland Sklar.
Together, these voices help preserve Showco’s broader history: its relationships with artists, its influence on live production, and the people and ideas behind the music.