Collaborations, Partners & Shared History
Showco didn’t grow in a vacuum—it grew alongside the people and companies who helped shape what modern touring became. This page brings together both my current collaborations through Showco Archives and the legacy partners whose gear, support, and shared road history were part of Showco’s “upbringing” from the very beginning.
Some names here are part of the foundation: JBL, Marantz, and Crown were widely used in the systems Showco built, toured, and refined over the years—components that show up again and again in the technical story behind the shows. Others mark major turning points in the company’s timeline, including Clair Brothers, who acquired Showco in 2000 and carried that legacy forward into a new era.
On the present-day side, I’m proud to be actively collaborating with Musical Brick, whose work helps translate the scale and magic of touring into something people can see, build, and connect with in a whole new way. And I’m always open to new collaborations that align with what I’m doing here: preserving the history accurately, crediting the people who were there, and keeping the Showco story accessible for the community and the public.
If you’re a brand, builder, historian, publication, museum, school, or creator with an idea—or if you have materials that belong in this history—please contact me. I’m happy to explore collaborations, licensing conversations, exhibitions, and archive-supported projects that treat this legacy with care. - Indigo
Showco Archives x Musical Brick: Honoring the Invisible Craft
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Showco Archives x Musical Brick: Honoring the Invisible Craft *
If you’ve ever wondered who really makes a show unforgettable, you’ll find a kindred spirit in Musical Brick—the creative project of Dan Kerson, an English teacher and AI consultant based in Singapore. In his spare time, Dan recreates legendary stages in LEGO, focused not on the spotlight, but on the hidden engineering that holds it all together.
Like the Showco crew, Dan believes the real magic happens behind the scenes. Every LEGO model he builds is a tribute to the quiet perfectionism of road crews: every hidden connection, every internal support, every subsystem working together so the audience never sees the effort—just the seamless experience.
Showco’s legacy isn’t about ego or spectacle. It’s about doing the job right, pushing boundaries quietly, and making the technology disappear into the music. The audience may never know what’s happening behind the arrays and racks, but they’ll always remember how the show felt.
Dan’s approach through Musical Brick is a powerful reminder: the most transformative innovations in live music are often the ones hidden deep inside the structure, holding everything else together. Through this collaboration, we celebrate the engineers, builders, and behind-the-scenes crew whose invisible work makes the magic possible—one brick, and one memory, at a time.
Learn more about Dan’s work at musicalbrick.com.
Marantz History & Partnership
Introduction
Marantz played a crucial role in shaping the Showco sound and advancing live audio technology during the golden era of touring. This page is dedicated to chronicling the partnership between Showco and Marantz, highlighting the innovations, stories, and equipment that defined their collaboration.
Historical Context
In the 1970s and 1980s, Marantz was a key supplier and technical partner, providing high-fidelity audio equipment that powered legendary tours and iconic performances. Their gear became synonymous with sonic excellence—trusted by engineers, musicians, and the Showco crew alike.
Archive Highlights
Key Marantz Equipment Used by Showco
- Marantz 16b Module
Personal Note
As the founder and steward of Showco Archives, I’m committed to preserving the stories and technical achievements that made Showco legendary. Marantz’s legacy is woven into the fabric of our history, and I invite alumni, fans, and fellow collectors to share their own Marantz memories, photos, or technical docs.
Call to Action
If you have Marantz-related Showco stories, equipment, or images to contribute, please reach out via the contact page or alumni portal. Together, we’ll keep the legacy alive for future generations of audio and music lovers.
This page will be updated as new materials and stories surface. Thank you for being part of the Showco Archives community!
Shout-out to Jim Bornhorst for the history!
JBL History & Partnership
Introduction
JBL has been a foundational part of the Showco sound, equipping legendary tours and helping define the standard for live audio. This page is dedicated to the partnership and innovations between Showco and JBL, spotlighting the gear, stories, and milestones that shaped concert history.
Historical Context
Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and beyond, JBL loudspeakers and audio components became the backbone of Showco’s touring rigs. Their reliability and sonic clarity earned the trust of engineers, artists, and Showco crews across countless shows and venues.
Personal Note
As the founder of Showco Archives, I’ve seen firsthand how JBL’s innovations elevated the live music experience. Their contributions are integral to our story, and I welcome alumni, fans, and collectors to share their own JBL memories, photos, or technical documents.
Call to Action
Have JBL-related Showco stories, equipment, or images to contribute? Reach out via the contact page or alumni portal. Every detail helps preserve the legacy for future generations of audio lovers.
This page will be updated with new stories and materials as they become available. Thank you for supporting Showco Archives!
FRAZIER INSTALL-JBL 2470 DRIVERS
JBL-2470-HORNS-DUKANE DRIVERS
JBL-Get Into Music Satin Bomber Jacket
Wherever there's Music - JBL Satin Bomber Jacket
JBL-Showco-Vari-Lite Phil Collins Pullover
Crown & Showco
Showco and Crown grew up together on the road—Crown’s amplification became a trusted part of the systems Showco built, toured, and pushed to their limits night after night. This section brings together original archive material that reflects that shared history, preserved from the people who were there.
Donnie Kretzschmar, Richard Bratcher - Crown Ad
