Lawrence “Craig” Satterfield
Showco Lighting | Photographer | 1972–1975
Lawrence “Craig” Satterfield was one of the original three lighting crew members when Showco first began providing concert lighting. A friend of Showco co-founder Jack Maxson, Craig joined early and spent the first half of the 1970s touring and providing lighting for a wide range of artists and major events.
His Showco work included Cat Stevens’ Catch Bull at 4 Tour (1973); Led Zeppelin’s 1973–1975 tours; Joe Cocker at the Hollywood Bowl (1973); Bread (1974); The Carpenters (1974); Black Oak Arkansas (1974); ZZ Top (1975); Leon Russell’s 1974–1975 tours; Dr. John in Harlingen, Texas; Steve Miller Band (1975); California Jam (1974); and the Tampa, Florida Festival (1974).
Craig was also a photographer and took many photographs while working on the road, documenting artists, productions, crew members and moments from Showco’s early years. His photographs, tour shirts and personal recollections now help preserve another firsthand view of the people behind the shows.
After his touring years, Craig remained in the lighting industry and became the owner of a commercial and residential lighting company.
In his Showco Archives oral history, Craig shares personal memories of concert lighting, touring, backstage life and the people he encountered along the way.
Have a memory, correction, photograph or story connected to Craig or these tours? Use the Add to the Story feature at the bottom of the page to help preserve the history.
In His Own Words: Craig Satterfield
Craig Satterfield shares memories from Showco’s early lighting years, life on the road, the artists and crew he encountered, and the photographs, shirts and stories that help preserve that history today.
Showco lighting-tower design drawing from Craig Satterfield’s collection, showing the lamp array and wheeled base.
Showco Modular Systems brochure showing the SB loudspeaker system and cabinets. From Craig Satterfield’s collection.
Showco SB-1 subwoofer specification sheet listing cabinet dimensions, components and performance details. Craig Satterfield collection.
Craig Satterfield’s metal touring briefcase covered with concert and travel stickers, including Elvis and Carpenters designs.
Side view of Craig Satterfield’s touring briefcase, showing a ZZ Top sticker wrapped around the metal case.
Craig Satterfield’s touring briefcase with worn Bread, Leon Russell, Nilsson and Ryder stickers, preserving traces of life on the road.
Cat Stevens at the piano, early 1970s. Photograph by Craig Satterfield, who recalls building lighting for his first Cat Stevens tour.
Craig Satterfield beside a Led Zeppelin shadow box containing a guitar, photographs and tour memorabilia.
James Taylor singing and playing acoustic guitar under red stage lighting, early 1970s. Photograph by Craig Satterfield.
Leon Russell performing in a white suit and hat, circa 1974–1975. Photograph by Showco lighting crew member Craig Satterfield.
Leon Russell at the piano, viewed from behind, circa 1974–1975. Photograph by Craig Satterfield during his Showco touring years.
Jimmy Page with pigeons onstage, 1973. Craig Satterfield links this photograph to his recollection of Led Zeppelin’s stadium bird release.
John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page with violin bow
Robert Plant
CRaig Satterfield self portrait
Bread On the Road Showco Backstage pass
Cat Stevens backstage pass
ZZ Top Little Rock 11-24 Backstage Pass
ZZ Top on tour backstage pass
💬 Add to the Story
Do you know this alumnus? Attend one of the shows? Recognize someone in a photo?
I'd love to hear your memories, stories, corrections, or additional information. Your contributions help preserve The Family Behind the Music.
Every memory shared here helps make the Showco Archives more complete for future generations.
indigo@showcoarchives.com or comment below.