Johnny “JW’ Roberts

From his first tour with Black Oak Arkansas to Van Halen’s last, Johnny “JW” Roberts has lived the life of a true rock ’n’ roll road warrior. As a dedicated monitor engineer for SHOWCO, JW’s steady hands and sharp ears helped shape the onstage experience for some of the biggest acts in music history.

Known for his unwavering work ethic, quick wit, and ability to keep the show running no matter what, JW’s legacy is woven into the fabric of live touring. His journey from the early days with Black Oak Arkansas to the final curtain with Van Halen is a testament to a lifetime spent behind the scenes—bringing legendary performances to life, one show at a time.

This page celebrates JW’s remarkable career and features a gallery of original ephemera, stories, and memories from his years on the road with SHOWCO.

JW with Showco horn- 1978 GERMANY GENESIS

Bill Gans, JW, Mark Hughes, Bruce Schertz - Showco reunion @GACC

SRV denim jacket - available in JW's closet

Beach behind Karl Marx Theatre Havana Jam 1979-JW in Showco shirt

Arrival Havana waiting to be let in - 1979

Cuban Aftermath we were Tired after load out - Copy.jpg

unload trucks in Miami to put on plane for Havana Jam 1979

Blues Brothers Judy's Book (very cool).jpg

Tom, Kevin, Gary, JW@monitor - Boston tour

Rolling Stones 1981 S.T.A.B. courier bag - JW

Signed Jeff Beck Group framed print - JW

Boston 1987 Crew denim jacket (available in swag shop)

SHOWCO SHIRT JW, TH, Karen?- GENESIS CREW PIC

JB CURTIS CAMPBELL GUNQUE PARTY-JW ROYS HOUSE.JPG

MICHAEL ANTHONY, TOMMYE, JW-VAN HALEN REHEARSALS-LA

Leroy and JW smoking the evidence before border GENESIS

JW, Fran, Cosmo Boston end of tour Dinner

5-11-1978 Genesis NYC - JW, Dale, Groovy

GENESIS-1978-EUROPE-SCHERTZ-ROBERTS (1).jpg