Rusty Brutsche helped build Showco as an engineer, touring sound mixer, and business leader. In 1970, he joined Jack Calmes and Jack Maxson in establishing the Dallas touring sound company. David Alley was also an important early principal, contributing to its business and financial backing.

Before Showco, Brutsche played bass in Soul Society alongside Calmes and Alley. An electrical engineering graduate of Southern Methodist University, he worked at Texas Instruments. Jim Bornhorst recalled that Brutsche also built the sound system for Soul City, the Dallas club opened by Calmes and Angus Wynne.

Engineering for the road

Showco developed powerful, modular sound systems that crews could transport, assemble, and maintain from one show to the next. Brutsche’s engineering work was closely connected to his experience on tour, including several years mixing Led Zeppelin during the 1970s.

The Superboard illustrates that collaboration. Jack Maxson wrote the specifications, Brutsche handled the mechanical design, and Jim Bornhorst designed the electronics and circuit boards. The console followed earlier mixer and console work by Chuck Conrad.

Supporting a new kind of lighting

During Showco’s financial difficulties in 1980, Brutsche took control and reduced its operations while supporting further development. Jim Bornhorst, Tom Walsh, and John Covington worked on the lighting prototype; Brooks Taylor wrote software for the touring control system. Maxson’s suggestion to add movement expanded the project’s possibilities.

Brutsche and Bornhorst demonstrated the prototype to Genesis. Backing from the band and manager Tony Smith helped turn it into a touring system. Vari-Lite made its public debut in Barcelona on September 25, 1981, at the opening of Genesis’ Abacab tour.

Leadership across changing companies

Brutsche continued leading the business as Vari-Lite grew internationally. Showco’s sound operation was sold to Clair Brothers in 2000. Later chapters included VLPS and its 2004 combination with Production Resource Group (PRG), where Brutsche served as vice-chairman.

He and Bornhorst retired in March 2013 after decades of collaboration. Brutsche’s career brought together engineering, touring experience, and the business decisions needed to keep developing equipment for live performance. His recognition includes the Wally Russell Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sources and related histories

Hear Rusty’s NAMM oral history and Jim Bornhorst’s 2018 presentation. Read the 2021 Vari-Lite participant retrospective.

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