Showco Founder Calmes Dies

Calmes, after graduating from Southern Methodist University in 1966, co-founded Showco, one of the industry’s best-known sound and lighting companies.

During Calmes’ tenure, Showco worked with acts like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and The Who.

He resigned in 1984 to build Syncrolite, which pioneered large-format automated lighting systems and handled the needs of concert tours, Super Bowls and Olympic events. Syncrolite earned a prime-time Emmy for illuminating “American Idol” and provided the exterior lighting for the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Calmes was also a part of the Forever Fabulous Chickenhawks Showband & All-Star Revenue. He produced the 1988 presidential debates for CSN and managed Freddie King. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SPCA or another charity.