196: “Pyro John” Watkins Special

Veteran concert pyrotechnician “Pyro John” Watkins joins hosts Shawn Shackelford and Elise Capron for a special conversation about his work behind the scenes on The Jacksons’ 1984 Victory Tour.

John spent decades creating pyrotechnic effects for some of music’s biggest acts, including KISS, Rick James, Journey, Pink Floyd, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Dio, and many more. He recounts his experiences with these artists and numerous others in his (extremely irreverent, no-holds-barred) memoir, Don’t You Know Who I Think I Am?

In this discussion, John explains how he entered the world of pyrotechnics, recalls the artists he worked with before The Jacksons, and reveals how he was selected for the Victory Tour. He also shares the story of missing his first flight to rehearsal and arriving at Zoetrope Studios to discover that Michael Jackson had stayed behind to meet him.

John recounts that unforgettable first meeting with Michael, shortly after the Pepsi commercial accident. He discusses Michael’s concerns about his injury and safety, his own unconventional response to the situation, and how their working relationship developed afterward.

He takes Shawn and Elise inside the production of the Victory Tour, describing the precision required to coordinate pyrotechnics with Michael’s movements, the music, and the lighting. John also reflects on Michael’s personality and work ethic, the dynamics between the Jackson brothers, and what fans never saw behind the spectacle.

John closes by sharing his memories of the tour’s final shows at Dodger Stadium, whether he encountered Michael or the Jackson family again, how he learned of Michael’s passing, and what he is doing today.

This episode was edited by Simon Wilkie.

Additional Links
• Watkins’ memoir, Don’t You Know Who I Think I Am?: Memoirs of a World-Class Smart-Ass.
• The Very Best of Pyro John Watkins Special Effects.

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