FRYED BROTHERS BAND “The Party Aint over ’til the Fryeds go home” goes the song written by legendary biker-bandleader, Harry Fryed. He ain’t kidding either. And twenty-five years later, the party is still going strong. The award-winning Fryed Brothers Band has been on the road, carving out a reputation as the best biker band in the world. Their energetic brand of American roots music is an irresistible stew of country, blues, swing, boogie-woogie, and good old roadhouse rock and roll.
Sure, many plow these musical fields, but few reap the success that the Fryeds have. Why? Because they simply are the best. Their incredible musicianship, entertaining performances, and reliable professionalism have elevated them head and shoulders above the pack. Ask anyone.
From George “Rip” Rose of Easyrider’s Magazine, who called them “the epitome of biker bands”, to Willie Nelson who released their CD, Roar of Dirty Thunder on his Pedernales Records label, singing a duet with Harry Fryed. Ask Billy Idol, who, after performing with the Fryeds, dubbed them, “the most dangerous band in the world”.
Harry and Tommy Fryed started the Fryed Brothers Band in 1980 as a tribute to their older brother, Mark. For twenty-five years they have toured relentlessly, not only in the USA, but also Canada, Australia and New Zealand. They have headlined at most major motorcycle rallies in the country, as well as being regular performers at Willie Nelson’s annual Fourth of July picnic.
The laundry list of people they have shared stages and played with, is a wide-ranging, who’s-who of American music: Willie Nelson, Marshall Tucker Band, Waylon Jennings, Charlie Daniels, The Doobie Brothers, John Anderson, Jefferson Starship, Nazareth, Steppenwolf, Tower of Power, Jonny Lang, John Mayall, Commander Cody, Asleep at the Wheel, Freddie Powers, Eric Burdon, Elvin Bishop, Eddie Money, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, David Allen Coe, Leon Russell, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Billy Idol, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and many more. Those who might pigeonhole them as “just” a biker band would be sorely missing the point.
With their wide-ranging blend of good-time American music, they’ve successfully crossed over those narrow boundaries. They rocked crowds at such diverse venues as the 2002 Winter Olympics. They have appeared at county fairs, rodeos, drag races, and for the past 8 years, have been the proud performers at the American Diabetes Association’s “Rip’s Bad Ride”. They were, at one time, the west coast back-up band for the late great country music legend, Johnny Paycheck.
Wherever they’ve appeared, whatever the venue, for twenty-five years The Fryed Brothers Band has proven time and again, that they are a great American band, period. “May the party never end”.
-Steve Werner, Biker Magazine
Steve Day
Steve plays the bass and vocals.
Harry Fryed
Bandleader, Fiddle and Vocals
Lead vocalist, also saws one helluva mean fiddle, not to be out done by his dynamic harmonica playing. harry has written 90% of the band’s original material and is the band’s leader.
Rex Stenzel
Lead guitar and pedal steel guitar.
Lead guitar and pedal steel guitar.
Jimmy Bagshaw
Drummer
I started playing the drums at 5 years old. I played all through school, Junior High, High School. I played in the Navy Band from ’76 to ’80. After I got out of the Navy, I played in a few bands in the Bay Area. I moved to Sacramento in ’82 and played in many different groups. A jazz organ trio with Rick Zamora. Latin Jazz band Cognac Tan. Gringo Loco was a great cover band and Forty Fingers was an all original progressive rock band. I also played with Warren in Fire and Wheels and most recently with F.O.G.(fu$&@n’ old guys). Love playin’ with The Fryed Brothers Band!!
Tommy Fryed (out for a long bike ride 10/30/13)
Vocals & Lead rhythm Guitar
Tommy is Harry’s younger brother and right hand man; it’s obvious they have been working together most of their lives and their shared love for music radiates in their live performances. Tommy also writes songs.
Doug McDowell (Out for a long bike ride 11/25/14)
Lead & Slide Guitar
Doug is one of the finest slide players you have ever heard. He for sure has his own unique style. Raised in North Carolina, where pickin’ was a big part of his heritage, he hooked up with the Fryed’s over 30 years ago. Doug is a big part of the band’s original sound.
Stephen Michael Pocus
Keyboard
Has been playing piano since the age of 10, but has been surrounded by music his entire life. He began playing by ear, writing songs and leaning from his parents and siblings. By the time he was 14 he was playing at local winery’s and brewing companies doing private parties and events as a solo artist as well as playing in his high school jazz band and his own side project metal bands with friends. During that time, he was also involved in the San Jose Jazz Society programs going to jazz camps during the summertime and participating in their Advanced Youth Latin Jazz Ensemble and Advanced Youth Jazz Ensemble groups throughout the school year. After graduating high school at 16, he began playing in the college level jazz bands at West Valley Junior College and was working steadily as a work for hire pianist. Soon after he received a full ride scholarship to the Jazz Institute in Berkeley and after 2 short years of working on his degree, he took a year off school and moved to New York to experience a new part of his musical life. After spending a year in New York, he decided it was time to move back home. He is currently living in Sacramento working as a full time musician and teacher. He works for Sacramento State University playing in their Advanced Latin Jazz Ensemble and their Advanced Jazz Ensemble. He also plays in many different groups around the local Sacramento area and teaches at a private music school in Natomas called the Natomas Music Square. Stephen has recently been accepted into the most notorious biker band, the Fryed Brothers Band. He has been working with them since February of 2014 and hopes to continue playing and experiencing new musical ventures with his new found brothers.
Stephen Michael Pocus – Keyboard. Steven joined the band in the Spring of 2014.
