Bare Knuckles is a swampy Blues, Americana, Rockabilly power trio based in California’s inland empire and orange county. The band originated in 2019 performing original rockabilly material written by founding member Brian Vance. The band has since evolved to include a large catalog of covers (performed in our swampy bluesy style) as well as our original material. The band performs primarily local to the Inland Empire, Orange County and now in San Diego County.
Brian Vance: Lead Guitar/Vocals
Brian grew up in Orange County, California and was influenced by 80’s Rockabilly, punk, alternative and rock genres. Brian began his guitar playing days around the ripe age of 17. Brian’s evolving guitar tone and style is widely influenced by axe men such as Brian Setzer, Robert Smith, Mike Ness, George Lynch, Johnny Cash and Sweet Ol’ Southern Rock “Tern it up!!” With a large love of psychobilly music, Brian played lead/rhythm guitar in the mid 90’s with Orange County band “Shot to Hell” which played local OC establishments such as The Doll Hut, Club 369 and the Tiki Hut. Since the early 2000’s, Brian has resided in the Inland Empire and played in several cover bands and performed solo acoustic performances. “Bare Knuckles” was born out of Brian’s desire to front his own band and to perform original music as well as favorite covers. Saddle up and come check out the swampy rhythmic Guitar style of this wild cat!!!
Ralph Meier: Bass Guitar
Ralph walked 5 miles for his first Bass at the age of eleven and never stopped playing since He is self taught in the pocket player enjoys the stage. Music is his life.
Bob Conry: Drums/Backup Vocals
Bob is a Colorado transplant who started studying percussion in grade school and continued through college performing in school bands. He considers big band jazz and polyrhythms the primary influence to his playing. After putting the drums aside following college, he picked up playing again at age 30 and has been playing ever since. He is versed at performing many genres from Latin, Country, Disco as well as Oldies (50’s and 60’s) but his primary interests are Classic and Country Rock with a bluesy flavor while applying his rudimental drumming skills. Major influences range from Santana, Chicago, the Police, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Allman Brothers to Cheap Trick, Car, Supertramp, the Cure and the Clash. Just too many others to list. You name it he enjoys playing it. Bob is an advocate for improving on drum stick endurance as he can often be found shredding a set or two during sets. If standing close, watch for flying wood chips!!