A major player in the pittsburgh music scene for years, Bill's music has taken him far beyond his hometown. As lead guitarist for Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers, he's recorded six studio albums and one live concert CD. The 1996 album, "American Babylon" was produced by Bruce Springsteen. As a solo performer, Bill's acoustic side shows his true abilities as a songwriter. Melodies woven rich with imagery, sung with the bold passion of a man with a story to tell, Bill's ballads linger long after he puts down his guitar. His signature band, Hard Rain takes his music to a higher dimention. Steeltown's high octane musicians ratched up Bill's songs making their concerts and club appearances well attended and staples in a town known for it's bare bones sound. Their fourth and latest CD "The West End Kid" continues to gain sales as they are now marketed worldwide.

Bill Toms Bio

Bill Toms
www.billtoms.com


Biography

In April of 1986, Pittsburgh, PA based guitarist Joe Grushecky, formerly of the Iron City Houserockers, asked guitarist and songwriter Bill Toms to join a new band he was forming. The core players, Joe, bassist Art Nardini, and drummer Joffo Simmons had been together for a few years in a band called Joey G. and the Brick Alley Band, following the breakup of the original Iron City Houserockers. Having previously played with Joffo in the early 80’s rock band The Shades, Bill made the decision to join some of Pittsburgh’s most powerful performers.

Joe Grushecky, Bill Toms, Art Nardini, and Joffo Simmons began what was to become Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers. Veteran percussionist Bernie Herr joined a year later as did former Shades keyboardist Joe Pelesky. In 1999, former Iron City Houserocker harmonica player Marc Reisman signed on and returned to The Houserockers.

During nearly 20 years of playing together, The Houserockers have recorded six studio CD’s and one live CD. Included in the catalog was 1995’s “American Babylon”, which was produced by Bruce Springsteen. Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers have the distinction as being “The Best Bar Band” in America, according to Sports Illustrated. It is no wonder they have toured extensively throughout the United States and many parts of Europe.

Having always been a songwriter, in 1996 Bill began work on what was to be an acoustic CD. After bringing in a few friends to fill the record out, “Bill Toms and Hard Rain” was born. Together they released “Paradise Avenue” in 1997, as well as, two subsequent studio CD’s; 1999’s “My Own Eyes” and 2001’s “This Old World”. In 2002 Bill released a limited edition solo E.P., titled “One Lonesome Moment”.

In February of 2006, Bill Toms and Hard Rain officially released their new studio CD, “The West End Kid”. Bill kicked off his “West End Kid - First Round Tour” in March of 2006, and is touring throughout 2006, as a solo acoustic act, as well as with Hard Rain. The record reached #100 on the Americana Radio Charts, and has received airplay on numerous stations across the country.

The members of Hard Rain are all seasoned vets. Most are fellow Houserocker bandmates. They are:

Joffo Simmons – Drums
Art Nardini – Bass
Tom Breiding – Guitar, Vocals
Phil Brontz – Saxophone
Bernie Herr – Percussion
Jill Simmons – Background Vocals





Bill Toms



Discography:

With Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers:

“Rock and Real” - Rounder Records, 1989
“Swimming with the Sharks” - Rounder Records, 1991
“End of the Century” - Razor and Tie, 1992
“American Babylon” - Razor and Tie, 1995
“Coming Home” - Big Star, 1997
“Down the Road Apiece, Live” - Schoolhouse Records, 1999
“True Companion” - Schoolhouse Records, 2003

With Bill Toms and Hard Rain:

“Paradise Avenue” - Schoolhouse Records, 1997
“My Own Eyes” - Moondog Records, 1999
“This Old World” - Moondog/Schoolhouse Records, 2001
“The West End Kid” - Moondog Records, 2005

Bill Toms; Solo:

“One Lonesome Moment” - Out of the Rain Records, 2002

Management/Booking: TR Creative Services - Maree Gallagher - 412-977-6935
TRcreativeservices@yahoo.com

www.billtoms.com

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