Wide Open Throttle

Glen Mayhew-bass Jason Rhoads-lead guitar Rob Nelson-drums

Formed in 2002, Wide Open Throttle came together when long time friends Glen Mayhew, Randy Broadway and Kurt Shelton started jamming to their favorite rock cover songs. Soon after, Ryan McKnight and Jason Rhoads from the local band Smeer joined the ranks. Wanting to get out and play live as soon as possible, the band quickly built a set list of cover songs and began booking shows. A high point at this early time was opening for Adler’s Appetite in Feb. of 2004. As their confidence grew, they took a big step forward and chose to begin writing their own material. In early March 2004, the band focused on writing their first original material. It quickly became obvious that their influences at the time came out in their music. However, the style could not be easily classified in a specific rock category. Ryan’s deep thunderous vocal style reflected his love for the more contemporary rock bands like “Disturbed” and “Pearl Jam”. Randy’s roots lie in 70’s and 80’s metal bands and this produced a big and powerful sound in the styles of “AC/DC” and “Judas Priest”. Jason brought in his creative guitar style based on more melodic influences such as “Dream Theater” and “Savatage”, showcasing his more melodic and eclectic solo playing. Kurt along with Glen’s intricate and creative playing provided a solid foundation to anchor the band’s sound. All in all an extremely diverse heavy hard rock style not easily defined, but unique in its appeal to a wide audience.

In November of 2004, the band would release their first all original 4 song demo CD at Spyder Studio in Houston, Tx. Eager to expand their live show, the band added the new material to their set list. More shows followed and their appeal grew. During this time it was important that they continue to develop their unique sound. Line up changes developed and Kurt chose to leave the band. Wide Open Throttle quickly picked up a new drummer, Dave Thomas, in March of 2004 and reestablished the group’s line up. Dave’s double kick hard hitting style brought an added dimension to the bands sound and from their first live performance together, they knew that they had reached a new level in producing a powerful, energetic, and dynamic sound. The shows that would follow would leave a lasting impression on the crowds and bring them back for more in the months to come. The band would continue to write and develop their broad style to a diverse audience. Ryan’s magnetic stage appeal and vocal style would quickly draw in the audience and capture a lasting connection unwilling to let you go until the very last note. The newly inspired material quickly began to flourish and move the band away from cover songs, to an all original set list. Now in 2007 the band plans to complete their first complete CD and promises that the best is yet to come. So get ready! ‘Cause you’re next ride is with “Wide Open Throttle” and we are definitely here to push it to the limit!

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