Stone Cold Cowboys
The Stone Cold Cowboys are not a typical Peoria bar band. They are a genuine authentic country band composed of 7 seasoned, world-traveled, professional musicians. Nowhere within 100 miles will you hear a Fiddle and Pedal Steel Guitar together, producing an authentic country sound like only the Stone Cold Cowboys can.
Their journey began 13 years ago. Erich Thompson, a successful local solo acoustic artist, grew tired of singing to tracks and playing solo acoustic shows. In 2003, Erich joined forces with the band “Hog Wild”. Soon after Erich came on board, “Erich Thompson and the Stone Cold Cowboys” began to draw large crowds in the Fulton County area and quickly expanded across the entire state of Illinois. Erich and the band are a regional favorite and have captured the attention of fairs, festivals, and top local venues, including Central Illinois-based radio station 97.3 FM “River Country.” Soon, they were invited to represent 97.3 FM “River Country” as their house band. This partnership resulted in two solid years of rocking shows on the big stages opening up for mega Nashville acts. In 2008, the band took a different direction for a few years. Erich took a break from performing. Rebranded as “Shotgun Dixie”, they continued their success by opening shows for several Nashville recording artists and booking local venues. Six years passed and Erich and the guys joined forces once again! It wasn’t long, they were right back where they left off playing the big shows and top local venues. In 2016, they added Tim Harr (pedal steel guitar/dobro). Tim has performed with local bands Heartland, Hazzard County, Players Club, Cadillac Jack, as well as the US Army Band, Chris Hillman, Larry Gatlin, David Ball, and other National acts. Also joining in 2016, is Dave Martin (electric bass/ vocals). Dave has worked with Cadillac Jack, Forced Country, Doghouse Daisy, Justin Robbins, Cobalt Canopy, to name a few.
In late 2020, Tug Thompson retired and Eric Barley joined the group on electric guitar and vocals. Eric has performed with local bands Yellow Dye #5, Bubblegum Jack, and Spring Creek Station.
Also in 2020, long-time fiddle player, Steve Harris, retired from the group and the search was on for a new member to take on the role of country fiddle! That search came to an end in 2022 as Brittany Griffith filled the gap to complete that ‘Stone Cold’ country sound. Formerly of the bluegrass group Woodshine out of Washington, MO, Brittany is an ISU graduate in music and has competed in multiple fiddle contests over the years in which she has repeatedly placed in the top 5. Recently relocated to Bloomington, she has proven to be a strong asset to the Stone Cold Cowboys lineup.
Today, the current SCC members are Erich Thompson (vocals/acoustic guitar), Steve Towery (vocals/acoustic guitar), Guy Morse (drums/percussion), Dave Martin (electric bass/ vocals), Eric Barley (electric guitar/vocals), Brittany Griffith (fiddle/vocals) and Tim Harr (pedal steel/electric guitar). This is the most unique group to hit Central Illinois in over 25 years. Bringing a dedicated professional sound and light tech to most shows provides all the sounds and sights of a true country show. The Stone Cold Cowboys became the official house band for Peoria’s own 104.9 The Wolf radio in 2022 and are looking forward to building a strong relationship in the local country community.
As previously stated… nowhere, within 100 miles, will you hear a fiddle and pedal steel guitar together, producing an authentic Country sound like only the Stone Cold Cowboys can.
Peoria Music Live Photos
