ABOUT – THE BAND
In the early 90s, three friends—Ryan, Josh, and Eric—arrived in Sheridan, Wyoming, from different lands. Though strangers at first, their paths soon intertwined.
Throughout high school, they wandered without a clear social identity, moving invisibly among the masses whenever possible. When they couldn’t, they faced bullying and harassment for their differences. They never belonged to any group. Their home lives were turbulent and sometimes abusive, and they grappled with loneliness and despair daily. Yet, somehow, fate brought them together.
Initially, their bond wasn’t about creativity; it was about teenage friends hanging out and exploring the world. However, as high school ended and early adulthood began, unseen forces pulled the trio closer. Playing music with the band Euphoria felt like destiny’s call, leading them on adventures to far-off lands.
By December 1998, life’s whirlwind had solidified their resolve. Determined to create the greatest band they had ever known, Ryan, Josh, and Eric embarked on a new journey. All they needed was a fourth member to complete their vision. In February 1999, Daryl Roe joined the group, and the band Nightshade, now known as Midnight Shade, was formed.
MIDNIGHT SHADE IS:
Lead Vocalist, Main Lyricist, and Poet.
Ryan says things about life that I could never say. When he sings about darkness and pain, I believe him with all my heart, and so does everyone in the audience.
You might think it’s easy and trivial to do, but it’s not. It might be the rarest thing I’ve ever known. Many people pretend to do this, but it’s another thing altogether for the singer to sincerely believe what he’s singing about.
Guitarist, Back Vocalist, and Songwriter.
Eric has a natural ability to create simple yet incredibly powerful melodies. His solos aren’t those of a virtuoso but rather the screams and cries of a human race railing against the shackles of life, with its only hope to finally shed all its pain and misery if only it could weep hard enough.
Never one to consider himself a technically savvy player, Eric more than makes up for it with his heart, grit, and longing to make you feel what he is feeling.
Drummer, Percussionist and Seeker
Josh’s style of drumming could be called painting. He adds the backbone beat, but with it, he adds colors with powerful dynamics, and he controls the volume not just on the drums but also on the cymbals.
Josh plays a myriad of other percussive instruments on Midnight Shade Recordings and is a gifted percussionist and drummer. But one of his biggest strengths has always been his open-mindedness. He loves to discuss philosophy and art, and should be credited with planting the seed in his bandmates’ minds about forming a rock’n’ roll band.
Bassist and Climber
Daryl came to the band as an outsider but quickly melded with the original trio. Known for his great sense of humor and strong work ethic, his simplistic but steady approach to the bass complements the other players, allowing them to explore the ethereal boundaries while he keeps his feet firmly planted on the ground, which is ironic since…
When not playing bass, Daryl can be found climbing a tree or up the side of your local grocery store. He is a talented climber and has won multiple awards for his tree-climbing abilities.