The Wayside

The Wayside is an ever-evolving collection of musicians and friends encircling the roots rock songs of John and Michelle Thompson. After nearly two decades of cultivation in the outskirts of the Chicagoland area, John and Michelle moved south to East Nashville in April of 2007. Having played together in one configuration or another for nearly twenty years, this is a band that is over trying to be the ‘next big thing.’ At this point in their journey The Wayside is more than satisfied to bring their original songs, and their interpretations of others’ songs, to bars, churches, colleges, coffeehouses or anywhere else a door opens. They are honored to have been invited to Europe several times. They are a regular installment at the prestigious Cornerstone Festival in Illinois, and are booking acoustic and band dates.

The Wayside has several recordings available. They are perpetually working on a new album that should be released in early 2009. Their “critically acclaimed” album FARM is still available. In lieu of a set price the band is accepting donations towards their musical missions trips to Europe. Please take advantage of this opportunity and join the Wayside as they walk this road and sing these songs. We also have recently compiled tracks from 1989 - 1998 on a LONG cdr called "Should Have Known Better." If you're intereted in hearing the evolution of the band, this one is for you.

If there is any confusion, let this clear it up. This is The Wayside, the band that has owned that name since 1991. This is the band that had a modest underground radio hit in 1993 with "One Raindrop" and has been signed to a few different indie labels. This band has been together since 1988 in one form or another. They have played hundreds of concerts with hundreds of great bands, including, but not limited to: Sixpence None The Richer, The 77s, Vigilantes of Love, Burlap To Cashmere, Steve Taylor, Charlie Peacock, Larry Norman (as his band) and many many more.

In April of 2007 John and Michelle Thompson moved to Nashville TN. Watch out world!