About Me
Wild Ride was originally conceived in the Fall of 1999, when the four original members had a vision of a band that was all about the music and good times, instead of constant problems and drama. The theory worked, and the band soon became notorious throughout the middle Tennessee area.
The original lineup consisted of Brad Creighton, Shane Worley, Michael Keener, and Jeff Martin. This combo played together for over two years, until Brad joined the Chattanooga-based group Buck Naked. Dirk Weaver joined the group to fill the vacant guitarist slot.
In 2002, Brad re-joined the group. Shortly afterward, Keener took a leave of absence, bringing the band to a four piece group once again. The band also enlisted the services of old friend Robert Caldwell. Rob served as the band's sound technician and production assistant. In the Fall of 2003, Keener returned to the band, and the music continued.
The band continued to terrorize and leave a path of musical destruction until early 2005. Jeff Martin was diagnosed with colon cancer, Keener was set to undergo extensive back surgery, and Worley moved to Nashville to pursure other opportunities. The band performed their Farewell Show at Tubby's Country Club. It seemed the band had taken it's last Ride. After Keener's recovery, he and Brad joined up with Jeff Porterfield to form the group Throwin' Down.
But, history has a way of repeating itself. And, on March 31, 2007, the original four members came together for the Wild Ride Reunion Show '07 at Moonshine Maggie's Saloon in Monteagle. The show was highly successful, and broke the attendance record for the club. Due to the overwhelming response, the band decided to regroup on a permanent basis, and Wild Ride Reunion Tour '07 was born.
Keener had been taking time off due to chronic back problems. Joe Canary stepped in to fill the bass guitar slot, hence Wild Ride 2.1 was born. As of January '08, the original lineup of Wild Ride was back in action. After breaking attendance records and playing many successful shows, the band looks forward to making this year the best ever.
As of June 2008, Wild Ride is officially a 3-piece unit, which includes founding members Brad, Jeff, and Shane. Due to conflicts of interest, Shane has stepped into the bass guitar position. The group is back on track, and ready to roll into 2009!
The band continues to bring their mixture of music, good times, and good friends to the Southland. Be sure to check 'em out when you get the chance. You won't regret it. You know how they do it, Wild Ride by name, Wild Ride by reputation!! It's not just a slogan; it's a way of life!!
