JOHNNY STACHELA:

ELECTRIC GUITAR & VOCALS

Johnny’s distinctive bottleneck slide guitar has long been a part of the Steve Bardwil Band’s signature style. His inimitable sound has made him one of the most highly respected Blues/Rock guitarists in the business.

As Johnny recalls, he first met Steve when he was playing a gig with Jessie Payo and future Bardwil band members Aaron on sax and Vince on drums. Knowing the Allman Brothers were one of Johnny’s favorite bands, and seeing a billboard announcing Dickey Betts, Steve called Johnny from his car and said, “I’m going to get us on the bill with Dickey.” And he did!

Johnny later toured with Duane Betts, supporting and sitting in with Devon Allman Project on a 9-month world tour before becoming a charter member of the Allman Betts Band, recording two albums, DOWN TO THE RIVER and BLESS YOUR HEART at Muscle Shoals, and continuing to tour internationally. Together they supported Lynyrd Skynyrd’s New Year’s Eve show at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, as well as festival appearances at the famed New Orleans Jazz Fest, Byron Bay Bluesfest in Australia, and Fuji Rock Festival in Japan.

In 2023, Johnny appeared on Duane Betts’ WILD & PRECIOUS LIFE and co-founded his new band, Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel. That same year, Johnny released a solo single COUNTY FARM BLUES. His musical versatility has led to jams with legends including Melissa Etheridge and Billy Preston.

Listening to Johnny’s distinctive guitar licks becomes especially thrilling when they meld musically with Aaron’s harmony on sax. Their musical blend elevates the energy of the band’s music and drives the songs to new dimensions.

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