After four years of playing the local scene in Rome, GA and selling out a small venue Chris Austin and Jay Shell decided it was time to take the band the next step by adding a full band. In Sept of 2006 with the addition of Dave Harper on lead guitar, Shannon “Beef” Wilson on bass, and Derrick Ingram on drums they played their first full band show together. The full band proved a hit and they boys have not looked back.
Over the last few years KnecKDown has shared the stage with such acts as Jamey Johnson, Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band, Corey Smith, Georgia Satellites, Sammy Kershaw, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and has played on the Simple Man Cruise with Lynryd Skynyrd.
When asked what are the goals for the KnecKDown Band Jay Shell just smiles and says the band has never really set goals. We are just writing songs, meeting new people, and having fun. We have already done way more than even I expected. Its great to go to new towns for the first time and have people there singing your songs back to you. We have been blessed beyond words and the only plan I can think of is to just keep spreading the music. Keeping meeting great folks and whatever is supposed to be will be.
Although Jay and the band want admit it the band has become a main stay in Rome, GA. The small venue the band first sold out in 2004 is now called 333 On Broad and is owned by Shell and the band can be seen there often.
Jay adds that looking back at how far the band has come is pretty amazing. I think folks was just ready for something different here. We write simple songs about simple things. Not on purpose but because that’s all I know. It’s where I’m from and where I am going. I think why the band has stayed together is because we all relate to that small town life. Those simple days and love making new music. We have either sold or gave away close to 10,000 CD’s over the last four years. That’s pretty amazing to me. To know theres that many CD’s laying around is cool. You can only hope theres a few stuck in a CD player somewhere.
The band seems to have no plan or idea as to where they are headed. They seem to like it that way.

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