Stone Cold Cowboys

Erich Thompson and the Stone Cold Cowboys is not a “typical Peoria bar band”. They are a genuine authentic country band comprised of 7 seasoned world traveled, professional musicians. Nowhere within 100 miles, will you hear a Fiddle and Pedal Steel Guitar together, producing an authentic Country sound like only the Stone Cold Cowboys can. Their journey began 13 years ago. Erich Thompson, a successful local solo acoustic artist, grew tired of singing to tracks and playing solo acoustic shows. In 2003, Erich joined forces with the band “Hog Wild”. Soon after Erich came on board, "Erich Thompson & the Stone Cold Cowboys" began to draw large crowds in the Fulton County area and quickly expanding across the entire state of Illinois. Erich and the band are a regional favorite and have captured the attention of fairs, festivals and top local venues, including Central Illinois based radio station 97.3 FM “River Country”. Soon, they were invited to represent 97.3 FM “River Country” as their house band. This partnership resulted in two solid years of rocking shows on the big stages opening up for mega Nashville acts. In 2008, the band took a different direction for a few years. Erich took a break from performing. Rebranded as “Shotgun Dixie”, they continued their success opening shows for several Nashville recording artists and booking local venues. Six years passed and Erich and the guys joined forces once again! – “Erich Thompson & the Stone Cold Cowboys” once again were in full force! . It wasn’t long, they were right back where they left off playing the big shows and top local venues. The current lineup of the Erich Thompson (vocals/acoustic gtr), Steve Harris (fiddle/electric gtr), Tug Thompson (electric gtr/vocals), Steve Towrey (vocals/acoustic gtr), Guy Morse (drums/percussion) is most unique to hit Central Illinois in over 25 years. They also use a dedicated professional sound and light tech on most shows where it is required. In 2016, they added Tim Harr (pedal steel guitar/dobro). Tim has performed with local bands Heartland, Hazzard County, Players Club, Cadillac Jack, as well as the US Army Band, Chris Hillman, Larry Gatlin, David Ball, and other National acts. Also joining in 2016, is Dave Martin (electric bass/ vocals). Dave has worked with Cadillac Jack, Forced Country, Doghouse Daisy, Justin Robbins, Cobalt Canopy, to name a few. As previously stated… nowhere, within 100 miles, will you hear a Fiddle and Pedal Steel Guitar together, producing an authentic Country sound like only the Stone Cold Cowboys can. They have also been seen recently or are currently booked at: • Opened large stage shows for: Jason Aldean, Randy Houser, Franky Ballard, Dierks Bentley, Confederate Railroad and David Ball, to name a few. • Two time featured headliner for the “Taste of Peoria” • Only band to sell out the Hotel Pere Marquette’s “New Year’s Eve Bash” • “Joe’s on Weed”, one of Chicago’s top venues • Fulton County Fair – drawing record crowds of 1,400+ for the past few years • Martini’s On Water St – Peoria • Psycho Silo - Langley • Dizzy Dean’s – Bartonville • Country BBQ – Peoria • RIDRS – Rock Island • Diesel Dicks – Tremont • Jacs Doghouse - Pekin • Friendship Festival – Canton • Oktoberfest – Havana • Moore’s Pub – Canton • Glasford Glory Days • Stag Tap – Havana When you hire the Stone Cold Cowboys, you can be assured that you will hear songs currently on Country radio, old favorites that you grew up on and made you want to like Country music in the first place. If selling tickets to your event or packing your dancefloor is important to you… contact Erich Thompson to discuss booking the "Stone Cold Cowboys" for your club, reception, street dance, corporate event, or anywhere real County music is needed. Contact Erich here on Facebook and send a message for booking requests. View our upcoming events and make plans to catch the “Stone Cold Cowboys” soon. The Stone Cold Cowboys are the real deal - the only Central Illinois Country group to feature both a Fiddle and Pedal Steel Guitar performing together.