The First Rule

The First Rule is an Alternative/Punk Rock band based out of Kenosha, WI. The band started as a musical collaboration project between founding members Chris Shanahan and Nick O'Malley. Nick had the lyrics for several songs already written and Chris wrote and recorded original music to accompany them. Working on the project intermittently for a year, the two wrote and recorded demo versions of enough songs to begin looking into playing live and recording the songs professionally. In anticipation of these goals, the duo added drummer Mike Wynn, Jr. and lead guitarist Chris Urso. After one show, Chelsey Corrin was added as a second guitarist. In addition to the songs that Nick and Chris started with, the whole band has had input in writing, creating a strong and diverse repertoire of songs. 2016 was filled with shows in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Lake County IL, and West Chicago, including performing at Summerfest 2016, and opening for nationally touring band, Project 86. In October, one line-up change was made, replacing Chris Urso with new lead guitarist, Bo Ledman.

Nick O’Malley, lead singer. Nick is originally from Des Plaines, IL, and currently resides in Racine, WI. After performing in the band Hiding Remington in high school, he went away from music to pursue comedy and film making. He recently got back into songwriting and founded The First Rule as lyricist and lead singer.

Chris Shanahan, guitar and bass. Chris grew up in Carbondale, IL, and currently lives in Kenosha, WI. He has been playing piano and guitar for over 20 years. In college, he played bass in pop/indie band Radio Love Songs and hard rock band Headfix. He has since been working under the moniker “Just Chris Acoustic” until helping found The First Rule as a writer and multi-instrumentalist.

Mike Wynn Jr. is from Kenosha, WI, and resides in Racine, WI. He has been the drummer for several local bands, including Look Out!, FRANTiC, and Right Hand Man. He is the current drummer for Rainy Day Crush in addition to The First Rule.

Bo Ledman lives in Zion, IL. He joined The First Rule as lead guitarist in October of 2016. He also plays in Kenosha-based band, The Rough Cut.

Chelsey Corrin currently lives in her hometown of Kenosha, WI. She joined The First Rule as the rhythm guitarist in the summer of 2015.