Biography

HIREDGUN The name that has become synonymous with quality entertainment. Formed in 2003 from the ashes of Southern Cross Band, HIRED GUN has taken the country by storm. Comprised of 4 stage veterans, HIRED GUN delivers what it promises,

Unparalleled musical variety

Anchored by a rhythm section comprised of drummer, Barney Swafford & bassist Tim McCrary. This tandem has been tearing up the South for over 25 years! Rick Bowlin lays down the ripping, yet soulful leads. Rick has been electrifying audiences all over the country with some of the biggest names in the business.

When you're committed to getting the best, the choice is simple.

HIREDGUN

Rick Bowlin - Lead Guitar, Vocals

Tim McCrary - Bass Guitar, Vocals

Barney Swafford - Drums, Vocals

Rick Bowlin

Rick started playing guitar at the early age of 3 years old. He was fascinated by the sounds of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, and even credits Liberace as an influence. As Rick grew older and his musical interests broadened his heroes were Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath and Jeff Beck, but it was the Allman Brothers band that really set him on his musical course. In high school, Rick teamed up with friends Sanford "Dog" Wynne, Jimmy Legg, David Moore, Larry Holloway and Brad Crowell to form SLYGO ROAD. After this band broke up, Rick formed the legendary SILVERHAMMER with drummer Brett Noblett, bassists Mike Arthur, and vocalists Rick Williams. This band took Chattanooga, Tennessee by storm, and was recognized as the hottest rock band in the area. Bowlin and Noblett, found guitarists John Ellis and vocalist Mike Sisk, and knew immediately that these two were the missing pieces to their band. Bowlin, Ellis, Sisk and Noblett, performed together for years, and became the premier band in the entire Southeast. Ellis had met members of the up and coming POINT BLANK band, and suggested that Bowlin get them a tape of a live show. Ricky recorded one SILVERHAMMER's shows and sent it to ZZ TOP's promoter Bill Ham, who recognized that these guys were HOT!

Rick was then asked to come to Texas and play lead guitar for Rocky Hill, ZZ Top's bassist Dusty Hill's brother. Rick toured with Rocky for years, and met Texas music legends Doyle Bramhall, Eric Johnson, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Johnny and Edgar Winter, just to name a few. Rick was very successful touring with these Texas musicians, but longed for his band mates back in Tennessee, and decided to return to SILVERHAMMER. Rick, being loyal to his friends, reformed SILVERHAMMER, and took up where they had left off, but with drummer Bill Brewer (BIG BREW DRUMS), and Jay Lewis (Warrior Instruments) added to the mix.

After touring all over the Southeast, Rick decided it was time for a change and the joined the Country Boogie Band with James "Dog Eye" Thomas, Allen Pace, Donnie Keahey and Ronnie Dalberry. This band played together for 5 years with Rick, at various times, playing guitar, bass and drums. The Walker brothers of Scottsboro, Alabama asked Rick to join the UNTAMED HEART band, and tour the Great Northwest approached Rick. Feeling the call of the road once again, Rick hooked up with these awesome songwriters, and musicians, to take Southern music to the west. After recording one CD with UNTAMED HEART, Rick received a call from lifetime friend, Tim McCrary of HIRED GUN and was offered a chance to return to Texas and re-establish his place among Texas guitar gunslingers. Rick jumped at the opportunity to play with McCrary and another lifetime friend Barney "Bimbo" Swafford.

Today Rick Bowlin is directing HIRED GUN to new heights, and is excited to be based out of Houston, Texas once again. McCrary proudly says, "Rick gives us more than enough horsepower to play with any band in the world"! Remember the name Rick Bowlin, he has only just begun!

Barney hails from the small town of South Pittsburg, in the hills of Tennessee, where he was introduced to "honky-tonk" music at an early age. Fishing being a big industry in that particular area, his Grandfather owned Romine's, a fish market - restaurant, where people would come from far and wide to get fresh Tennessee catfish and cold beer. Barney was jamming to the jukebox before he could walk.

Barney was interested in music, but never like he was when he saw Ringo Starr light up the drum set! It was a completely different story then, with learning to play the drums being an obsession instead of just a pastime. Barney's Grandfather bought him his first set of drums, Black Diamond Pearls, and he was off!! By age 13, he was asked to fill in at a local watering hole for a drummer who had become suddenly ill. The band liked the hard driving style that Barney had, and hired him. He continued to play drums all over the state, and in Alabama and Georgia as well.

In the late 70's Barney met Tim McCrary, and both of them had agreed to play a benefit for a needy man, that a little local band was hosting. That local band was the now Grammy Award winning, Entertainer of the Year for numerous years, Alabama. Barney and Tim forged a friendship that either of them will tell you is like a brother.

In 1979 Barney moved to Houston. His already strong southern rock style was only enhanced by the Texas legends of Johnny Winter and ZZ Top, not to mention Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Austin blues scene. Barney's brand of percussion was hard driving and explosive, making him a hit everywhere he performed.

Through the years Barney has become an accomplished drummer, with a "phat" set, and a style that is unmistakable. He is solid and powerful, but thunderous and explosive. Barney is a Southern Rocker. He ain't fakin', he lives it........

Tim began his music career like so many other Southern boys, in the church choir. Singing in front of the congregation at age 5, Tim got the show bug at an early age. At age 12 Tim started fooling around with an acoustic guitar his Mama bought him at Western Auto. Tim and his lifetime friend Donnie Keahey, started practicing and soon formed the group SUGAR with drummer friend Robert Graves. This trio played around the Chattanooga, Tennessee area and was well received. It was during this time that Tims life, both personal and professional would change forever. Tim met a drummer named Barney Bimbo Swafford. Barney and Tim would go on to forge a friendship that grows stronger to this day. Barney has taught me more about music than anyone else. Tim is quick to give credit to Barney who is a Tennessee music legend in his own right. Barney has an unbelievable meter and drive in his playing! It was the association with Swafford that Tim came to meet and know such Texas bass legends as Tommy Shannon and Charlie Knight. Both bassmasters encouraged Tim to get with a good drummer and get tighter than a hole and a doughnut! It was during this memorable time that Tim, Barney, Donnie, and music great Ricky Bowlin jammed as ROCK CRUSHER. After relocating from Tennessee to Houston in 1979, Tim and Barney continued to rock on in the SIN CITY ROCKERS. This quartet played all over Southeast Texas and western Louisiana. Due to personal issues Tim took off for a few years and then started contemplating forming, what would later become Southern Cross. 1981 Tim met Gary Smith and the two soon started jammin. (Around swimmin pools to pick up chicks!) After much coaxing from friends the two started forming a band that would someday include Clint Black guitarist Hayden Nicholas and drummer Dick Gay. Tim and Garys band REVOLVER played extensively in the Southeast Texas area and with some Texas music legends.

Then in the summer of 1986 Tim met up with the man who would become his right hand on the stage, Tom Bowman. Bowman was a natural fit for the raw, guitar attack sound that Tim and Gary were working on. The quartet of McCrary, Smith, Swafford and Bowman began rehearsing and Southern Cross played its first gig Halloween night 1986. Enjoying instant success, Southern Cross became a much sought after band. Playing as many nights a week as they wanted, Southern Cross grew tighter musically and personally to the point, at some time it quit being a band and became a family.

In 2002 Tim, Barney Swafford and Rick Bowlin became HIRED GUN. Playing motorcycle events all over the country....the dream lives on!


				*Biography*



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		HIREDGUN The name that has become synonymous with quality entertainment. Formed in 2003 from the ashes of Southern Cross Band, HIRED GUN has taken the country by storm. Comprised of 4 stage veterans, HIRED GUN delivers what it promises, Unparalleled musical variety Anchored by a rhythm section comprised of drummer, *Barney Swafford* & bassist *Tim McCrary. This tandem has been tearing up the South for over 25 years! Rick Bowlin* lays down the ripping, yet soulful leads. Rick has been electrifying audiences all over the country with some of the biggest names in the business. When you're committed to getting the best, the choice is simple. HIREDGUN Is *Rick Bowlin - Lead Guitar, Vocals* *Tim McCrary - Bass Guitar, Vocals* *Barney Swafford - Drums, Vocals* *Rick Bowlin* Rick started playing guitar at the early age of 3 years old. He was fascinated by the sounds of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, and even credits Liberace as an influence. As Rick grew older and his musical interests broadened his heroes were Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath and Jeff Beck, but it was the Allman Brothers band that really set him on his musical course. In high school, Rick teamed up with friends Sanford "Dog" Wynne, Jimmy Legg, David Moore, Larry Holloway and Brad Crowell to form SLYGO ROAD. After this band broke up, Rick formed the legendary SILVERHAMMER with drummer Brett Noblett, bassists Mike Arthur, and vocalists Rick Williams. This band took Chattanooga, Tennessee by storm, and was recognized as the hottest rock band in the area. Bowlin and Noblett, found guitarists John Ellis and vocalist Mike Sisk, and knew immediately that these two were the missing pieces to their band. Bowlin, Ellis, Sisk and Noblett, performed together for years, and became the premier band in the entire Southeast. Ellis had met members of the up and coming POINT BLANK band, and suggested that Bowlin get them a tape of a live show. Ricky recorded one SILVERHAMMER's shows and sent it to ZZ TOP's promoter Bill Ham, who recognized that these guys were HOT! Rick was then asked to come to Texas and play lead guitar for Rocky Hill, ZZ Top's bassist Dusty Hill's brother. Rick toured with Rocky for years, and met Texas music legends Doyle Bramhall, Eric Johnson, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Johnny and Edgar Winter, just to name a few. Rick was very successful touring with these Texas musicians, but longed for his band mates back in Tennessee, and decided to return to SILVERHAMMER. Rick, being loyal to his friends, reformed SILVERHAMMER, and took up where they had left off, but with drummer Bill Brewer (BIG BREW DRUMS), and Jay Lewis (Warrior Instruments) added to the mix. After touring all over the Southeast, Rick decided it was time for a change and the joined the Country Boogie Band with James "Dog Eye" Thomas, Allen Pace, Donnie Keahey and Ronnie Dalberry. This band played together for 5 years with Rick, at various times, playing guitar, bass and drums. The Walker brothers of Scottsboro, Alabama asked Rick to join the UNTAMED HEART band, and tour the Great Northwest approached Rick. Feeling the call of the road once again, Rick hooked up with these awesome songwriters, and musicians, to take Southern music to the west. After recording one CD with UNTAMED HEART, Rick received a call from lifetime friend, Tim McCrary of HIRED GUN and was offered a chance to return to Texas and re-establish his place among Texas guitar gunslingers. Rick jumped at the opportunity to play with McCrary and another lifetime friend Barney "Bimbo" Swafford. Today Rick Bowlin is directing HIRED GUN to new heights, and is excited to be based out of Houston, Texas once again. McCrary proudly says, "Rick gives us more than enough horsepower to play with any band in the world"! Remember the name Rick Bowlin, he has only just begun! Barney Swafford Barney hails from the small town of South Pittsburg, in the hills of Tennessee, where he was introduced to "honky-tonk" music at an early age. Fishing being a big industry in that particular area, his Grandfather owned Romine's, a fish market - restaurant, where people would come from far and wide to get fresh Tennessee catfish and cold beer. Barney was jamming to the jukebox before he could walk. Barney was interested in music, but never like he was when he saw Ringo Starr light up the drum set! It was a completely different story then, with learning to play the drums being an obsession instead of just a pastime. Barney's Grandfather bought him his first set of drums, Black Diamond Pearls, and he was off!! By age 13, he was asked to fill in at a local watering hole for a drummer who had become suddenly ill. The band liked the hard driving style that Barney had, and hired him. He continued to play drums all over the state, and in Alabama and Georgia as well. In the late 70's Barney met Tim McCrary, and both of them had agreed to play a benefit for a needy man, that a little local band was hosting. That local band was the now Grammy Award winning, Entertainer of the Year for numerous years, Alabama. Barney and Tim forged a friendship that either of them will tell you is like a brother. In 1979 Barney moved to Houston. His already strong southern rock style was only enhanced by the Texas legends of Johnny Winter and ZZ Top, not to mention Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Austin blues scene. Barney's brand of percussion was hard driving and explosive, making him a hit everywhere he performed. Through the years Barney has become an accomplished drummer, with a "phat" set, and a style that is unmistakable. He is solid and powerful, but thunderous and explosive. Barney is a Southern Rocker. He ain't fakin', he lives it........ *Tim McCrary* Tim began his music career like so many other Southern boys, in the church choir. Singing in front of the congregation at age 5, Tim got the show bug at an early age. At age 12 Tim started fooling around with an acoustic guitar his Mama bought him at Western Auto. Tim and his lifetime friend Donnie Keahey, started practicing and soon formed the group SUGAR with drummer friend Robert Graves. This trio played around the Chattanooga, Tennessee area and was well received. It was during this time that Tims life, both personal and professional would change forever. Tim met a drummer named Barney Bimbo Swafford. Barney and Tim would go on to forge a friendship that grows stronger to this day. Barney has taught me more about music than anyone else. Tim is quick to give credit to Barney who is a Tennessee music legend in his own right. Barney has an unbelievable meter and drive in his playing! It was the association with Swafford that Tim came to meet and know such Texas bass legends as Tommy Shannon and Charlie Knight. Both bassmasters encouraged Tim to get with a good drummer and get tighter than a hole and a doughnut! It was during this memorable time that Tim, Barney, Donnie, and music great Ricky Bowlin jammed as ROCK CRUSHER. After relocating from Tennessee to Houston in 1979, Tim and Barney continued to rock on in the SIN CITY ROCKERS. This quartet played all over Southeast Texas and western Louisiana. Due to personal issues Tim took off for a few years and then started contemplating forming, what would later become Southern Cross. 1981 Tim met Gary Smith and the two soon started jammin. (Around swimmin pools to pick up chicks!) After much coaxing from friends the two started forming a band that would someday include Clint Black guitarist Hayden Nicholas and drummer Dick Gay. Tim and Garys band REVOLVER played extensively in the Southeast Texas area and with some Texas music legends. Then in the summer of 1986 Tim met up with the man who would become his right hand on the stage, Tom Bowman. Bowman was a natural fit for the raw, guitar attack sound that Tim and Gary were working on. The quartet of McCrary, Smith, Swafford and Bowman began rehearsing and Southern Cross played its first gig Halloween night 1986. Enjoying instant success, Southern Cross became a much sought after band. Playing as many nights a week as they wanted, Southern Cross grew tighter musically and personally to the point, at some time it quit being a band and became a family. In 2002 Tim, Barney Swafford and Rick Bowlin became HIRED GUN. Playing motorcycle events all over the country....the dream lives on!



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