Artist description The Wayside plays melodic roots rock, in all of it's various shades. Organic yet aggressive, the fifteen years of experience shows.

Music Style Roots Rock / Americana / AAA

Musical Influences Neil Young, Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Maria McKee, Credence, Crosby Stills and Nash...

Similar Artists Wilco, The Jayhawks, Golden Smog, Credence, CSNY

Artist History The roots of the band go back to 1986 when it's founders started a post-punk band called Vague. In 1992 the name changed to The Wayside and the band released their debut full length album (Play, Dreams and Imitation) on R.E.X. Music (Sixpence None The Richer, Fleming and John) which is occasionally still selling for highly inflated prices among collectors. The most recent studio album "Farm" follows six years of local Chicago gigging and intensive writing. The band has played in front of thousands in and around the local Chicago area, including opening spots with Vigilantes Of Love, Steve Taylor, Burlap To Cashmere, Charlie Peacock, The Newsboys and Sixpence None The Richer(who actually opened for The Wayside once upon a time...)In 2002 the band released a collection of demos and older basement tapes called Demonstrations, and two live albums have been released since 2000, both recorded at the Cornerstone Festival.

Group Members John J. Thompson (Lead and Harm Vox and Guitars)Michelle L. Thompson (Lead and Harm Vox and Hand Percussion)Chris Wicklas (Drums)with Ron Regnas (Bass)and Benjie Hughes (keys) and various other friends at various times.

Instruments Guitars (including pedal and lap steel and mando-guitar,) Vocals, Bass, Drums

Albums Play, Dreams and Imitation, Farm, Live at Cornerstone 2000, Demonstrations, Live at Cornerstone 2002

Press Reviews “Talk about true tunes: It comes as no surprise to me that John Thompson has as much passion and power as a musician as he does a music journalist. `Farm' lives up to its name; it's a rich cornucopia of sound and statement that recalls to my mind Mark Heard, Bill Mallonee, and Peter Himmelman.'' -Lou Carlozo (Feature Writer; Chicago Tribune) “You want honest, penetrating lyrics, central Illinois prairie feeling, journeys through sun and rain and a cool drink chaser? Bittersweet? Dark AND Light? You want The Wayside's new release Farm.” -Glenn Kaiser (Cornerstone) “With the release of Farm, The Wayside have given us an album full of the BIG themes. Born out of songwriter John Thompson's childhood spent with an abusive father, Farm is a spiritual road map of the confusion, sadness and hopelessness a young boy feels in such circumstances when forced to grow up before his time...it is also (ultimately) an affirmation of faith and the grace that runs as an undercurrent throughout this fine album....the work is done with the power that good rock and roll can lend to so vital a subject. It is a knowledge that has not come without a price...one that Mr. Thompson has clearly paid.” -Bill Mallonee (Vigilantes Of Love) “…The Wayside has crafted a fine country album, a mix of classics like Johnny Cash with newer No Depression bands like Uncle Tupelo. If this album took six years to make, it was certainly worth it.” - Michial Farmer (Phantom Tollbooth) "Farm is full of struggle, full of melody and full of hope" –Tim Buchanan (Tombstone Trailerpark) “In the six years since their last album, they have re-invented the band with the results being an alt-country style … which is sure to win them plenty of new fans. John & Michelle Thompson join the likes of Julie & Buddy Miller and Victoria Williams and Mark Olson (The Original Harmony Ridge Creek Dippers) as a great husband-wife duo.” – Sheri Lloyd (The Phantom Tollbooth) "...a good deal ofvariety, from country textures to straight rock, Bob Mould-ish guitarsonics to “Gone,” a percussion-based song which might have fit well onLos Lobos’ =Kiko=." -Doug Dwyer (All-Music Guide)

Additional Info New album coming in 2004 - East Coast / New Englad Tour in late 2003!

Location Aurora, IL - USA

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