BIOGRAPHY
The Heist is quickly becoming “LA’s young guns of classic rock.” A cult of Los Angeles natives and a European import, these five youths have been influenced by the evolution of Rock'N'Roll and redefine the "cover band," seeing themselves as preservationists of rock history, not revivalists. The band researches live performances of the original era as devoted fans and performers committed to accuracy.
Lead vocalist, Chris Schellenbach is a classically trained singer turned rock and roll shaman channeling singers from Jim Morrison to Robert Plant and many more. Chris's vocals have shined from a performance for Pope John Paul II at The Vatican in Rome to various captivating cover projects showcasing his talents on guitar and harmonica. His versatile voice and infinite vocal range is a head turning force known for precision and power.
Jessica Paulsson brings her formal training on piano and violin all the way from Billesholm, Sweden. Jessica puts on an impressive show with her solid keyboard skills while weaving the band's sound together through various percussion instruments. She plays piano parts that most bands, including some of the originals, leave to samplers and synthesizers. Her smooth and soulful vocal strength give the band’s harmonies an extra edge and a strong shot of beautiful tone.
Bassist, Billy Ryder has personally studied with the highly respected bassist of
Lagwagon, Jesse Buglione. Billy has toured the western United States with his original project opening for bands such as
Strung Out, Yellowcard, Story of the Year, and many other groups seen on MTV. A classically trained pianist since the age of eight, Billy is consistently fusing his education of the ivories with his fretless bass studies. His bluesy and brawny voice adds a genuinely vintage touch to The Heist’s classic sound.
Proficiently skilled on an array of instruments, Mark Schellenbach holds down the beats for
The Heist. He is also the drumming genius behind the San Francisco powerhouse rock band Normal Like You, which has gained sea-to-sea recognition on multiple nationwide tours. He has opened for chart topping acts such as
Something Corporate, Saves The Day, Paramore, and The Matches. Few can match Mark’s precise percussion and silky smooth speed. His drumming is tastefully aggressive and truly impressive.
Brendan McGrath, a member of the highly sought after Irish rock band Wrath of
McGrath, has displayed his intimate understanding of lead guitar and mandolin in front of tens of thousands all over California. Among other instruments in this artist’s arsenal, he also has a prowess for piano and drums. Brendan has toured internationally with all the current and former members of
Jethro Tull as both their lead and rhythm guitarist. His rhythmic abilities and jaw dropping solos are startlingly uncanny. Brendan’s crisp and potent vocals hail back to Harrison and Petty with a Clapton contrast.
These uniquely talented youth craft a visual and symphonic production with an energetic passion uncommon for their category. Everything from their explosive stage presence and exacting harmonies create an experience that is distinctively
The Heist. Stealing your favorite songs, The Heist will soon become your favorite thieves.