Megan Gunn & The Pistoleros

Every great band needs someone to hold down the low end, and Rich Shepard is the man keeping Megan Gunn & The Pistoleros locked, loaded, and dangerously close to organized chaos.

Born in Virginia but a longtime fixture in Central Florida's music scene, Rich’s musical journey began in a house filled with music, thanks to his piano-playing mother. By fifth grade, he had joined the school band, and apparently, nobody ever told him he could stop. A lifelong KISS fanatic, Rich grew up dreaming of doing something just as wild onstage. Along the way, he developed a love for bass players who bring more than just the bottom end, drawing inspiration from the grit and melody of Berry Oakley and John Entwistle, as well as Todd Smallie, Nathan East, and Paul McCartney.

With an extensive musical résumé, Rich has shared the stage and studio with artists including Chareé White, Alex Kilroy, and Eli Mosley. He’s also helped write and release original music with projects like Dock 7 and The Bourbon Brothers, and has performed in direct support of country heavyweights Tracy Byrd, Aaron Tippin, and James Otto.

As the bassist and vocalist for Megan Gunn & The Pistoleros, Rich brings a seasoned musical ear, a rock ’n’ roll attitude, and the kind of groove that keeps the whole operation moving.

Ask him what he loves most about playing with the Pistoleros, and he’ll tell you that no two nights are ever quite the same. Sure, the setlist might look familiar, but what happens once the band hits the stage is anybody’s guess.

And that’s exactly how he likes it.