Meet the Band

Controversy has followed the DavePaul5 from the moment the plucky duo of Dave Woolson and Paul Gregutt debuted in 2015. Though mesmerized by the band's "Wall of Notes" sound, audiences were puzzled by the three apparently missing members. But for a pair of dreamers with big plans for musical success the DavePaul5 was clearly more impressive than the DavePaul2. The addition of drummer Tom Skeen in 2020 did little to stem the cascade of concern from the fanbase. There was also pushback from media giants such as Rolling Stone, who abandoned a planned DP5 cover when they learned that the band was in fact a trio. 

Bass player extraordinaire Nick Bader joined in 2022 and the band was able to focus on filling out their catalog of punchy originals and classic re-covers, ultimately recording their first album at year's end. With a world tour now in development, the cagey quartet answers all questions about the phantom member by pleading the fifth. The truth is that they like to think of their fans as the Fifth, and invite them to down a fifth of their favorite beverage while enjoying the show.

As always the band's musical compass spins across straight up blues, country rock, cowboy punk, and even a touch of jazz and funk. Their high-energy performances mix up-tempo, danceable grooves with pretty country interludes in songs about the road, the Devil, love gone wrong, love gone right and the perils of whiskey. The bad puns and trivia competitions are icing on the entertainment cake.

  • Dave Woolson

    VOCALS, LEAD & RHYTHM GUITAR

    Dave Woolson has been playing guitar since he was 15. He points out that he has played well for over 10 years. Like a deep well. Dave gave up the Hammond organ for guitar, a decision his back has thanked him for ever since. His songwriting brings an insightful and reflective look at life, travels, women, love, drinking, and generally making stuff up.

  • Paul Gregutt

    VOCALS, RHYTHM & LEAD GUITAR

    Paul Gregutt is a songwriter in the tradition of icons such as Neil Young, Jackson Browne and John Prine. His recording history dates back to post-midnight sessions at New York's Electric Lady Studios and a songwriting contract on Nashville’s Music Row. In recent years he’s cultivated his rock ‘n’ roll muse writing DP5 originals such as “I’ve Been Drinkin’ Whiskey" and "Thought I'd Mention It".

  • Tom Skeen

    DRUMS

    Tom Skeen grew up in the Bay Area and joined his first band in the eighth grade. Tom got his first great drum set of Ludwigs (like Ringo!) in exchange for painting his dad's house. This led to other bands including sitting in with a taiko drum group when he lived in Japan. Tom brings the bang to the DavePaul5.

  • Nick Bader

    BASS

    Nick Bader bought his first electric bass with money earned by selling his Commodore-64 computer (i.e., a long time ago). He became a fulltime band member in 2022, fattening up the rhythm section and tightening that "Wall of Notes" sound. Bonus: the band's name is now perilously close to adding up.