Bios
Lead Vocals
Bryon Gill
Bryon came to Pittsburgh from Erie, PA. In the late 1990s, he co-fronted the BRYON GILL TRIO, playing riff-heavy original punk. In the 2000's he wrote and played drums for the pop-rock originals band GLADSTONE RUCKUS. In 2016, he became lead vocalist for SAWYER - A Tribute to Rush, with highlights including a live performance of the 20 minute epic 2112 in its entirety, winning the 2018 Iron City Rocks Best Progressive Music award, and a special performance opening for Uriah Heep. Bryon joined LIQUID COURAGE in March of 2022 and is excited to extend his range to include songs from Blue on Black to Barracuda and everything in between.
Lead/Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals
Matt (T-Top) Thomas
Matt is a true Pittsburgher through and through, having been a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh's South Hills and growing up in his hometown of party rock, Peters Township.
Matt cites his major influences as Edward Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Michael Schenker, Billy Gibbons, Jimmy Page, Gary Richrath, Steve Clarke, Alan Collins, and a multitude of prominent guitar players through the decades.
Matt has played with numerous local bands and various jam sessions starting with his first band LOTUS MANDRAKE
and continuing with ANACONDA, JESTER, and Def Leppard Tribute band ANIMAL in the mid 90's.
Check out LIQUID COURAGE either sober or on the rocks for a great evening of rock and roll that will hopefully leave you with the inspiration to also get out there and play music!
Drums and Backing Vocals
Carl Lempke
Carl grew up in Massachusetts loving drums since his older brother picked up the guitar. He worked weekends in college to buy his first kit. Also on weekends, he annoyed anyone within earshot as he taught himself how to play.
Carl got his first gig in his brother's band, VEHICLE (1985-1988), playing the MA, VT & NH area. It was several years of experience, fun and craziness, where he also had an opportunity to have played with Joe Walsh…
After that, back in MA, CAUGHT IN THE ACT (1989-1991) was his next gig, before moving to PA.
Children and garage bands were his next gigs, and he loved them both, as you can imagine.
Since then, he's had the pleasure of being in the following bands:
FASTBACK (twice)
SMOKING GUN
and has played gigs with:
RENEGADE and STAMPEDE.
He's now looking to start a new chapter - with
LIQUID COURAGE in 2023!
Rock ‘n Roll has always been there for him, so now he wants to be there for it.
Carl plays Pearl Drums.
Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals
Joe Barush
Joe is originally from Buffalo, NY, moving to the Pittsburgh area back in 2012. While in Buffalo, he played bass in various rock cover bands, including DOUBLESHOT, CULPRIT, SPELLCASTER, and BITTERSWEET. Just before moving to Pittsburgh, he played with HONDO'S REVENGE on an album of original songs, which can be found on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXbced7UtCP0ug6vaL-oi3Q
Once in Pittsburgh, Joe first played with the rock and pop cover band WICKED out in Westmoreland County for several years, even recording the theme song to the local television show "Pittsburgh Paranormal," before joining the local alternative rock band SEA OF HEADS, which played both covers and originals out in clubs all over the western PA area, including performing their originals during YINZFEST at Mr. Smalls for several consecutive years. Sea of Heads eventually morphed into LIQUID COURAGE, but was sidelined by the pandemic. Early in 2022, Joe and Carl reformed Liquid Courage with the group of talented musicians that you see here.
Come out and party with Pittsburgh's newest cover band, playing both familiar and new and different cover tunes. Grab yourself some LIQUID COURAGE...good times...guaranteed!