Josh Ridings Band formed in 2009 when Josh Ridings, Shag Tucker, and William Tucker began writing songs for their church in Spartanburg, SC. Their albums, Sing Out Loud (2009) and Kingdom Come Down (Fall 2010), are filled with honest, energetic songs intended to be catalysts for both individual and corporate worship of Jesus Christ. Each song has its roots in real prayers and experiences of the band. Josh Ridings Band believes the Lord has given its members a unique gift of writing deep, biblical truths that are melodic and easy to sing. Josh Ridings admits, “It is my goal to declare the love of Jesus Christ with every song I sing.”
Josh Ridings
Josh was born and raised about 5 miles from Shag and Willy but they didn't meet till Josh was 23. Josh, who was married in February of 2011, loves looking back on the past 8 years in Spartanburg to see how God sovereignty wove his life together. He and Shag met through friends in 2004 and started playing music together for fun. After becoming roommates and playing together at HopePoint for years, they began writing songs for the church with Willy (who had recently moved into their house and played bass at HP) and the band was formed. Josh sang his first song in the church when he was 5 and he hasn't stopped singing since. His years at the University of South Carolina shaped him as a man and as a believer in Jesus Christ. It's at USC where Josh picked up the guitar and began leading worship for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He led worship for HopePoint Church from 2003 - 2012. Josh is married to Jennifer and they live in Spartanburg.
Shag Tucker
John "Shag" Tucker is the brains behind the operation. All three guys enjoy writing songs but Shag is "the man". Not only does he have the entire Encyclopedia Britannica memorized but he can also slay the electric guitar. If there is ever a musical question, Shag is the first person to go to. Don't be fooled by Shag's quiet and reserved demeanor - he will be the center of attention backstage either quoting "Big Daddy" or making up nicnames for his younger brother. It is shocking not to hear Shag share about how God is working in his life within minutes of talking to him. When not rocking, Mr. Tucker teaches a plethora of history, geography, and Christian Ed classes at Oakbrook Preparatory School. Shag has been married to Katie since 2009 and they are expecting their first child later this year (2012).
Willy Tucker Willy is 100% bass player. His attitude is the exact same whether he's working 12 hours a day in a warehouse or leading worship for 5 days at the posh Hilton in Washington, DC. After being around Willy a few things are obvious: he loves chocolate milk, movies, Jesus, music, and mentoring the youth boys at HopePoint Church. The last born of the Tucker family, William Claude is the baby. If you don't believe it just ask Shag. Willy is a man of many nicnames - Blundles, Blomby, Robert Cardashian, Scratch, Raymond Waterhorse, Bobby Desh, Bill Z, Billy Zimph - just to name a few. If you hear a random name followed by tons of laughter, you know they're talking about Willy. You can tell Willy is a Tucker because he loves to work and he can kill the bass guitar. Some of Willy's hobbies include: growing mullets, buying movies, eating Chinese, letting the guys pick on him, and talking about the Lord. If you want to start a band you probably want a guy like Willy in it...too bad he's taken.
