The Wheel

Buckle up, put it in gear, and enjoy the ride with the North East’s authentic Grateful Dead tribute band, The Wheel.

“The  Wheel brings a big, danceable groove to the party, driven by the deep  pocket of rhythm guitarist and bandleader Andy Morse, bassist Dave  Pallas, drummer Joe Sorbero and percussionist Pete Andriakos. They  provide an unshakable foundation over which lead guitarist Bryan Gautie  and keyboardist Rick Rothermel weave solo after evocative solo together  with virtuosity and taste.  Yet they are also capable of complex,  interwoven conversations that display the nuance and dynamic range of  the Dead’s music in quieter, more blissful passages. Vocally, The Wheel  possesses a diverse blend of styles, from Morse’s smooth, heartfelt  delivery, Rothermel’s full-throated soul, Bryan Gautie’s Jerry  Garcia-like tenderness to Jill Gautie’s soaring harmonies.” - Nippertown  2021

Andy Morse: (Rhythm guitar and vocals) Known to many a family as Andy  "The Music Man" (www.andysings.com) has been a full time musician since  1995 when he hung up his time card and picked up his guitar to become a traveling troubadour bringing music to children's lives across the  county. Andy's been known to sneak in some GD licks at the family concerts.  He also ran children's activity tents and performed at major rock festivals across the country since 2000. Gathering of the Vibes,  Langerado, Furtherfest and Nateva. Andy studied under Mathew Smith currently of Six String Ranch in Austin TX. Andy also plays with Rainbow Full of Sound.

Bryan Gautie: (Lead guitar and vocals) Bryan joined The Wheel in the  summer of 2015 adding his dead on 70's style of Jerry leads driving the band down the road to colorful destinations. Bryan unknowingly followed  a similar path of Jerry, studying bluegrass and then eventually  discovering the music of the Grateful Dead. Gratefully he still has all  ten fingers. Bryan has played in Ice Nine, Yukon Cornelius and Slipknot.

Jill Gautie (vocals) Hmmm her last name is the same as Bryan's! Jill  has performed in many bands over the years and is able to reach deep down to your soul with her vocals.

Dr. Dave Pallas: (5 string bass) The Dr. is in session! When you're not sitting on the couch in front of him you'll find him supporting the back  bone of the beat while adventuring into uncharted waters. No life raft needed. Dave has played in many bands over the years, Duck Duck Goose,  The Swing Docs, Missing Link. Andy and Dave have been jamming together on a consistent basis since 1985, life long musical friends.

Joe Sorbero (drums and vocals) Joe was born with drums sticks in his hinds with a passion for holding down the rhythm like no other. Joe's Dad also a life long drummer who helped pave the way that lead him to The Wheel.  When Joe’s not on stage with The Wheel you can find him dancing on the skins for the NolaNauts and he’s also a managing partner in The Crescendo Team.

Rick Rothermel (keyboard and vocals) Rick is an animal at the keys, a  foundation in the Capital Region music scene. Rick has played with NolaNauts, Yukon Cornelius, School Bus Yellow, Brian Lapoint and many others. Try and stump him on some GD history, you'll never win.

Dr. Pete Andriakos (percussion) When you’re not on “Dr. Sleep’s” surgery table you’ll find him adding many beautiful colors and rhythmic patterns to complete the canvas. Grateful to have Pete along for the ride as our newest member.