THE BONEYARD STORY
Boneyard's first lineup was formed in 2010, by drummer Dave Jones and guitarist Ronny Kirkman.
They were joined by "Tony Rock" Williams on vocals, and "Big Dave" Hardison on bass.
Boneyard started out with a series of benefit shows for Parmalee’s drummer, Scott Thomas who was brutally shot during a robbery in September 2010.
Boneyard was well received at these benefit shows and very quickly they solidified into a rock & roll powerhouse.
They have opened for both Jack Russell’s Great White and Warrant in 2014.
Sadly, on October 28, 2014, Boneyard came to a tragic halt.
Their brother and band mate, bass player “Big Dave” Hardison very suddenly and unexpectedly passed away.
Devastated and heartbroken, the band took the rest of the year off to grieve and process their loss.
Realizing Big Dave would want them to power on, they asked their then sound engineer (and solid bass player), JP Parker, to fill in on a temporary basis.
After approximately two years, JP stepped down and the search for a new bass player began.
Additionally, in 2018 an extremely hectic personal schedule prompted dynamic vocalist Tony Rock to begrudgingly step down.
In early 2019, Scott Vancel was invited to take over the bass spot, and Boneyard forged on as a three piece.
With Tony having an amazing stage presence and powerful vocals, Boneyard began the search for what seemed like the impossible...
A front man who is charismatic, with an amazing stage presence, and lastly...who can actually sing.
.
After some disappointing auditions, in late summer 2019, in walked Jeremy “Bongo”, and BOOM, Boneyard’s was complete.
Unfortunately, Bongo stepped away in mid-2024.
In late 2024, local rock vocals "legend" Mickey Wetherington stepped in. But Mick doesn't play guitar. So we added Kalen Ott on guitar and we drove on. But sadly, after just a few gigs, it was obvious this lineup would be short lived.
Mickey has old injuries from a car wreck in his teens that rendered him bedridden for days after every gig he played with us. So we all faced reality and Mickey graciously bowed out., and Kalen's work schedule severely hindered his availability.
But Dave and Ronny...being Dave and Ronny started the task of rebuilding, AGAIN.
Ronny hit the local musician classifieds.
Massachusetts native, now living in Jacksonville NC, John Finney, was invited to come jam.
It was evident that with some work we could get up and running. Then...BOOM! Scott's work situation put him in the position to also have to bow out after more than 5 years with us...pushing us to ALSO have to find a new bass player.
Fortunately, thru a work acquaintance inquiry, Ronny was introduced to Bill Shannon, a recent California transplant to New Bern, looking for a working band. We had Bill out to jam, and there it was...that "feeling"...the one that tells you, this is it!!!
So....the newest Boneyard lineup was solidified in the summer of 2025, rehearsals began...and the Boneyard train continues to chug down the ROCK & ROLL railroad!!!
Y'all welcome John and Bill to the family...we'll see ya out there SOON!!!
MEMBER BIOS
RONNY
Ronny was exposed to good music at a very early age.
In his mid-teens, he gravitated to the guitar and it quickly became an appendage.
Before they were even legally old enough to get into venues, he and his brother Joey had a working rock & roll band.
Ever since that time he has for the most part not, NOT played music in some capacity.
Give him a Les Paul, a half stack and an appreciative crowd...and he is in his element!
For him it is not a hobby, it is not just something he does now and then...it is a part of who he is.
And MANY years later he must be doing something right...because after 14 years with Boneyard, they will tell you, he’s the BEST mediocre guitar player they've got!!!
DAVE
In 1986, Dave was just 14 years old when he first sat down behind the drums and took a few tips and pointers from the gentleman who played drums at the church his family attended.
By age 16, his love for the drum kit had solidified, and he and some friends put together their first garage band.
Over the next few years, as things progressed and situations changed, a couple of member changes took place, and around 1991 or so, the garage band eventually became a pretty decent band called Nobody's Child, which was fronted by then 26 year old Tony "Rock" Williams (Who would eventually end up fronting Boneyard from 2009 to 2018).
Though Nobody's Child was short-lived, Dave and Tony Rock had forged a lasting bond, and stayed in touch through several years of both being in and out of various projects.
Fast forward to 2009. Dave and Tony are in talks of "getting things going again".
As Dave was looking for potential matches for their project, he happened across a BandMix page for guitarist Ronny Kirkman. After a get-together for lunch, a couple of jam sessions, plus a newly acquired bassist, (the late “Big Dave” Hardison).
Boneyard was born.
Dave's 14 years with Boneyard is his longest with any band. His love for the music and his newest bandmates have contributed to Boneyard's resilience and longevity.
BILLY
Billy Shannon was born in Merced California. He started playing guitar at 15 and also played drums and bass. The bass guitar became a passion for him as he helped formed his first band Eternal Reign in 1989. Billy Has played in several band over the last 35 years. Band such as Last Call, Eve's ill, Flashback, Daddy Logan, The Flys, 415, The Danny Guizar Band, The Rob Tracy Band, Velvet Dagger and also was a studio musician for Diamond Head Studios. Billy has played on the same stage opening for musicians from Tesla, Dio, Ozzy, LA Guns and a few more. He has also opened shows for Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Tyler Far, Drake White, and Seth Ennis.
Billy truly appreciates all the musician he has had the pleasure of jamming with and looks forward to creating more great memories with Boneyard!
JOHN
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Johnny picked up the guitar at age 11 after being inspired by his father’s own playing. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion for music, eventually leading him onto stages across the region. Over the years, he’s played countless shows and has even opened for national acts like Puddle of Mudd, Unearth, Motograter, Green Jellÿ, Jinjer, and more.
Now as Boneyard’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Johnny is the spark that keeps things unpredictable. Known for his capricious energy and charismatic stage presence, he thrives on blurring the line between band and audience. One minute he’s locked into gritty riffs, the next he’s pulling the crowd into the moment with raw, unfiltered vocals. Originals or covers, serious or playful — he makes sure no two shows ever feel the same.
SUPPORT STAFF MEGABETH - MEDIA MAVEN
Beth was fortunate enough to have an inside connection with Boneyard and was asked to take some videos and still shots of the band back in 2023.
That was the beginning of her journey to Media Maven.
Boneyard's web presence grew to include their website, Facebook account, and YouTube channel.
She is also the contact person for receiving and posting fan photos and videos.
Feel free to approach her...even though she may look like it, she doesn't bite.