Western Colorado’s Country Band ‘Shot Gun’ – Where Are They Now?

Hard to believe, but it was 20 years ago that Western Colorado Country Music lovers used to kick up their heals to Grand Junction's very own Country group "Shot Gun." In honor of their 20th anniversary, as well as founding members Dave Lock and Garry Tullio's same-day birthdays, March 1st, we ask... 20 years later... where are they now?

Let's backtrack a little. Shot Gun started in California with guitarist Dave Lock. It eventually relocated to Grand Junction, and went through a few member changes. Fact: Les Martines, road manager for Country superstar Neal McCoy for the last 22 years, was once a member of Shot Gun.

Dave Lock eventually met up with local singer/songwriter/guitarist Garry Tullio, and resurrected the Shot Gun name. They put the band's logo back in use, rounded up a few players, and started playing clubs around Western Colorado.

Before long they replaced their bass player with yours' truly, Waylon Jordan, and started booking heavily around the Western Slope. Please keep in mind, this is 1993 we're talking about. Back then, Country music was so hot, a Country band could play four to five nights a week and never leave Grand Junction.

Shortly after I joined the group, we made another member change, and added Todd Farr on drums.

Shot Gun was more than a fixture at the old Branding Iron on Orchard Mesa. The band played there Thursday through Sunday nights from 9 pm to 1:30 am. During that same period, they played some weeks at Chaser's in Fruita. Eventually, The Roundup opened on the business loop, and the guys could be found there Wednesday through Sunday nights. Eventually, The Roundup closed and the guys made there way to J.J.'s Lounge.

Before you knew it, spotting a Shot Gun t-shirt around town was a fairly common occurrence.

Along the way, Shot Gun performed frequently as opening act for major artists. You may recall seeing them open for Shenandoah, Black Hawk, Skip Ewing, and a handful of others. As a matter of fact, Shot Gun's final gig was performing the opening show for Neal McCoy at the rodeo in Craig, Colorado.

So, where are they now? Dave Lock, lead guitarist and vocalist, has moved away from Colorado and works as a Luthier, building and restoring ancient guitars and mandolins. Currently, Dave is working on a 300 year old Japanese Biwa  for a museum in San Jose, California.

Garry Tullio, guitarist/singer/songwriter for the group, is still in Grand Junction. You'll see him frequently performing with Stray Grass. Since Shot Gun, Garry has become very interested in Americana, and can be found playing in groups all over the valley.

Todd Farr, drums/vocals for Shot Gun, left music to become a State Patrolman in Arkansas. Before long, he and his family moved back to Colorado, and at last report, were living in Rifle.

Waylon Jordan, bass, is currently on the air at KEKB, right where he's been for the last 13 years. You'll still see me playing music with the Desert Flyer Band, the Messiah Choral Society, and Cool Jazz.

For the record, I think I can speak for the entire band and say we all had an incredible time performing for you all in Western Colorado. Those were the good ol' days, when people lined up around the building at The Rose on a Friday Night to pay a $7 cover to come listen to live Country music. Local bars had live music four to five nights a week. Everybody signed up to learn the newest Country dance craze. Hard to believe, but it has been 20 years since Shot Gun.