Goodroad was formed in 2005 with the recording of their debut album Lonely Trip. The various members each come from vastly different musical backgrounds. Allen Goodroad has gained most of his experience on the coffeehouse stage doing solo acoustic performances. For the past 4 years he has led the youth band at St. Michaels Church doing contemporary worship in a full band setup. Allen also recently returned from a 30 show, 25 city tour as a professional actor with the Children’s Theatre Company of Sioux Falls. Allen also performs weekly at the Catfish Bay Waterski Park where he has written the show for the past 5 years. Scott Rogers is from Green Bay, WI where he toured extensively up and down the coast of the Great Lakes. Scott moved to Sioux Falls and joined up with Goodroad at the beginning. Eldon Fisher is an experienced guitar player whose main background is in the heavier side of music where he has earned numerous awards for his musicianship including 2 Metal Album of the Year awards from the Just Plain Folks association in Hollywood, California. Eldon was signed to Atlantic Records with the band Crash Alley and toured the United States for 15 years as a professional musician. Eldon appears locally with Goodroad, Jerkstore, the Jukebox Zeroes and was formerly a part of the Glory Holes and Wakefield. Steve Grimes is an experienced guitar player out of Sioux Falls who many might recognize from the Glory Holes and Sugardaddy. Steve received his education from the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood, California. Last but not least, Brett McCarthy is a well traveled drummer who keeps the whole group in line. Brett grew up in Sioux Falls and has toured the region in various bands for years. You can now catch Brett’s drum styling’s with Goodroad and his other original project, Q. The love of music is apparent in each member of Goodroad. Allen, Nick, Scott, Eldon, Steve and Brett have come together to form a new sound combining all of their various experiences to create, together, Goodroad.
A high energy stage show and a level of professionalism that is unequaled in the area are what set Goodroad apart from other bands. Combinations of musical backgrounds also give Goodroad a unique sound any music lover would melt for. Add all of these various musical experiences together and you get the unforgettable. Goodroad.
Goodroad: Bio
Allen Goodroad - Acoustic guitar and vocals
Allen was born and raised in Sioux Falls and began playing guitar in college in a group called the Fulcrum Lever Band with all of four members doing mainly coffee shop gigs. Some of the songs on Lonely Trip are from this period, although they were completely reworked in Allen's next group the Harvard Project, and then in the studio. After both groups and while still in college, Allen continued to play coffee shops and other gigs ranging from an out door tent revival to opening for nationally touring artist Angel Dean. This was until he was brought in to lead worship at St. Michaels Catholic Church where Allen gained his first experience with a full band.
Since then Allen has gradually began working with more and more musicians until finally he was able to go into the studio and lay some of his ideas down. With the watchful eye of consummate professionals like Eldon Fisher and Mike Drestch, the project came out a success. After finishing the album, the band Goodroad was formed. The band has been playing to venues large and small ever since and is moving towards the studio for a second full length album in the spring of '07.
Eldon Fisher - Electric guitar and vocals
Eldon Fisher grew up in Brandon, SD and attended Mankato State University. Shortly after college he began touring the country full time with various bands including Crash Alley. Even signing a record contract with Atlantic Records which came to a tragic ending with the discovery of a young man named Kurt Cobain. After coming off the road, Eldon began work for Gateway computers and also producing television and radio commercials throughout Sioux Falls. During this time he also built a house with his wife Lori and their cats as well as joining the groups the Glory Holes and the Jukebox Zeros.
Eldon has recorded seven full length albums to date, even winning metal album of the year twice with the band Jerkstore at the Just Plain Folks Music Awards in Hollywood, California. He has also been featured as a guest on too many albums to remember. His music is still appearing on various television shows on the Sci-fi network. Eldon is currently the guitar player for the Jukebox Zeros, Goodroad and Shatterbone; as well as making a special guest appearance with the Rock Orchestra in Sioux City this year. Eldon one of the most respected guitarists in the region, for his personality and work ethic as well as his ability to play the guitar.
Steve Grimes - Electric guitar and vocals
Steve Grimes is a formally trained guitar player by way of the Guitar Institue of Technology in Hollywood, California. Although he attended school long before Arnold became the president of California, he still holds that time in his life dearly. He is the manager of Schmidt Music in Sioux Falls and has been seen in various bands in the area including the Glory Holes and Sugardaddy. A stand up guy and family man, he has two kids and a lovely wife Lori.
Steve brings a level of professionalism and a work ethic that are unmatched as well as a unique talent to play the spoons. He is a well respected player and perhaps underrated simply because he allows his playing to speak for itself rather than telling everyone about himself. One of the new additions to Goodroad, Steve is sure to make an impact writing, recording and playing live.
Brett McCarthy - Drums
Brett McCarthy was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD. Currently he mans the sticks for the band Q as well as his time with Goodroad. He works for Lodgenet doing something with computers that only people that work with computers would understand. He is single ladies, loves long walks on the beach and poetry.
Brett’s unique style adds the missing piece to Goodroad. Brett finds a way to do exactly what is needed when on stage and his feel for the music is incomparable. After earning respect of various regional musicians he was wooed to Goodroad with steak and potatoes. A welcome addition to Goodroad, Brett is sure to be around for a long time.
Scott Rogers - Keys
Scott Rogers grew up in Rock Island, IL and began playing piano at an early age. While working in Green Bay, WI, he toured up and down the coast of the Great Lakes with various bands until he met his wife Deena and started a family. He then moved to Sioux Falls and is one of the owners of Bob's Piano Service. Scott tunes pianos full time as well as being one of the most respected piano restorers in the country. Scott is a father of three, and both of his sons, Andrew and Jesse, are in the worship band at St. Michaels with Allen, which is how Scott and Allen met. His daughter Faith is 5, and is in kindergarten.
Scott began playing with Goodroad at the beginning, his first full time project in a few years, and has been hanging on tight ever since. He has proven his work ethic and is earning the respect of his band and fans at every appearance. A great guy and the glue that holds everything together, Scott is a necessary addition to the Goodroad sound.
Dave McCann - Auxiliary Percussion
David McCann was born in Sioux Falls and currently attends school there. He began playing drums at an early age and stuck with it all though high school and college where he was a member of the South Dakota State Drum line. Dave joined Goodroad after their first show to add that little something extra to the sound and to help recapture the sound of the album. Dave’s dedication is unquestionable as is his love of what he’s doing. Dave is the youngest member of Goodroad and his hard work is much appreciated.
Dave and Allen met through the worship group at St. Michaels as well and Dave has performed with Allen at Lifelight and many other gigs both as a percussionist and drummer. Dave has also played drums for numerous nationally touring artists in and around Sioux Falls. He is a young player who is rapidly gaining experience and exposure and is always up for whatever the next project may be.