shane funk

Shane Funk is a powerful force behind the drums. He provides both lead and background vocals and his rock solid playing sets up the heavy groove that permeates all of Judd Hoos’s music. Shane’s drum solos are a crowd favorite as he teams up with Drew each night in a dazzling display of skill and coordination. Shane has also toured nationally and has worked extensively on the management side of the entertainment business. Shane is a Nebraska native who currently lives in Spearfish, South Dakota.

How did the band come together?

This band came together as Drew and I searched for a singer to complete the line-up for our band Stones Throw. I worked on a daily basis with Bob Zwart from Zwarte’. Bob found out we were looking for a singer and came out to see a show with Stones Throw. Bob liked what we were doing and we thought he would be a great front man. As the project started to take shape Thin, our bass player from Stones Throw decided to leave the band. We were very fortunate to have the perfect guy for the job ready and willing to jump on board. Chris Hornick, former Zwarte’ bass player, joined the group completing what became Judd Hoos.

How did you start playing drums?

I started playing drums long before I ever had a drum, let alone a drum set. I started in third grade playing drums on anything I could make noise on. I finally got my first drum set when I was 12. I played snare drum in grade school band, marching band and concert band, I played drum set through junior highand high school in jazz band and pep band. In college I was in concert band, pep band, and the jazz band. Starting in junior high I would jam with anyone who was willing to play. I was willing to play any type of music because as long as I was interacting with people on a musical level I was having fun.

What make this band different than other bands you were in?

This band is intensely focused on professionalism and the hard work it takes to make each show the best it can be. The bar is definitely set higher. Everyone in this band is committed to the hard work that it takes to move ahead in such a competitive field. There is a fresh positive outlook that I can feel every time we get together.

What do you do to get ready before a show?

I like to warm up my hands by playing rudiments for 15-20 minutes, and I also think it is important to talk and hangout with the guys before we go on stage to relax everyone and connect before we start a show.

What do you think about while you are playing?

My focus is always on doing my part to set up a tight powerful groove. I also work on solving world problems and thinking about how I could build a robot in my garage that could play bass and set up my drums.(don’t worry Chris… the technology is still months away)

Who are your influences?

I grew up listing to the radio hits and buying K tel records. I listened to all of my mom’s 60s, records. The Beatles, the Troggs, Jan and Dean, Gene Pitney, Rolling Stones, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and Gordon Lightfoot. I discovered ELO and bought all of their albums. When Def Leppard came out I was blown away. I thought Ratt was cool. Led Zep was a huge influence when I got interested in drumming; Prince’s Purple Rain was a huge influence. Tool’s first CD was played incessantly on my car stereo until it was scratched beyond repair. I liked Mettalica’s And Justice for all. I like Saliva, Rage Against the Machine, and Disturbed as well as Jason Marz, Dave Matthews, Maroon 5, and John Mayer.

Tell us a funny story about Judd Hoos:

Judd Hoos once took the stage with nothing but tube socks on there naughty-bits I think that was us.

What is one of your goals with Judd Hoos?

I want to tour regionally and continue to grow a following for the band, and I want to get our debut CD finished and concentrate on moving from primarily a cover band to playing more and more of our originals.

If you could play anywhere where would it be?

Red Rocks

Tell us about your fellow band mates:

Bob:

Great voice, maniacally driven, great entertainer. You want this guy on your team! Did you know he can play the spoons?

Shane:

Stud

Drew:

Drew is an incredible musician. He works hard on stage to keep us energized. Drew has a great attitude and is a blast to hang with. He is always up for a command performance of one of his many impersonations on late-night road trips.

Chris:

Chris is a dedicated player and his consistent level of performance night after night is one of the factors that keeps this band in the pocket. Chris is a fun person to be around. He is always willing to pitch-in when someone needs help. Chris is a class act.

What would you like to say to everyone at juddhoos.com?

There’s people at Juddhoos.com? Nobody told me we have guests! To them I say thanks for coming, make yourself at home, turn out the lights and shut the door when you leave and try to remember to wipe your feet before you come in next time. I want to keep this place nice.