Bill Toms

Bill Toms

“Bill Toms is a poet, a soul-shouter and guitar slinger with one foot in the gutter and an eye on the heavens above. And man, does he front a great rock n' soul band!” - Will Kimbrough/

Bill Toms & Hard Rain is a Pittsburgh-based rock and soul band led by singer-songwriter Bill Toms, known for a career that blends heartland rock with roots-driven storytelling. With decades of experience on stage and in the studio, Toms has built a catalog of original music that draws from classic American influences while maintaining a straightforward, working-class perspective. Hard Rain serves as the backing band, delivering a tight, no-frills sound that supports both the songwriting and the live performance.

Their shows mix original material with select covers that align with their blues, soul, and rock foundation, creating a set that feels cohesive and grounded. The band’s approach is centered on authenticity, focusing on strong songwriting and a consistent live delivery rather than overproduction. Their music often reflects themes of everyday life, relationships, and resilience, which resonates well with a wide range of audiences.

Based in the Pittsburgh region, Bill Toms & Hard Rain has become a respected name in the local and regional music scene, regularly performing at clubs, festivals, and outdoor events. Their format works equally well in listening rooms and full-band environments, giving venues flexibility in how the show is presented. With a reputation built on experience and consistency, the band continues to deliver a dependable live performance rooted in rock, blues, and soul tradition

Toms launched his musical career in 1987 as lead guitarist of Pittsburgh’s legendary band Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers, During that period, he opened for and played with such legendary names as The Band, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Little Feat, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. While playing guitar, co-writing, and adding backup vocals for the Houserockers, Toms and the band recorded six studio albums and one live concert album. In 1995, The Houserockers released American Babylon, which was recorded and produced by Springsteen himself.

As a solo artist, Toms has opened for the likes of Buddy Guy, Levon Helm, Marshall Crenshaw, , Steve Forbert, and Dan Baird.
He’s plotting a string of regional east coast dates to support the release of the new album “It’s All We’re Fighting For “, in 2026.
For more information and tour dates, please visit www.billtoms.com

Publicity: Mike Farley/Michael J. Media Group/608-848-9707/ mike@michaeljmedia.com

DISCOGRAPHY

With Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers:
“Rock and Real” - Rounder Records, 1989
“Swimming with the Sharks” - Rounder Records, 1991
“End of the Century” - Razor and Tie, 1992
“American Babylon”- Razor and Tie, 1995
“Coming Home” - Big Star, 1997
“Down the Road Apiece, Live” - Schoolhouse Records, 1999
“True Companion” – Schoolhouse Records, 2003

With Bill Toms and Hard Rain:
“Paradise Avenue” - Schoolhouse Records, 1997
“My Own Eyes” - Moondog Records, 1999
“This Old World” - Moondog/Schoolhouse Records, 2001
“The West End Kid” – Moondog Records, 2005
“Spirits, Chaos, and a Troubadour Soul’ – AmeriSon Records, 2008
“Live at Moondogs: Another Moonlight Mystery” – AmeriSon Records, 2009
"Memphis" - Terraplane Records, 2011
"Deep In The Shadows" - Terraplane Records, 2015

"Good For My Soul" - Terraplane Records, 2017

"LIVE"- Terraplane Records, 2019

”Keep Movin’ On”- Terraplaner Records, 2021

“Official Bootleg Series:Vol 1”, 2024

“It’s All We’re Fighting For”, 2025

Bill Toms Solo:
“One Lonesome Moment” - Out of the Rain Records, 2002

Ira Planer – Management:
Ira Planer: iplaner18@gmail.com
919.349.0942
 

Bill Toms - billtomsmusic@gmail.com
412.303.3867

EPK: www.reverbnation/billtoms.com