Bent Whiskey is a four piece Southern Rock Band from the Great Teays Region in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. Known for high-energy performances, they put their own spin on a mix of classic and modern songs from Southern Rock and Country genres.

Highlights

• They are reoccurring guests at Louie's Lounge @ Mardi Gras Casino and The Lost Paddle @ Ace Adventures

• They have shared stages with Shenandoah & Molly Hatchet

• Performed on the Sternwheeler Stage @ Charleston Ribfest

• Performed @ Yakfest- WV's largest flat water party

Music & Video

Experience the best of southern rock and outlaw country with Bent Whiskey.

Click to request Bent Whiskey to perform at your Festival, Party, Club, or Venue

The Band

Learn about the band members and the unique contributions each bring to the music

His father was a Pentecostal Preacher and his mother a Praise and Worship Leader; George has been involved with music most of his life. At an early age he would fill in on drums at church playing the boom-chuck of fiery pentecostal jams, and would swing the beat in soulful worship. Later, he channeled that energy through guitar to play for several Southern Gospel bands and eventually helped pioneer Christian Rock in West Virginia with his band mates in Begotten.

"We were not the first Christian Rock band in West Virginia to do it, but we did help influence a musical movement." George

After Eric invited George to play guitar for Bent Whiskey, George said it was the experience of having played Southern Gospel that helped him over the learning curve to play Country and Southern Rock

Today, George continues to carry that same spirit of fire & cool in his playing; fun to listen too, entertaining to watch, and rarely plays a guitar solo the same way twice.

George Priestley

James "Bo" Stevens

James 'Bo" Stevens grew up in Saint Albans, WV in a musically artistic family and was encouraged to play drums at the age of 7. He was the drummer in his family's Southern Gospel Band as well as other bands all through school. "I learned every type of music has merit, although I do have my favorites," James said.

Bo's drumming style has been greatly influenced by 80's metal, particularly the drum tones of Queensryche- his favorite all-time band. Bo's style has also been influenced by his participation with Orchestra Music, and Drum & Bugle Corps. "I believe music is a universal language and even if I'm not in the same social circle as someone, music can bridge that gap." James

Eric Sharp

Eric is a dynamite guy who grew up in Nitro, WV. He developed his musical ear from the many different types of music that were played around the house. When he was tall enough to get into he family furniture -sized stereo system, he liked the way it sounded with the Bass turned all the way up! Eric plunked around on acoustic guitar and banjo until he ventured into playing the rock and metal scene. He realized quickly that there were a ton of lead guitarists out there already but few people seemed to want to play bass. So he picked up a Peavey Amp along with a 1967 Fender Mustang Bass and began honing his craft and growing his hair. (If you search long enough you may find some of that era on the YouTube) When Grunge Kicked in Eric moved to Front of House and became the sound engineer for countless bands, establishing himself firmly in the local scene.

Denny and Eric worked together in the 90's Country band, Tradition, as a house band for several years until the bar was sold and Tradition disbanded. Over time Eric made several expeditions to the Wild West. Until one night Denny called him while he was staying in the same hotel where Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp had slept. The two agreed to assemble a band to play Outlaw Country and Southern Rock.

"While mostly we all just celebrate being able to still make the music and the show happen, we take in the crowd energy like kids in a candy store and are just thankful and in awe of what happens next." Eric

Denny Allen

Denny Allen is a Southern Rock and Country vocalist from Bancroft, West Virginia, with deep roots in gospel music. Raised on Southern Gospel thanks to his parents—both former gospel group singers—Denny’s musical foundation was built on soul-stirring harmonies and heartfelt lyrics.

Though gospel shaped his early love of music, it was the raw grit of classic Southern Rock and blue-collar country that truly lit the fire. From hard-driving guitars to songs that could make you cry or jump out of your seat, Denny was drawn to music that moved people.

Unlike many musicians, Denny came to performing later in life. It all began on a backroad in Winfield, WV, where a few friends, an acoustic guitar, and some cold beer gave him the push to sing out loud—and he never looked back. Within six months, he was fronting his first band, and now, more than 20 years later, he continues to deliver passionate, high-energy performances across the region.

Just saw Bent Whiskey at Mardi Gras. This band is great! Always enjoy watching this band

Heather Roush

It's always great to see and hear ya'll. Its always a great time

Greg Parker

★★★★★

★★★★★

Ya'll are fantastic live! One of the best local bands around

Lisa Barker

★★★★★

The first time we met you treated me like family. Y'all are the reason I come to Mardi Gras- to hear and watch ya'll perform

Della T (KY)

★★★★★