San Angelo Native Performs at Republican National Convention

On Monday, a teleprompter malfunction during U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s speech temporarily halted the proceedings. The unexpected pause provided an opportunity for Sixwire to extend their performance, much to the delight of the attendees.

Formed in 2000 and based in Nashville, Tennessee, Sixwire consists of Andy Childs (lead vocals, guitar), Steve Hornbeak (keyboards, vocals), John Howard (bass guitar), Steve Mandile (guitar, vocals), and Chuck Tilley (drums, percussion). 

The band entertained the crowd with a setlist that included songs by the Foo Fighters, Cheap Trick, and the Doobie Brothers.

Guitarist Mandile graduated from Lakeview High School in 1981 and studied at Angelo State University. 

Sixwire’s resume includes performances at Super Bowls 51, 54, and 56, the Daytona 500, the NHL All-Star Game, and serving as ESPN’s first-ever “house band” for the 2019 NFL Draft. 

Mandile, who recruited bassist John Howard and drummer Chuck Tilley for singer Lee Greenwood’s touring band, discovered keyboardist Steve Hornbeak playing in a Tampa nightclub during a tour in Florida and soon recruited him to join Greenwood’s entourage.

Andy Childs, then an RCA Records solo artist, began regularly opening shows for Greenwood, and the members eventually started collaborating on recording, songwriting, and touring projects with various artists. 

Mandile, Howard, and Tilley later formed an original band called “The Rangers,” a nod to their Texas roots, along with guitarist Robb Houston. However, Mandile, uncomfortable as a frontman, convinced Childs to join as the lead singer. 

The band, originally called “The Remnants,” was signed to Warner Brothers Records. Prior to their album release, they changed their name to “Sixwire,” a term they coined as slang for a guitar, fitting for a band led by three guitarists.