Sixwire's Story
Based in Nashville and performing worldwide, Sixwire features five veteran musicians with extensive careers in touring, recording, songwriting, and production. Originally signed to Warner Brothers as a recording group, the quintet transformed into one of television and live entertainment’s most versatile backing bands. Following a national tour supporting their debut album and two hit singles, the band expanded their profile by serving as the house band for major television competitions—including USA’s Nashville Star, FOX’s The Next Great American Band, and CMT’s Next Superstar—and appearing regularly across all six seasons of ABC’s Nashville.
In addition to backing legends like Alice Cooper, Billy Gibbons, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Sammy Hagar, and Toby Keith, members of Sixwire have written songs for and recorded with musical icons across genres and produced music for major labels, television, and film. The band is also a premier fixture at major sporting events, having performed at multiple Super Bowls, the Daytona 500, the NHL All-Star Game, and as ESPN’s first-ever house band for the NFL Draft—all while helping raise tens of millions of dollars for causes like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Meet The Band
ANDY CHILDS
Guitar, Lead Vocals
Memphis native Andy Childs launched his professional music career in high school before studying music business at the University of Memphis and serving as music director for 1950s and ’60s pop icons. After relocating to Nashville, he signed with RCA Records, earning three chart hits off his debut album, and later joined EMI Music as a songwriter. Partnering with Steve Mandile, Childs co-founded and signed to Warner Brothers with the band Sixwire while penning songs for international stars like Cliff Richard and George Canyon, and country star Chris Cagle. In 2018, he produced the #1 Christian chart-topping Elvis Presley gospel album Where No One Stands Alone for Sony, reimagining original vocal takes alongside Lisa Marie Presley with new musical arrangements.
STEVE MANDILE
Guitar, Vocals
Texas-raised and Chicago-born, Steve Mandile moved to Nashville to become guitarist and band leader for country icon Lee Greenwood. He went on to tour with stars like Randy Travis and Pam Tillis, while building a powerhouse songwriting and production career. Named SESAC Songwriter of the Year in 1999 and earning a Grammy Award for writing Alejandra Guzman’s "De Verdad," Mandile has penned hits for artists like Tim McGraw and produced projects for Ronnie Dunn, Sir Cliff Richard, and Sixwire’s debut Warner Brothers album. His work as a composer and producer extends widely across television, video games, and film.
JOHN HOWARD
Bass Guitar, Background Vocals
Rural Texas native John Howard is a seasoned Nashville bassist whose career spans decades of global touring, studio recording, and high-profile television appearances. In addition to his long-standing role as a founding member of Sixwire, Howard has toured extensively with top acts including Faith Hill, Richard Marx, Randy Travis, and Lee Greenwood, while sharing the stage or studio with rock and country legends ranging from Alice Cooper and Don Felder to Dolly Parton and Keith Urban. John has performed as support for major stars on network television shows like The Tonight Show and the Grammy Awards, and played signature sporting events such as the NHL All-Star Game, the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500, and the NFL Draft.
STEVE HORNBEAK
Keyboards, Vocals
Raised in the small town of Tamms, Illinois, Steve Hornbeak has long established himself as a highly sought-after vocalist and keyboardist, touring and recording with icons across genres—including Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Kenny Loggins, Michael Bolton, Eddie Rabbit, Richard Marx, and John Michael Montgomery. Beyond the stage and studio, his career includes high-profile television appearances on The Grammy Awards, The Tonight Show, and The Late Show with David Letterman.
CHUCK TILLEY
Drums
Tuscaloosa native and University of Alabama Jazz Studies graduate Chuck Tilley is a veteran drummer whose career includes seven years touring with the legendary country group Alabama, as well as recording with artists such as Dolly Parton, Al Jarreau, Kenny Rogers, Engelbert Humperdinck and Delbert McClinton. As a co-founder of Sixwire, Over the years, Chuck Tilley built an extensive resume performing as a house band drummer for major broadcast shows, star-studded charity events, and high-profile sporting events like the Super Bowl and NHL Stanley Cup Finals. Known for his versatility and meticulous transcription skills, Tilley acts as a "musical chameleon," backing an extraordinary range of rock and country icons—from Alice Cooper and Michael McDonald to Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood.
