New music coming soon.
RIAR was a very real band, started in 1994 in Benton City Wa.
The Original line up was;
Vocals - James Gottula
Lead Guitar - Jeremy Malone (The Grumpy Ole Headbanger)
Rhythm Guitar - Levi Gear
Bass - Jeff Peyton
Drums - Michelle Peyton
The line up changed a few times over the years, but the songs remained.
As RIAR has since disbanded, it still remains a wonderful memory for all of us who were there and once had a very loyal following. This is a project that I have wanted to do for a long time. Back in the 90's we didn't have the ability to make good recordings. If people wanted to hear us, they had to come to a live show.
So, with the aid of AI and new ways to remaster songs, I am able to finally do what we all dreamed of doing back then. This project is not only for the purpose of giving all of the former members of RIAR (and to remember our fallen brother Mark Himenez), but to our fans that always wanted us to record, the ability to re-live something that was special.
I am always asked what RIAR means.
Definition - RIAR: Drunk bass player.
We were all sitting around the table after practice brainstorming what to call ourselves. We had been drinking and all of a sudden Jeff let out this yawn that sounded like a roar, it popped into my head RIAR, and it just stuck.
All of the songs are original RIAR songs written by the band over the years. Some have been recreated using new tools (including AI). But make no mistake they were all written by and performed by RIAR.
Story behind the song
I keep trying to write a good behind the song story, but I keep falling short. The truth is. I suffered a brain injury a few years ago. The only reason that I am alive today is because my wife stepped up when I could not. She went through the kind of hell that you do not ever want to see. 20 years I have stayed by her side and her by mine. When I was off chasing whatever dream at the time we were always a team. Through no matter what, crazy teenagers, unwanted distractions, unwanted drama, no matter what, we stand the test of time and all of the crazy stuff that happens with life. This song is not enough to describe how much I appreciate and value her. To the men out there. If you find a woman like that. Do not ever waste it. She will stand by you through hell and back. My wife Dea is one of a kind. A woman that will stand by you through the fires of hell. Trust me I have been there and at the end she is right next to me.
This song is for my wife Dea.
Lyrics
Verse 1
I was never there when you needed me,
Chasing dreams, lost in my own melody.
Missed the signs, of the quiet fight you fought alone,
But I see now, girl, you’ve always had your own throne.
Pre-Chorus
You’ve seen the darkness, faced the storm,
But your heart’s still pure, still warm.
Chorus
Hold on, my angel, keep fighting the fight,
Your spirit’s a fire burning bright.
I may have failed, but I see your light,
Keep believing, keep shining, through the night.
Verse 2
You carry hope in your gentle soul,
A heart of gold, always whole.
I wish I’d been the one to lift you high,
But now I see the strength in your eyes.
Pre-Chorus
You’ve been through hell, but you stand tall,
Your hope’s an answer to it all.
Chorus
Hold on, my angel, keep fighting the fight,
Your spirit’s a fire burning bright.
I may have failed, but I see your light,
Keep believing, keep shining, through the night.
Bridge
I’m sorry for the times I was blind,
For not being there, for leaving you behind.
But I love you more than words can say,
And I pray for you every day.
Final Chorus
Hold on, my angel, keep fighting the fight,
Your spirit’s a fire burning bright.
Though I faltered, I see your light,
And I’ll love you forever, in every way.
