The Bay Rats

The Bay Rats have been playing throughout Hampton Roads entertaining audiences with their fun brand of “Groovy Rock and Roll”. Consisting of Singer, Guitarist Patrick Kilduff, Guitarist Brian James, Bassist John Roth, and Drummer Eric Van De Wal, these well-seasoned musicians have a knack for selecting and delivering cover songs that please audiences of every age and musical taste. By playing a wide variety of decades spanning Rock, Pop, and Surf, with some cool Country thrown in for good measure, The Bay Rats will attract new customers and keep all your customers in their seats, or on the dance floor, longer, which makes every venue happy. Member Bio – Patrick Kilduff – Guitar / Vocals Patrick Kilduff is a pure rock and roll vocalist. He grew up in Maryland and has been playing and singing since 1975. Perhaps the most versatile vocalist from Maryland still living and performing. He played the entire east coast circuit for many years. His history is well documented, from playing and singing with artist such as Michael Howard from the band Firefall, George Thurgood and the Delaware Destroyers, He also played with the artist of ”Public Affection” in the late 80’s (now known as the band “LIVE”). Currently he lives in Virginia Beach and has performed with Heather Edward, Yogi, and Runnin Shine, and was the original founder of Trickwire with Dan “Hot wire” Henry Throughout his musical career he has opened and played with Aerosmith, George Thorogood, Todd Rundgran, Grand Funk, Rick Derringer, Ry Cooder, and Edgar Winter Now as the front vocalist for the Bay Rats. It’s time to think about the project ahead. As a guitarist, vocalist, and song writer he has found the perfect combination of artist. The Bay Rats were assembled by 4 distinct creative and phenomenal artists. The musicianship along with Patrick’s vocal style and creativity has made The Bay Rat’s the band to see. Member Bio – John E Roth – Bass /Vocals Born in Waynesboro PA moved to Virginia Beach in 1975.. started playing guitar as well as bass around 1980.. Started playing bass in local bands in 1987 and briefly played in EZ Axess with Chris Serrano who later on started Big Daddy Productions & Steve Parker who later on played with Element.. Also played with River Ratz based out of Portsmouth 1994 to 1998… In 2003 started a band called Pleasure Victim with Mark Worrell from Hickey Necklace and later formed Radio 80’s in 2017.. Suzanne Ganther was the singer who is now with Magg Dylan.. that band mainly booked through More Music Group and lasted til 2009.. John did some fill in work for Forefront , Rocktane & Dirty Toys for a few years then John ran sound for a while til 2020 and played with Crazy Daze til 2023…And now with The Bay Rats ( 2024 ) Member Bio – Brian James - Guitar/Vocals Brian has been playing in various bands since the early 70’s. His style of playing comes from David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Carlos Santana, Gary Moore, Joe Walsh, Erick Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. Of these, his playing style mostly resembles David Gilmour. His vocal style was influenced by Jim Morrison (Doors), Terry Kath (Chicago) and David Bowie. Brian has worked as a studio musician providing guitar and vocal talents to everything from Gospel, Blues, Rock, and Pop to Contemporary Christian music. Over the years, Brian took time off to raise his family. When they were grown, he returned to music. Most recently, he led Off the Grid - a classic rock cover band. A versatile musician, Brian occasionally fills in for other guitarists when they need a substitute. Brian’s philosophy? Get ‘em on the dance floor! When the ladies dance, EVERYONE has a good time! Brian has gone from “Off the Grid” to “off the road” and now plays for the Bay Rats of Virginia Beach. Member Bio – Eric Van De Wal – Drums / Vocals Originally from Northern NJ, Eric’s experience playing in bands is as wide as his musical tastes. Eric started playing out live with NJ’s Rockin’ Blues Band “Burning Mojo” in the late 1980’s. He then played with The Jersey Shore Surf Rock band “The Sting Rays” through the 1990’s then on with the New York based rockers “Blabbermouth” to end the decade before founding the New York metro area’s “The Unsaleables” in 2000. A move to Charlotte NC in 2013 found Eric playing with the all original and recording artists “The Koyotes”. The next move to Hampton Roads found Eric playing with the local cover band “Powerdaze” before forming “The Bay Rats” with John Cain and Patrick Kilduff, also from Powerdaze.