History 
Steel Door Band is a classic rock band that started in 2006 as a result of an Open Mic Night that I was hosting with my friend, Jim Knapp at the Better Days Pub & Eatery in Wellsville. Rather than a "one performer at a time" type Open Mic, we had everyone up and playing a big jam fest. We had a theme or featured performer each night and got a lot of talent involved. We had Louie Norton, "Top Jim" Knapp of Roundhouse Kick, Rich Shear who bears a remarkable persona with one Mick Jagger, Cort Dunham and his son, Dan, along with many many great musicians and fun- loving people. The fun and energy this generated just rolled on; eventually a group emerged including, Jim Knapp (not the Roundhouse Kick guy), Scotty Grantier, Rich Shear, and Mike Prutsman forming the original core. The band has seen many changes through the past 5 years, many faces and a lot of talent has graced the stage, musical tastes have varied a little, but the fun and energy has been constant.
Dwight Allen, Co-Founder of Steel Door Band Feb 2011

The Band

Rich Shear owns and operates Hamilton Shoe Store in Wellsville, is the founder of Ridge Walk and Run, past President of the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce, and is a disciple of Mr. Mick Jagger. Rich lives on a huge horse farm in Alma with his wife Gwyn. They love company and their pets ..horses, dogs, cats, a pond full of trout and a couple of well fed pot-bellied piggies. Rich tells us that he always wanted to play music in a band and after six decades, he is living the dream. Rich can be found blowing his blues harps and engaging the crowds on many stages and taverns as he often sits in here and there for a couple of numbers with other bands performing in the area. Rich is one of a kind, an entreprenuer at heart and genuinely loves life.

Scott Grantier is an officer for the Allegany County Probation Department. He lives in the Belmont area with his wife Erica and their two young sons, Payton and Derrick and the newest addition Elizabeth Lauryn. Scott has been a performing musician all of his adult life. He is our youngest, but most experienced member. He tells us that he has three sets of drums. That'll work out real well with his two young sons; there might be a monster drum line in that households future! Along with his growlin' vocals and steady backline work ,Scott is our all-around nice guy and has a kind word and smile for everyone.

John Spicer is an Environmental Scientist working at a hilltop research station for the State of New York. He lives in Hallsport with his wife Carol. John is the father of three sons, Seth, Joshua, and Justin, and grandfather to Vada Mae. John is our newest member, a recent convert to the four string bass and is tearing it up! He also bares a remarkable resemblance to another John, John Denver. John plays a very nice six string and, along with his father, John B. is a huge Johnny Cash fan. John is our multi-instrumentalist and spiritual guide.


Tom Kailbourn is a freelance historical and photo-historical researcher and writer in Stannards with several books, numerous articles, and thousands of photo-captions to his credit. A music afficionado, he knows bands and artists whose names and reputations might be considered outside today's mainstream music. To those interested in music history and the less traveled paths that modern music has taken, throw a question at Tom; you might find it fascinating and even a little educational. Tom plays a mean slide and tricks his '52 Reissue Tele or sweet-toned Reverend into giving up some hot, edgy, bluesy licks.


Dwight Allen owns Allen Construction Management and co-owns Allegany Landscape Contractors. He lives in Wellsville with his wife of 39 years, Gail and their three cats, Gracie, Cleo, and Gwen. They have two grownup daughters, Courtney and Lyndsey and 3 grandsons, Robert, Bryson and Gabriel, and a step-granddaughter, Cheyenne.  Dwight has been playing guitar most of his life starting at the tender age of 8, has been in too many garage bands and began down this path in 1995. He is a south paw and is quite proud of his guitar collection.