What was the name of the band playing at the RNC 2024? Sixwire wins over fans with stellar performance in Milwaukee

On Monday, July 15, Nashville-based country music band Sixwire (also 6wire) played on the opening day of the Republican National Convention (RNC) 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Their 45-minute set contained their own renditions of several popular country songs, including Cheap Trick’s I Want You To Want Me, Rascal Flatts’ Life Is A Highway, 38 Special’s Caught Up In You, John Mellencamp’s R.O.C.K. In the USA, Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, Grand Funk Railroad’s We’re an American Band, and Foo Fighters’ Learn to Fly among others.

The video of their performance was first shared on social media platform X by KCBS radio reporter Doug Sovern which has since become viral. The internet is now positively reacting to Sixwire, who have won over fans with their stellar show.

Here are some of the reactions from X:

“Sixwire is earning itself a legion of new fans right now,” a person wrote.

“Is it just me or does the RNC house band go kinda hard?” another person wrote.

“The band playing at the RNC convention is awesome!!!!” a netizen wrote.

“This band at the #RNC is rocking! So happy to have this celebration after one of the darkest days in our country’s history. We needed this! TRUMP VANCE 2024!” another netizen wrote.

“Whatever the RNC is paying this cover band, they’re earning every single cent while I assume they fix the busted teleprompters. Currently, cooking on a Steely Dan cover. Gotta respect it,” a user wrote.

“#Sixwire rockin’ the house tonight at the RNC. Man, these guys got it going on,” an individual wrote.

“Loving the band Sixwire at the RNC Convention. Great show,” another individual wrote.

Reportedly, Sixwire played at the RNC 2024 during an unscheduled break when the teleprompter malfunctioned and cut short House Speaker Mike Johnson’s introduction of Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird.

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All you need to know about Sixwire, the band that played at the RNC 2024

Country music band Sixwire was founded in 2000 in Nashville, Tennessee, and released its debut eponymous studio album in August 2002, which comprised 11 singles, including Way Too Deep and Look At Me Now. They were released under the Warner Brothers Records label and debuted at 55 and 30 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

The band was originally called The Remnants but soon changed its name to Sixwire, which refers to a colloquial term for guitar.

At present, its members include lead vocalist and guitarist Andy Childs, side vocalist and keyboardist Steve Hornbeak, bass guitarist John Howard, guitarist and vocalist Steve Mandile, and drummer and percussionist Chuck Tilley.

As per the band's website, they have been the house band for many television shows, including USA Network’s Nashville Star, Fox’s Next Great American Band, CMT’s Next Superstar and Can You Duet, and ABC’s drama series Nashville.

Some of the other shows of which 6wire was part include American Idol, The Today Show, Good Morning America, The View, Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and The Late Show with David Letterman.

They have also attended several award ceremonies such as the Grammys, Flame-Worthy Awards, ACM Awards, CMA Awards, and more.

Sixwire has also performed at several Super Bowls, including 51, 54, and 56, alongside other sports events such as the Daytona 500, NHL All-Star game, and 2019 NFL Draft (first-ever house band of ESPN).

Over the years, the band members have collaborated with the likes of Faith Hill, Randy Travis, Richard Marx, Steve Wariner, Dolly Parton, Lee Greenwood, Vince Gill, and many others.