Onstage company
Documented collaborators
The Gear Daddies are a rootsy, Americana-tinged rock band formed in 1984 in Austin, Minnesota. Founded by Martin Zellar, Nick Ciola, Randy Broughten, and Billy Dankert, they carved a niche with catchy melodies, jangly guitars, and thoughtful storytelling. A memorable moment in their early career came when they performed Stupid Boy on Late Night with David Letterman in 1991, helping bring Midwest indie rock to a national audience. The band blends country, rock, and roots textures to create music that feels both familiar and fresh.