Todd Brandes: Drums/Vocals
Todd began his musical journey at 14, switching from violin to drums. He’s a lifelong band geek and has devoted many years to marching band and Drum Corps. After performing and attending college, he served 10 years in the U.S. Army and later worked at the U.S. Treasury’s Bullion Depository at Ft. Knox.
Music remained central as he spent nearly two decades teaching and arranging for high school bands in Kentucky. He later returned to performing, co-founding the folk-rock group *By the Bushel* and joining *Gypsy Stone Kings*, whose genre-blending sound gained regional and international attention. He put out LPs with both bands.
Todd is inspired by legends like Neil Peart and Buddy Rich. He recently retired from his federal police career and moved to Grants Pass with his wife, Deanna. Outside music, he enjoys exploring National Parks, mountain biking, and off-roading in his Bronco.
Gary Kovnat: Bass/Vocals
Gary had the privilege of studying mandolin with his grandfather, which developed into a passion for music. By the age of 19 he had settled into guitar and bass as his instruments of choice. Inspired by the Beatles, he wrote over 100 songs and continued playing music with friends. After 10 years of college, Gary decided to immerse himself completely in bass guitar, and soon joined the rock band Bandaged, followed by stints in several other classic rock cover bands, including Beale’s Cut, Wheelhouse Rock and Rolling Heartbreak Revival Company. Later, he joined the originals band Austin Jons and the Immortals, who appeared on America’s Got Talent. After retiring from his position as a college biology professor, Gary moved to Ashland Oregon, where he teamed up with 3 talented musicians to form Dr Pain and the Remedy. Gary is still influenced by Paul McCartney, and appreciates other power pop bands from England, particularly The Kinks, and American power pop like The Smithereens. When he’s not playing music, Gary enjoys listening to other people play music, as well as wine tasting with his wife, snow skiing, hiking, and afternoon naps with his 2 golden retrievers.
Johnny Payne: Guitar/Lead Vocals
Johnny started playing night clubs and public events at the age of 18 in his hometown of San Diego, CA. After moving to the Rogue Valley in 2000 he took a break from performing live to focus on family and a nursing career that evolved into his current role as a Doctor of Nursing Practice/FNP. Once the kids were out of the house a few years ago, he decided it was time to get back to playing live.
“I never stopped practicing guitar and singing, hoping to join a band again someday. I feel very fortunate to have found a great group of players to join forces with once I was ready to get back out there. I really love the varied styles and eras we play in our setlist and I hope to keep this going as long as we can all do it and keep having fun.”
When not performing with Dr Pain and the Remedy, Dr. Payne continues to practice Primary Care and Functional Wellness at One Peak Medical Clinic in Medford. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Michelle and off-roading in his Bronco with their two dogs.
Bryce Pettyjohn: Guitars, Harmonica/Vocals
Bryce started playing guitar at the age of 7 after many years of strumming a toy guitar. Bryce spent 3 years studying guitar under recording artist and engineer Larry Read (acclaimed winner of the Gong Show) in Canyon Lake, Texas.
At age 10, he was gifted a Fender Stratocaster from his parents that he still plays today.
He started also playing drums/percussion at age 11 as a member of the drum line at Canyon Lake where he excelled at the Marimba.
He is heavily influenced by Eric Clapton, Danny Gatton, Bob Wills and, of course, the Texas great Stevie Ray Vaughan, among many others.
Bryce moved to Oregon in 2015 to explore his love for mountains and cold temperatures, alas, not finding much of the cold in Southern Oregon.
He has been playing lead guitar with Dr Pain and the Remedy since 2021.
Bryce enjoys playing the lap steel, mandolin, piano, drums and, of course, his guitar.
When he is not playing with Dr Pain and the Remedy, Bryce works repairing amps and guitars, as well as spending time with his wife at home.
Every once in a while Bryce finds time away from music to snowboard, hike, and fly fish.