Ripcord is Making a Scene

May 3, 2025

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Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Rex Lyons of The Ripcords

The Ripcords were born out of a project envisioned by Rex Lyons, who wanted to explore some of his favorite music alongside his collaborators from The Roustabouts, another well-known roots band in Central New York (CNY) fronted by Dugan Henhawk. Rex and Dugan share a long history, going back to their days in Whiteboy and the Wagonburners, the influential punk-and-roll band that ignited the CNY music scene in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

For The Ripcords, Rex brought in his cousin, Irv Lyons Jr., to handle guitar and vocals, alongside fellow Whiteboy alum Phil Regan on drums. Jay Gould, bassist for both The Ripcords and The Roustabouts, and veteran keyboardist Tom Witkowski completed the original lineup, creating a band deeply rooted in CNY’s rich musical community.

Our History
For nearly twenty years, The Ripcords have brought their high-energy roots music to audiences across the Northeast, from New York City and Boston to their home turf in Central New York. They’ve graced stages at major events like the New York State Blues Festival, Taste of Syracuse, Central New York Jazz Fest, Inner Harbor Block Party, Performance Harley-Davidson, Stage of Nations Blue Rain EcoFest, and the Ganondagan Native American Festival.

Beyond New York, The Ripcords have played venues such as the Saratoga Race Track, the Brockton Blues Festival in Massachusetts, and EarthDance in Napa Valley, California. Over the years, they’ve shared stages or been billed alongside legends like Santana, Steve Miller, Blues Traveler, Ry Cooder, Rick Derringer, Phish, John Lee Hooker, Edgar Winter, Leon Russell, Kim Simmonds, Terrance Simien, Gene Taylor, Bill Kirchen, and Chip Taylor.

In November 2016, the band welcomed drummer Steve Palumbo, bringing new energy and continuing The Ripcords’ tradition of tight, electrifying performances.