Cover Story isn’t just growing — they’re leveling up. Every year the crowds get louder, the shows get tighter, and the momentum keeps building.
It all kicked off in 2020 at an open mic night, where a handful of musicians collided and instantly clicked. Plans for a band took shape fast… right up until someone pointed out the missing drummer. A friend glanced down the bar and said, “There’s a drummer sitting right there.” One introduction later, the lineup was locked in.
They launched as 20th Century Limited, named after the legendary 1920s locomotive — a perfect tribute to the train‑themed bar where it all began. The original five‑piece (Matt, Chris, Bill, Woody, and Brian) quickly got their first gig and began rehearsals at the same Open Mic that created them. Soon after, Tim stepped in on bass as Woody could not commit to the group. Later that year, Brian stepped away, leaving a single‑guitar setup. That version of the band powered several strong years and built the foundation for what came next.
20CL was tapped to not only open for, but play a short set of Judas Priest classics with Tim “The Ripper” Owens at The Depot Tavern in Powell.
In 2024, things opened up with the addition of Scott on sax. New possibilities led to new sounds, new arrangements, and a wave of creativity reshaped the setlists and pushed the band into fresh territory.
By 2026, they weren’t the same band that walked into that open mic years earlier — and the name needed to match the evolution. That’s when Cover Story was born. And from that moment on, it’s been nothing but forward motion.