Shotgun Hunter isn’t just a band — it’s a story of love, grit, and outlaw country revival.

The roots of Shotgun Hunter stretch back to early 2015, when Greg Watts and original guitarist John Stuart set out to form an alt-country group with raw energy and heartfelt storytelling. Around the same time, local guitarist Gil Bantay and vocalist Hunter Tynes were working on an acoustic act of their own. One jam session later, the sparks were flying — musically and romantically.

Gil couldn’t commit long-term, but Hunter was in. With no luck finding a full lineup, Greg stepped in on acoustic guitar, and just like that, Shotgun Hunter was born. What started as an “acoustic” trio soon found its sound, with John on electric lead guitar and Greg and Hunter holding down rhythm and vocals.

By 2016, the band was gigging steadily — and so were Greg and Hunter, who had kindled a romance alongside their music. In 2017, longtime friend and bassist Pat Myers (of Locals Only) joined the band after John’s departure. That October, during a show, Greg proposed to Hunter live on stage. They were married on March 1, 2018 — the same day Johnny and June tied the knot 50 years earlier.

In 2019, drummer Richie Comia (of Kilroos) came on board, but just as momentum built, the world shut down. The pandemic paused everything — and for a time, it seemed like Shotgun Hunter might fade into memory.

But in 2023, Richie brought the band back to life. A few rehearsals turned into a Facebook Live video — and that video landed them their first gig in over four years.

By 2024, Greg’s son Adam Watts joined the group on lead guitar. It was a full-circle moment. Nine years after it began as a vision between Hunter, Greg, and John, the full band had finally come together — tighter, stronger, and more honky tonk than ever.

Shotgun Hunter now stands as a family band — in every sense of the word — with a vintage outlaw spirit and songs steeped in heartache, whiskey, and wild nights. Whether on stage or in the studio, they bring the heat with every chord and chorus.

Come for the country. Stay for the story.