Music is part of the Butts family legacy. Brian’s son Keith (KB) is a drummer, his Uncle Dennis Butts, a singer songwriter, his Great Uncle Hershel Butts a nationally known Bluegrass recording artist, and his cousins Jim and Bobby Butts were in rock bands around Carlyle, IL. All have been big influences on Brian and KB.

Brian studied with Dan Lauby while Dan was developing his widely respected Drummers
Program and top selling Drumming With Understanding book. Brian played in many bands
throughout his childhood and hit the road two days after high school graduation touring the
country with The Joey Springfield Band for a few years. After returning home, Brian continued to
play in many of the top Wabash Valley bands. Some of those bands included Tradewinds, Toyz,
Legacy, Karen Whistler, TKO, Hot Country with Marc Rogers, Ronnie Beard, The Don Morris
Band, Chaos, Stone Wheel Orchestra, The Tools, and many, many more.

Octane was formed in 2010 and Brian has been powering the rhythm section alongside bass
player Chris Hughes from the beginning. Brian was inducted into the Wabash Valley Musicians
Hall of Fame in 2021. His biggest drumming influences are Peter Criss, Frankie Banali, Carmine
Appice, John Bonham, and Eric Carr. Brian’s motto when playing live has always been, “Have
fun and hit ‘em hard!’. Come to an Octane show and you’ll see just that.

Brian proudly uses Ludwig drums, Paiste cymbals, Remo heads, Vater sticks, DW pedals,
Gibraltar hardware, The Kelly SHU, Audix mics, Rattlesnake Cables, Canopus snare wires, LP
cowbells, JK Drum Hooves, Humes and Berg cases, and Woodshed Stage Art products.

Eddie Ice has been making music since the very beginning—reportedly hitting high notes right out of the womb. His musical journey started on a Silvertone electric guitar from his grandfather and quickly led to forming his first band in high school, where lunchtime performances became regular events for years there.

Over the years, Eddie has performed with numerous bands across the country and even overseas in Germany during his service in the United States Air Force. Today he serves as the lead singer and frontman for OCTANE, performing alongside four incredibly talented musicians. In 2017, Eddie was inducted into the Wabash Valley Musicians Hall of Fame.

Eddie plays guitar, bass, piano, drums, and even spoons. His musical influences include Sammy Hagar, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Foreigner, Journey, Eagles, The Beatles

His musical journey actually began on trumpet in junior high school. That changed when his sister—who was the praise and worship leader at their church—needed a bass player and asked if he’d give it a try.

Chris picked up the instrument at age 12 and has been laying down bass lines ever since.

Over the years, Chris has performed with several bands, including Stone Wheel Orchestra, developing a reputation for rock-solid timing and a deep love of classic rock.

When it comes to gear, Chris believes in bringing the heavy artillery. His main basses include a 5-string Dingwall NG3 and a Warwick Thumb NT 5, powered by an Ampeg SVT-4 Pro pushing the legendary SVT-810E “fridge” cabinet.

For Chris, it’s all about locking in with the drummer, driving the groove, and keeping the crowd moving all night long.

The young gun from West T. Mostly self-taught, he’s been melting faces for over 25 years with searing solos and high-octane riffs.

After serving a tour in Iraq in 2007, Cody came home and got right back to doing what he loves—rocking stages all over the Wabash Valley. He joined Octane in 2015 and has been shredding with the band ever since.

A Fender loyalist, Cody’s arsenal includes Jackson, Charvel, and EVH guitars. His biggest influences include Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, and Angus Young.

Chris spent much of his 20s and 30s behind the console, learning the ins and outs of sound, lighting, and technical production while supporting local musicians and live events. Long before stepping onto the stage himself, he was helping make sure everyone else sounded their best for years locally.

Although Chris grew up singing, he didn’t pick up the guitar until his early 40s after a longtime friend and fellow musician challenged him to learn how to accompany himself. Once he started playing, he took off running and quickly worked his way from practicing at home to performing on stage.

Today, Chris brings strong vocals, tight harmonies, and rock-solid rhythm guitar to OCTANE, helping drive the band’s sound from both the microphone and the guitar.

Chris proudly uses Yamaha Revstar guitars, Fender amps, and Alclair in ear monitors to bring a professional show night after night.