A lifetime in music. A spirit that never surrendered. A legacy still being written.

Steven Tobek first picked up a six-string acoustic guitar in 1966. By 1970, after countless jam sessions with friends, he had found his true calling: the bass guitar. It became his instrument of choice, his weapon of expression, and the foundation of a musical journey that has spanned more than five decades.

During his high school years, Steven played in stage band and swing choir while forming his first group, SILVERTRAIN. In 1975, his musical path led him to Aberdeen, Washington, where he joined his first recording group, THE ROCKLES, later renamed AMBERAIN. These early years laid the groundwork for a career built on dedication, adaptability, and an instinctive understanding of what makes a band come alive.

In 1983, Steven survived a devastating accident that cost him half his leg and left him with a severe concussion. Facing death twice, he emerged with a determination that would define the rest of his journey. Music wasn't something he was willing to leave behind. It wasn't his time to stop playing.

By 1984, Steven was back at it, joining local musicians to form PORKY AND THE BEANS. Over the years that followed, he performed alongside talented regional musicians, opened shows, and crossed paths with iconic recording artists. His journey was shaped not only by the stages he played, but by the people he met and the experiences that continued to deepen his musicianship.

Eventually, Steven stepped away from performing and retired his bass for nearly a decade. But some callings never disappear. Ten years later, he built a small recording studio, opening the door to a new chapter and setting the stage for the music still to come.

In 2018, Steven met guitarist and songwriter Sean Searls. What began as a musical connection developed into a creative partnership, eventually bringing in powerhouse drummer Shannon “The Canon” Laird. Together, they built the instrumental foundation of what would become HANGFIRE, performing while waiting for the right vocalist to complete the lineup.

That missing piece arrived in the form of Lauren Bisplinghoff, a determined, passionate frontwoman whose voice, songwriting, and creative vision helped ignite a new chapter for the band.

In August 2026, HANGFIRE was ready to rock again.

With more than 50 years of bass-playing experience behind him, Steven brings something to HANGFIRE that can't be manufactured: a lifetime of musical instincts, hard-earned perspective, and the resilience of a man who has faced the unthinkable and kept moving forward. His playing is rooted in experience, his contribution extends beyond his instrument, and his presence helps anchor the band's evolving sound.

But Steven's legacy isn't measured by years alone or by the notes he plays. Those who know him recognize a genuinely kind, humble man and a brilliant musician, someone whose character is every bit as valuable as his talent. In a world that often celebrates the loudest voice in the room, Steven brings the rare combination of strength, generosity, and musical intelligence that makes everyone around him better.

He has spent a lifetime mastering the low end. Now, with HANGFIRE, he's helping build something new.

The experience is real. The heart is genuine. And the bass is still roaring.

Steven Tobek: The Monster Bassman. Since 1970. Still standing. Still playing. Still HANGFIRE.

Music has always been a huge part of who I am. I’ve always been drawn to heavy music, the energy, the intensity, and especially the feeling of playing it live. Being a part of Hangfire gives me the opportunity to take that passion and put it into something real. Whether I’m writing, rehearsing, recording, or getting on stage, I’m there to give it everything I’ve got. There’s nothing quite like playing a killer show, feeding off the energy of the crowd, and making music with people who share that same passion. For me, it’s pretty simple: make heavy music, play it loud, put on one hell of a show, and have a damn good time doing it. 🤘🔥

Shannon “The Cannon” Laird is a veteran metal and punk drummer known for his hard-hitting style, precision, and commanding live presence. Born in Abilene, Texas, in 1972 and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, he began playing drums at age six and joined his first band at fourteen, laying the foundation for a career built on power, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to heavy music. Laird’s first band, Skellum, achieved a major early-career milestone by opening for Ozzy Osbourne at the final show of the No More Tears Tour at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks. After relocating to Seattle in the spring of 1992, he became a fixture in the region’s metal and punk communities, performing with For The Love of Suffering, The Braindead, Disciples Of Dissent, and Testing Trinity. Across decades of live performance, he has shared the stage with an extensive roster of national acts and earned a reputation as a seasoned, dependable, and electrifying drummer. Now behind the kit for HANGFIRE, Laird brings force, control, and unmistakable stage authority to every performance. Drawing inspiration from Clem Burke, Lars Ulrich, Charlie Benante, Scott Travis, and Nicko McBrain, he combines punk urgency, metal intensity, technical precision, and a deep sense of groove, making Shannon “The Cannon” Laird a formidable presence onstage and a defining rhythmic force within HANGFIRE.

A songwriter and poet since the age of 12, Lauren Bisplinghoff has spent a lifetime turning emotion, experience, and the darker corners of the human spirit into words and music. As the frontwoman and songwriter of original alternative-rock band Pëtrichør, she brings a powerful voice, an instinct for storytelling, and an unapologetic passion for creating music that means something. About three months ago, Lauren stepped into the world of Hangfire, and the chemistry was immediate. There was an undeniable connection between the musicians, the music, and the energy in the room. What began as a new musical opportunity quickly became a creative force she knew she wanted to be part of. Lauren holds immense love and respect for Stephen, Sean, and Shannon, whose talent, experience, and individuality make Hangfire something truly special. Sharing the stage with musicians of this caliber is an honor, and she is thrilled to bring her own voice and creative vision into the band's next era. Now, Lauren is embracing the freedom to explore heavier sounds, deeper stories, and uncharted creative territory as Hangfire begins work on its second album. For her, music has never been about fitting inside a box, it's about breaking through it.