Life & Work with Layin’ Pipe Band of Southbay, Redondo, Hermosa Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Layin’ Pipe Band.

Hi Layin’ Pipe, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Layin’ Pipe was formed by a real-deal plumber and is a South Bay’s no-nonsense, wrench-swingin’ rock ’n’ roll machine. Forged out of late-night jam sessions, Craigslist connections, and a mutual hunger for the raw power rock n’ roll anthems, the band brings together five musicians with deep roots, road-worn experience, and a shared mission: to crank up the energy and deliver high-octane live shows that hit as hard as a sledgehammer.

Frontman Ted Ryan (vocals) brings grit, heart, and a leg-shaking stage presence that’s impossible to ignore. Guitar slingers AJ Dvorak and Bill “Higgy” Higgins trade riffs, harmonies, and firepower with a balance of precision and chaos. Holding down the low end, Steven “Nevetts” Grehl drives the groove with thunderous bass lines and powerhouse vocals. And behind it all, drummer Mark “Debo” DiBenedetto keeps the engine roaring with unstoppable energy and pocket.

Each member has a story — from playing legendary venues like The Troubadour, Whisky, and Santa Monica Pier, to recording original albums, to building underground music scenes out of steel factories and garage bands. Together, they’ve fused their influences — Sabbath, The Cult, Foo Fighters, Lynard Skynyrd, Rage, and more — into a sound that’s bold, raw, and unmistakably Layin’ Pipe.

With humor, grit, and a love for the stage, Layin’ Pipe isn’t just a band — it’s a brotherhood. Their shows explode with energy, a massive sound, and an undeniable passion for rock. From timeless rock n’ roll anthems to modern classics, every set is delivered with the kind of fire that connects audiences of all ages
Layin’ Pipe: built to rock and guaranteed to leave an impression.

Member Spotlights

Ted Ryan – Vocals
From karaoke bars in Torrance to fronting multiple cover and original music projects. Ted “Brosevelt / Rux-P” Ryan has carved out a unique path as a rock vocalist. After a life-changing heart attack pushed him into performing, Ted built bands like Mercy of the Machine and Broken Compass before founding Layin’ Pipe — the most musically solid and high-powered lineup he’s ever assembled. Known for his leg-shaking stage presence, sharp humor, and positive energy, Ted is the voice and spirit that rallies the crowd every night.

AJ Dvorak – Guitar / Vocals
AJ “Lion” Dvorak started on guitar at 13 and never looked back. From Chicago projects (Lemon Tree, Earth Radio) to his solo album Tell Me How It Feels, AJ has played everywhere from DIY steel-factory festivals to Chicago’s legendary Cubby Bear Bar. In Layin’ Pipe, AJ’s versatility shines — whether he’s tearing through solos, locking into rhythm, or nailing tight vocal harmonies. On stage, he’s all energy, all ears, and all heart — a guitarist who makes the crowd feel every note.

Bill Higgins – Guitar / Vocals
Known to many simply as Higgybaby, Bill Higgins is a guitarist, vocalist, and all-around wildcard. With a background that stretches from high school marching band clarinet to flamenco guitar, Bill’s musical journey is as colorful as his nicknames. He’s released original albums (Nice To Meet Me, Love Time Chaos), jammed with countless bands, and once held down a wedding crowd in Newcastle with nothing but an acoustic guitar and a sea of cell phone lights. In Layin’ Pipe, Bill brings tasty guitar tones, witty banter, and a rock ’n’ roll soul that thrives under the stage lights.

Steven “Nevetts” Grehl – Bass / Vocals
A veteran frontman & guitarist turned bassist, Steven Grehl has been leading bands since age 14. From Midwest tours with Critical Mass (including a blink on MTV’s Headbangers Ball) to LA gigs at the Whisky and Troubadour, Steven has seen it all. Known for his driving bass lines, powerhouse vocals, and humor, he locks in with Debo to form Layin’ Pipe’s backbone. Whether channeling Prince, Van Halen, or Stone Temple Pilots, Steven brings groove, grit, and plenty of rock ’n’ roll swagger.

Mark “Debo / The Kernel” DiBenedetto – Drums
With nearly four decades behind the kit, Mark DiBenedetto is the pulse of Layin’ Pipe. From original project South Side Hero to his one-of-a-kind drum influenced creation “The DJ Drum Experience”, Mark’s career has been defined by his dedication to groove and energy. Beyond drumming, he’s a DJ, EDM fan, and backyard builder — but on stage, it’s all about the beat. With his iconic Ludwig kit and unstoppable drive, Debo keeps Layin’ Pipe tight, powerful, and primed to crush.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No band succeeds without facing obstacles. Hopefully, by sharing some of our experiences, other bands and musicians can learn from both the challenges and the growth that come with the journey.

The positives of being in a band definitely outweigh the negatives, but it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like any group, we’ve had our share of bumps—especially when it comes to communication. To quote Led Zeppelin, we’ve had a few ‘Communication Breakdowns’ along the way.

At times, expectations between members haven’t always aligned. What’s been important is that everyone stays open to constructive feedback and makes a genuine effort to improve. There’s a strong sense within the band of supporting each other and continuing to grow—both individually and as a unit.

Early on, some members were a bit hesitant about fully committing to a defined image and theme for the band. Over time, we’ve come to see how having a clear visual identity and style of dress not only sets a band apart, but also builds a stronger sense of camaraderie and unity.

When things do get frustrating, we take a step back and remind ourselves why we do this—it’s fun, and we truly love it. That’s always been the number one priority for every member of Layin’ Pipe.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Ted Ryan – Plummer

Bill Higgins – Electrical Engineer

Steve Grehl – Restaurant & Bar General Manger

AJ Dvorak – Electrician

Mark DiBenedetto – Supplier Quality and Compliance Consultant

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
We’re not overly focused on chasing trends—we’re focused on delivering music that lasts. Our setlist is built on songs that have already stood the test of time, and that connection doesn’t fade. If anything, people crave it more.

What we’ve seen at every show is simple: when the performance is real and the energy is right, people respond—no matter what direction the industry takes. That part doesn’t change.

Of course, the landscape will keep evolving—technology, platforms, how people discover music—but live music is the heartbeat of it all. That’s what we care about, and we believe it’s going to continue to grow, not disappear.

At the end of the day, we’re betting on great songs, real musicianship, and the shared experience of a live show. That’s bigger than trends—and always will be.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @layinpipeband
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/layinpipeband
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LayinPipeBand

Image Credits
Just D’Angelo