Dan Neary is a talented American guitarist and singer/songwriter from Edison, New Jersey, who has been playing guitar since he was 11 years old. After he was shown the first few notes of ‘“Smoke on the Water” by his father, he never looked back. Known for his impressive lead guitar skills and stage presence, Dan has worked with various artists and bands throughout his career, including Lisa Bouchelle, The Benjamins, and Audio Empire. He is currently playing with the East Coast cover band 'The Event Horizon,' a top act in the Tri-State area, performing at major clubs and events across the U.S.
Having performed for over 10 years, Dan has played thousands of shows, including theaters, casinos, and weddings. He began his musical journey at age 16, performing in local rock bands, and later honed his skills as a member and manager of the cover band 'DERAILER’ that featured Vocalist Shawn Mars of Mars Needs Women and Skid Row/O-Zone Monday. Dan also played with bands like Hold on Tight, Whiskey Fueled, and Late Night Alibi.'
In 2014, Dan wrote and performed with the Hard Rock band 'Audio Empire. Audio Empire’s song ‘Bleed Like You’ was featured on WDHA 105.5 FM as the intro music for Lindsay Klein’s Homegrown Spotlight program. They recorded their debut album in 2015.
Dan's passion for music was influenced by 70’s and 80’s hard rock legends like Van Halen, Skid Row, Guns N’ Roses, and KISS. His musical style is driven by a love for live performances, which has led him to consistently perform and inspire others. “The first concert I ever went to was KISS, and it completely blew my mind. I’ve always been so intrigued buy what artists can create. Watching their vision come to life in a live performance has always driven me.”
Dan primarily plays Gibson Les Paul guitars but is a fan and collector of vintage guitars and amps. He has been influenced by guitar legends such as Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Nick Perri, and Ken Dubman. In addition to his work with 'The Event Horizon,' Dan also performs in the acoustic duo 'Jake & Dan' and subs in with other artists.
You can currently catch him performing at some of the Top Clubs across the USA; playing to hundreds, and sometimes thousands of people a night, and playing over 150 dates a year.
Artists Dan Has Opened For:
Ace Frehley, King’s X, Jake E. Lee's Red Dragon Cartel, Paul Reiser, Don Jamieson, Judas Priestess, Eric Martin (Singer of Mr. Big), Faster Pussycat, Williams Honor, Spacehog, Tragedy (Bee Gees Metal Tribute)
Dan’s Notable Features and Appearances:
Lisa Bouchelle – “Jump In” music video, peaking at #21 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Charts, ‘Fever’ Music Video, American Songwriter Mag. Livestream
Deliver Me From Nowhere (Bruce Springsteen Biopic) – Background Actor for 20th Century Studios
Light of Day Festival – 2023 & 2024 performances in Asbury Park, NJ
105.5 FM WDHA – Audio Empire’s song "Bleed Like You" featured as intro music for the WDHA Local Spotlight with Lindsey Klein
Guitar Tales with Dave Cohen – Featured on the YouTube series/podcast, Season 2, Episode 2
WOND 1400 AM – Live performance on air with The Event Horizon at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ
WDHA 105.5 FM / WRAT – Audio Empire's debut album featured on the Local Spotlight
88.7 FM WRSU – Featured on Rutgers Radio’s ‘Oh the Shenanigans’ program with Jake & Dan
Music Mends Festival – Virtual performance for Emmalee Rainbow
NJTC Awards Ceremony – House band at the Princeton Hyatt Hotel for the New Jersey Technology Council Awards
School of Rock Student Talent Showcase – Performed as a backing band to support students in Hazlet, NJ (2011 and 2012)
Making Music Matter for Kids – Performed in the backing band to support School of Rock students in Clarks Summit, PA
Middlesex County MCC College Student Recognition Ceremony – House band for county events
Current Projects
THE EVENT HORIZON- East Coast Top 40 / Party Cover Act - Weddings/Clubs - NJ/PA/NY/CT/DE/MD/WV/FL
JAKE & DAN DUO - Acoustic Covers Act - Weddings/Private Events - NJ/PA/NY
THE OUTSIDERZ- Hard Rock/Classic Rock Power Trio
