The Gnarboots was a punk/hard rock band formed by Justin Chapman (bass, vocals), with Evan Chapman (drums) and Keegan (guitar). Justin and Billy met after Billy called his former guitar teacher, Bruce Casteel, to ask if he had any students who played bass. Bruce recommended Justin, and Justin joined Billy in playing with The Vault.
As Justin’s house was on the way to The Vault’s rehearsal space, Billy picked him up after leaving work each week, and Justin introduced him to his brother Evan and gave him a couple of recordings they had made together.
Later, Justin asked Billy to play guitar on The Gnarboots’ 2004 demo, and Billy agreed, helping work out the final arrangements for the songs as well.