Photos courtesy of BackTrax
If you’ve caught a live show in the Prescott area lately, chances are you’ve felt the pull of BackTrax. Formed in 2022 and now anchored by the four-piece lineup of Mark Stevens, Kevin Woog, Mike Weilert and Bill Amerio, the band has built a loyal following by doing exactly what their name suggests — digging into the classic rock, blues and oldies that other bands leave behind. From Clapton to Santana, Skynyrd to Elvis, BackTrax brings an energy to the stage that keeps dance floors packed and crowds coming back. We sat down with the band to talk about their origins, their most memorable moments and what keeps them playing night after night.
Prescott NOW: How long have you been playing together?
BackTrax: BackTrax began in 2022, with Bill Amerio and Mike Weilert. The current lineup — Mark Stevens, Kevin Woog, Mike Weilert and Bill Amerio — has been together since May of 2025.
Prescott NOW: What’s the story behind your band’s name?
BackTrax: The original band members met, each providing two potential names. Not sure who came up with BackTrax, but the premise was we wanted to play more classic rock that other bands didn’t play. Hence the name “back tracks,” or BackTrax.
Prescott NOW: how do you connect with your audience during a show?
backTrax: We have good chemistry amongst ourselves, which reflects to the audience. We’re lucky to have a pretty good following, so we get to know most everyone. We really love it when the dance floor is full, and we can see the folks having a good time.
Prescott NOW: How would you describe your sound?
BackTrax: Energetic and captivating! We play a good variety of classic rock, blues and oldies — Eric Clapton, Santana, Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Elvis, Fats Domino and so many more.
Kevin and Mark both share the duties of lead and rhythm guitar, as well as lead vocals, and Mike and Bill provide the heartbeat of rhythm to round us out into a full-sounding band.
Prescott NOW: What is the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Mark: Meeting my wife Cindy during one of my gigs 40 years ago. She is my rock star!
Mike: Performing the Eagles tune Seven Bridges Road to a packed club many years ago. When we finished the four-part harmony a cappella at the end of the song, you could hear a pin drop for about five seconds until the crowd of 100+ people erupted in cheers. That was awesome!!
Prescott NOW: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Mark: Keep playing the saxophone no matter how you feel about wanting to be a guitar player.
Kevin: Play every gig like it’s your last. Most memorable moments happen quite often. When the band is locked in and the audience is feeling it, that is pure magic!
Mike: Like Mark, I would have not give up on the trumpet in favor of the guitar. The only brass bands in rock at that time were an up-and-coming Chicago and Blood Sweat & Tears.
Prescott NOW: What motivates your band to perform?
BackTrax: The energy of the crowd really gets us excited! The smiling faces, tapping feet and dancers! It’s also the opportunity to sharpen our skills and tighten up all of our material. We love playing out for people, and we all share the same passion for the music that we play! The Prescott area is indeed a special place — everyone is so awesome here!
Prescott NOW: What brought you to Prescott?
Mark: Retirement! Been here three years, and love it! I love the downtown area, Courthouse Plaza, Whiskey Row, the rodeo, 4th of July Parade and festivities, and all the Christmas lights. Also some pretty nice people.
Mike: I’ve lived here for nine years because of the ruralness. 
