Joe and some friends started "Third Rail" in 2012 as an impromptu replacement for a band that dissolved hours before their first gig. Joe is the only member of the band that has been a constant member from day one, and holds many different roles as a multi-instrumentalist, arranger, writer, and producer. Joe combines his love of 1970's Jersey Shore Rock & Soul, classic rock, blues, and swing with the complex structures and chord arrangements that Philip writes to create a unique sound that melds a variety of genres into one.
Joe Leone
​
Phil joined Third Rail shortly after it's inception, originally on keyboards to supplement the typical "guitar, bass and drums" structure of the band. As the band’s sound evolved away from blues, Phil’s role quickly grew to include backing vocals, bass & percussion. After a restructuring of the band, leaving Phil and Joe as the only two members, Phil stepped up to the duty of lead singer, as well as guitarist, and showed a talent for writing. His songs are the combination of rock, pop, Broadway and classical song structures & chord arrangements. Phil has over three dozen original songs in his catalog.
Phil Stern
​
Billy was watching from the crowd at Third Rail's first performance. Immediately after the set, Joe and the other original members of the band walked over to Billy to talk. He had previously played with Joe and some of the other members in other groups, and was asked if he would like to replace the drummer. Billy agreed and played with Third Rail for a couple of years before going on hiatus during the first restructuring of the band. Billy frequently makes special appearances on drums and percussion with the band.
Billy Bird
​
In February 2015, Stan and Joe teamed up to produce a show that turned out to be a great success. Since then, Stan and his production company (SRK Entertainment) work with Third Rail full time to provide lighting, sound reinforcement/backline and photography/video at live performances. In addition to the technical side of the band, Stan has taken up the role of percussionist, keyboardist, trumpet player and backing vocalist.
Stan Karwacki
Bri Mastandrea
Bri began playing live with Third Rail in late 2016. Starting off as a special guest keyboardist/percussionist, Bri now has taken up the role of horn player as well. She helped to arrange and record cornet parts on Third Rail's 2018 single, "Tonight We Can Restart (Alternate Version)."
Chris, a childhood best friend of Joe, is a long-time recurring guest of Third Rail, filling in on drums and percussion since the very early days of the band. Chris is a former member of "Anahata," a New York based metalcore band. He is currently working on new projects.
Chris Caressimo
The Big Toe
The Big Toe, also known as "Number 8" is a former explorer of the cold icy expanses of Antarctica. After an unfortunate encounter with an angry penguin, he moved from his home in the South Pole to pursue a new career at Acme Industrial Muffler Inc. He is a frequent guest bassist of Third Rail and trusted "consigliere," providing valuable advice for the band's various business moves.