
Feature Photo: J.A. Dunbar / Shutterstock.com
Daughtry is a band formed and fronted by Chris Daughtry, who first gained prominence after placing fourth on the fifth season of “American Idol.” After his elimination from the show, Chris Daughtry signed with RCA Records and formed a band under his surname. The band’s self-titled debut album was released in 2006 and was met with significant commercial success; it included hits such as “It’s Not Over” and “Home.” The album quickly rose to prominence, bolstering the band’s reputation and solidifying their place in the rock genre. Over the years, Daughtry has released six studio albums, followed by the Shock to the System releases and the 2026 re-recorded collection There and Back Again, achieving multiple chart-topping singles and receiving various music awards.
Chris Daughtry
Chris Daughtry is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the band, which carries his last name. After his stint on “American Idol,” Chris quickly capitalized on his newfound fame by forming Daughtry. Under his leadership, the band’s debut album became the fastest-selling debut rock album in SoundScan history. Chris has been involved in writing and producing much of the band’s music, contributing significantly to all their albums, including Daughtry (2006), Leave This Town (2009), Break the Spell (2011), Baptized (2013), Cage to Rattle (2018), and Dearly Beloved (2021), as well as the more recent Shock to the System releases and There and Back Again (2026). His powerful voice and dynamic stage presence have made him a recognizable figure in rock music.
Josh Steely
Josh Steely joined Daughtry in 2006 as lead guitarist and became a key member of the band’s longtime lineup. Steely’s guitar work has been a cornerstone of Daughtry’s sound, providing the heavy, melodic leads that complement Chris Daughtry’s vocals. He appeared on the band’s studio albums from Leave This Town through Dearly Beloved and also contributed guitar to material released on Shock to the System (Part One) in 2024.
Brian Craddock
Brian Craddock joined Daughtry in 2007 as the rhythm guitarist. Craddock brought a new level of musicianship to the band with his diverse playing style. Over the years, he has been a significant contributor to the band’s studio recordings, particularly noted for his rhythm guitar and backing vocals. Craddock’s involvement in the band has also seen him stepping into roles such as songwriter and producer for some of the band’s work.
Elvio Fernandes
Elvio Fernandes, who joined Daughtry’s touring lineup in 2012 and subsequently became a member of the band, plays keyboards and provides backing vocals. His addition to the band introduced a new layer to their sound, allowing them to explore a broader musical landscape in their subsequent albums. Fernandes has a rich background in music production and songwriting, which has been beneficial in the studio for crafting the band’s evolving sound.
Jeremy Schaffer
Jeremy Schaffer joined Daughtry as the drummer in 2023 following Brandon Maclin’s departure. Schaffer brought a hard-hitting style to the band and played on the Shock to the System (Part One) recordings released in 2024. He remained part of the touring lineup through 2024 before Anthony Ghazel began handling the drum position in 2025.
Marty O’Brien
Marty O’Brien joined Daughtry as bassist in 2022 following Josh Paul’s departure. O’Brien brought extensive rock experience to the group and has since contributed both onstage and in the studio. His bass work appears on Daughtry’s Shock to the System material and on the 2026 re-recorded collection There and Back Again.
Jeremy Brady
Jeremy Brady was an original member of Daughtry, playing rhythm guitar during the band’s early days in 2006. Brady was part of the initial lineup formed after Chris Daughtry’s run on “American Idol,” although the touring band did not perform as a group on the finished self-titled debut album, which relied heavily on session musicians. Brady left shortly after the album’s release and was replaced by Brian Craddock as Daughtry was beginning to gain major national attention.
Joey Barnes
Joey Barnes played drums and provided background vocals for Daughtry from 2006 to 2010. Although the self-titled debut album used session drummer Josh Freese, Barnes became the drummer in Daughtry’s touring lineup and later recorded with the band on Leave This Town. Barnes’s powerful drumming style and ability to contribute to the band’s vocal harmonies made him a valuable member during his tenure. He left the band in 2010 and continued with solo projects and other musical collaborations.
Robin Diaz
Robin Diaz served as the drummer for Daughtry after Joey Barnes’ departure, joining in 2010. Diaz brought a dynamic and hard-hitting style to the band, participating in the albums Break the Spell (2011) and Baptized (2013). His energetic drumming contributed significantly to the band’s live performances and studio recordings during his time with the group. Diaz’s professional approach and technical skill helped maintain the high energy that Daughtry’s music is known for.
Brandon Maclin
Brandon Maclin served as a drummer for Daughtry in 2014 and then returned to the group in 2016, remaining with the band until 2023. Maclin’s drumming brought fresh energy and new dynamics to the band and can be heard on Cage to Rattle (2018) and Dearly Beloved (2021). His versatility and proficiency helped the band explore different musical directions during his tenure.
Read More: Complete List Of Daughtry Albums And Discography
Anthony Ghazel
Anthony Ghazel began performing with Daughtry as the band’s drummer in 2025. A Los Angeles-based drummer whose previous work includes Hollywood Undead and Falling in Reverse, Ghazel joined Daughtry’s touring lineup after Jeremy Schaffer and has continued performing with the band through 2026.
Josh Paul
Josh Paul joined Daughtry as bassist shortly after the band’s formation. Paul’s solid bass lines became a key component of Daughtry’s rhythm section. He played with Daughtry from 2006 to 2012, then rejoined in 2013 and remained with the band until his departure in January 2022. Paul recorded on five of Daughtry’s six studio albums, from Leave This Town through Dearly Beloved, and his presence was crucial in both the recording studio and live performances. Paul’s experience and musicianship helped shape the band’s sonic identity over the years.
Andy Waldeck
Andy Waldeck served as Daughtry’s touring bassist and backing vocalist during Josh Paul’s absence from the band in 2012 and 2013. Waldeck brought extensive experience as a bassist, songwriter, and touring musician before Paul returned to the lineup.
Jamal Moore
Jamal Moore served as a touring drummer and percussionist with Daughtry during the period between Robin Diaz and Brandon Maclin. Moore performed with the band during the mid-2010s and provided drums, percussion, and backing vocals in the live lineup.
Read More: Top 10 Daughtry Songs
Updated August 29, 2026.
Complete List Of Daughtry Band Members article published on ClassicRockHistory.com © 2026



























