Pierce spent most of his life working in an auto parts factory, then after 30 years was forced into retirement due to the closing of the plant.
During this time, unbeknown to him, Pierce developed a respectable size fan base across the United States, all without touring or any radio air play.
[4] As if this news was not exciting enough, in 2005 a raunchy touring rock band from Colorado Springs (itis) asked Pierce to do a live show with them in Minneapolis.
Pussywhipped was the first album to be released on Pierce's new label Hat Light Recordings and featuring his new-found band (itis).
Since then, Pierce has become something of a regular on the show, including phone-ins and live appearances, while his music is often played coming in and out of radio breaks.