ABOUT THE BAND

Led by vocalist and songwriter Matt Sassano,

Matt Sassano is a modern rock artist from Knoxville, Tennessee, creating guitar-driven anthems with unforgettable hooks, raw conviction, and a refusal to be defined by circumstance. His breakout EP, In Defiance, produced by Grammy-nominated producer and Disciple guitarist Josiah Prince, established Sassano as a rising voice in modern rock. Since then, he’s earned multiple number-one singles on the Christian Music Weekly Rock Charts, including ‘Not My Name’ and ‘Dear God,’ and toured alongside artists including Seventh Day Slumber and Petra. His music has taken him from festivals and venues to churches, recovery events, and maximum-security prisons. Sassano’s Christian faith is at the heart of who he is and the hope behind his music, while the stories he tells reach far beyond any one audience. Born with cerebral palsy and dyscalculia, he knows what it means to have others make assumptions about who you are and what you’re capable of. His songs confront fear, failure, addiction, self-doubt, and the labels people carry with one conviction: none of them get the final word. 

In 2025, Knoxville musicians Richie Tallent on guitar and Aaron Hancock on drums joined Sassano, bringing new energy, chemistry, and heart to the band.

Together, they’re building more than a rock band. They’re building The Defiant—a community for anyone who refuses to let their past, circumstances, or someone else’s expectations decide who they become. Stand in defiance of whatever makes you feel alone, worthless, or powerless.

 For Booking information email:  mattsassanocontact@gmail.com

Join the Journey, support the Ride

The Matt Sassano Band has open their calendar and hearts to book FREE live shows through February 2027. Your support will reach crowds that music only can speak too. Help us reach them. Your donations are tax deductible email mattsassanocontact@gmail.com for receipt.

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The minimum tip is $5.00

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FIRE BACK Official Logo T-shirt
  • FIRE BACK Official Logo T-shirt
This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain Read more

This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all.

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras, or the US

Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.

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Range:

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$20.50
FIRE BACK Official Logo Hooded long-sleeve tee
  • FIRE BACK Official Logo Hooded long-sleeve tee
With its long sleeves and comfortable hood, this tee is perfect for layering, allowing you to create stylish outfits all year round. Plus, its lightweight construction allows for unrestricted movement, ensuring that you Read more

With its long sleeves and comfortable hood, this tee is perfect for layering, allowing you to create stylish outfits all year round. Plus, its lightweight construction allows for unrestricted movement, ensuring that you feel at ease no matter the occasion.

• 100% airlume combed and ringspun cotton
• Heather colors are 52% cotton, 48% polyester
• Triblend colors are 50% polyester, 25% airlume combed and ringspun cotton, and 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 3.8 oz/yd² (128.84 g/m²)
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Crossover “V” at the neckline
• Blank product sourced from Honduras, Nicaragua, and United States.

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Range:

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$28.50
FIRE BACK Official log Tank Top
  • FIRE BACK Official log Tank Top
A classic, staple tank top. A timeless classic intended for anyone looking for great quality and softness. • 100% combed and ringspun cotton • Tri-blends are 50% polyester/25% combed/25% ringspun cotton/rayon • Fabric Read more

A classic, staple tank top. A timeless classic intended for anyone looking for great quality and softness.

• 100% combed and ringspun cotton
• Tri-blends are 50% polyester/25% combed/25% ringspun cotton/rayon
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz/yd² (142.40 g/m²), triblends: 3.8 oz/yd² (90.07 g/m²)
• 30 singles thread weight
• Side-seamed
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US

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Size

Range:

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$19.00
Rocktober 2026 Limited Edition Band Shirt
  • Rocktober 2026 Limited Edition Band Shirt
You've now found the staple t-shirt of your wardrobe. It's made of 100% ring-spun cotton and is soft and comfy. The double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favorite! • 100% Read more

You've now found the staple t-shirt of your wardrobe. It's made of 100% ring-spun cotton and is soft and comfy. The double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favorite!

• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Dark Heather & Heather colors are 65% polyester, 35% cotton
• Graphite Heather is 50% polyester, 50% cotton
• 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala

Disclaimers: 
• Due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear off-white rather than bright white.
• Dark color speckles throughout the fabric are expected for the color Natural.

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Range:

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$28.00
Rocktober 2026 Limited Edition Band Shirt
  • Rocktober 2026 Limited Edition Band Shirt
Enrich your wardrobe with a versatile long sleeve tee. For a casual look, combine it with your favorite jeans, and layer it with a button-up shirt, a zip-up hoodie, or a snazzy jacket. Dress it up with formal trousers or Read more

Enrich your wardrobe with a versatile long sleeve tee. For a casual look, combine it with your favorite jeans, and layer it with a button-up shirt, a zip-up hoodie, or a snazzy jacket. Dress it up with formal trousers or chinos to achieve a more professional look.

• 100% airlume combed ring-spun cotton
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic Heather and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142.4 g/m²)
• 32 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Crew neck
• Cover-stitched collar
• 2″ (5 cm) ribbed cuffs
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US

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$28.00
Rocktober 2026 Limited Edition Band Shirt Hoodie
  • Rocktober 2026 Limited Edition Band Shirt Hoodie
Who knew that the softest hoodie you'll ever own comes with such a cool design. You won't regret buying this classic streetwear piece of apparel with a convenient pouch pocket and warm hood for chilly evenings. • 100% Read more

Who knew that the softest hoodie you'll ever own comes with such a cool design. You won't regret buying this classic streetwear piece of apparel with a convenient pouch pocket and warm hood for chilly evenings.

• 100% cotton face
• 65% ring-spun cotton, 35% polyester
• Front pouch pocket
• Self-fabric patch on the back
• Matching flat drawstrings
• 3-panel hood
• Blank product sourced from Pakistan

Disclaimer: This hoodie runs small. For the perfect fit, we recommend ordering one size larger than your usual size.

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$31.00
Fan Favorite Bundle
  • Fan Favorite Bundle

Two premiums cotton/polyester Black tee shirts. 1)- Live performance Tee 2) Signature Tee BUNDLED WITH - "In Defiance" CD. "In Defiance" CD features 2 #1 CMW songs- Not My Name, Dear God, and In Defiance, Guilty Pleasure and Sorry Is a Dirty Word.
Shirts come in sizes M, L, XL, 2XL

Your price

Fan Favorite Bundle

Please choose a price: $ USD ($30.00 or more)

Please pay at least $30.00

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$30.00
Three Premium Matt Sassano Designed Tee Shirts
  • Three Premium Matt Sassano Designed Tee Shirts

All black cotton/polyester blend with live portrait of Matt Sassano performing. All sizes M, L, XL, 2XL, All cotton M3 tees come in black, red, white. Sizes S, M, L ,XL, XXL, 3X and limited 5X All black cotton/polyester blend Matt Sassano signature Tee. Size M, L, XL, 2XL

All shirts "if requested" can be signed by the artist.

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$30.00
In Defiance EP
  • In Defiance EP

5 song CD with 2 #! CMW hits Not My Name Dear God In Defiance Sorry is a Dirty Word Guilty Pleasure

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$10.00