Got my first guitar as a high school grad gift. Never put it down. Started playing in bands, dodging real life, and constantly chasing the ever so elusive musical dragon! Played bass for Gwar for six years, man THAT was smelly. Since then, been underground road warrior-ing with my band, MOBILE DEATHCAMP.
I come from a long line of hillbilly pickers and fiddle players (on my Dad's side)... always kinda half assed plunkin' around with any of the many assorted stringed instruments that were around the house. I was first in family to plug the guitar into the wall. Not a popular idea with the family.
Hondo II Les Paul copy... from the original Ron's Music, in Toledo. Got a Peavey practice amp, and a DOD flanger the same day. Surprised my parents didn't kill me due to the horrendous noises (at head splitting volume) coming out of my bedroom.
Top 5?! Ugh... even top 10 would be difficult. So here are "a few", in no particular order:
** Iron Maiden - "Powerslave"
** Frank Zappa - "The Man From Utopia"
** Descendents - "Everything Sucks"
** Voivod - "Rrroooaaarrr"
** SLAYER - "Hell Awaits"
** D.R.I. - "Dealing With It"
** Public Enemy - "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back"
** Black Flag - "Jealous Again"
** Exodus - "Bonded By Blood"
** DEVO - "Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!"
** Judas Priest - "Screaming For Vengeance"
** Black Sabbath - "Volume 4" // "Heaven And Hell" (2 for 1 here, fuggit)
** Blizzard Of Ozz - "Diary Of A Madman"
** OFF! - "Off!"
An insane sold out show in London, back in Gwar days. With Mobile Deathcamp; the Atlanta, Cleveland, and Cincinnatti stops of Mayhem Tour a few years ago. Also, being told by Blacky (Voivod) that we reminded him of early Voivod days! Did I mention that I LOVE Voivod?!
Saw Kid Rock using one way back. One of my friends [K.H.] was a rep for them [Rev], so I stopped by the old shop in Warren to have a look/see at all the goodies.
Lucky as hell to be using my own signature "Squatch Hammer" (V), also the Volcano RA.
It's really sleek looking, light, and plays wonderfully. The neck is perfect size to rip on. The Railhammer Anvil pick up roars! I'm absolutely astounded by the locking tuners... BRILLIANT! Makes changing strings so quick and easy. Plus, I never have to re-tune during our set. (of course, your results may vary... but, I'm not a light player)
EVH 5150 III 100 watt flamethrower thru Orange cabs! I have an Electro Harmonix Holy Grail reverb pedal that I keep on all the time, and also have an MXR Phase 90 out on the floor to add a lil color to solos and enhance stuff (and things).
I used to juggle chainsaws, but that wasn't too beneficial to playing guitar... crocheting, and thumb wrestling occupy quite a bit of my time when I'm not bicycling or farting through a bullhorn.
Oh my... quit now and get a REAL job! Oh wait, no... practice your ass off, and when you think you've practiced enough, play for a couple more hours. PRACTICE - PERSISTENCE - PATIENCE. Stay vigil in your quest. Above all remember, playing guitar IS awesome, but it doesn't make you a human of higher class, or a super hero... don't turn into an asshole because of it. Be cool.
Always on tour, or planning the next tour. Always working on new music, and ready to jump into action when that next super dope opportunity calls. Thanks for caring about what I think! REV IT UP!!