Who are your musical influences? Phillip Lynot Paul McCartney Geezer Butler Geddy Lee Jack Bruce Sting Roger Waters John Entwistle John Paul Jones What do you like to do when not playing with the band? Hang with friends, listen to music, paint & draw, cruise in my summer car What is your musical experience / background? Cindy & the Rhythmaires Gentleman Jim Carol & the Keynotes The Gary Michael's Show Time Zone The Repeaters (founding member) The Greater Milwaukee Spectacular Alamo Valley Knights Marshall Foxx (founding member) Incoming! The Repeaters (again!) The Brew City Rockers (founding member) When did you start playing guitar? When I was 10 and 11 I had tried guitar, keyboards, and drums but couldn't really get the hang of any of them. One day my brothers (one who played guitar and the other drums) were jamming with a friend who played bass. The friend was trying to play Smoke on the Water but wasn't having much luck. When they took a break I picked up his bass and started playing it. I bought my first bass the next day. I was 12. I mainly taught myself, using the "Mel Bay" way and playing along with records (yes, those vinyl things!). I took three lessons when I was 14.By the third lesson I was showing the teacher how to play things and the owner of the store cutoff the lessons. But, the teacher did put me in touch with the band he was leaving and setup an audition. That was Cindy & the Rhythmaires and I haven't really stopped playing with the band since. Still can't read music though! For me, it doesn't matter what you are playing as long as you enjoy yourself and the people you are performing with! What is your most memorable muiscal experience or brush with fame? Playing weddings I have seen several memorable moments (many of which are not fit for general consumption!) My brushes with fame are a little off though: I was kicked off the stage, along with the rest of the band, by Willie Nelson and his band at Nick's Nicabob when they were playing State Fair. I was insulted by Buddy Rich at Nick's when I asked him for an autograph. I was offered a position with the "Back in the Saddle Band" (Curly Shuffle), but couldn't do the road thing with a family. And, last but not least, I had my audition with "The Bodeans" cancelled because they hired the guy they auditioned just before me (bad timing, couldn't get off work!) Every gig is memorable as long as you enjoy the people you are working with. What inspired you to pursue music? Why else, I wanted to be a rock star! What is your hometown? I haven't moved to far from my roots over the years, although for a few years I was moving about every three months! Currently I live in St. Francis. I was born in Milwaukee, lived in Glendale for three years, then grew up in Cedarburg. From there it was to Grafton, Milwaukee, Brillion, Reedsville, Bayview, Milwaukee, Waukesha and finally to St. Francis. What are your favorite movies? I have a twisted sense of humor, so... Bubba Hotep Shaun of the Dead Evil Dead and Evil Dead II Airplane Galaxy Quest Lord of the Rings Trilogy Favorite quote / the guide to your life / etc. If it feels good, do it. Try anything once, if you like it do it often S##t Happens