Can you give us a brief history of your
playing career?
I started learning to play when I was about 8. My first gigs were
playing on an early morning TV show hosted by Al Lester. He was
a local bluegrass musician, did some sessions, and was mainly
a fiddler (I mean played a mean fiddle). But like most people
of his generation, could play anything good enough to make some
money come out of it. He had a little shop out back of his house
where he rebuilt fiddles and gave lessons and I was one of his
students. I was on his show 3 times when I was about 9 or 10.
I formed a few bands with guys from high school
and maybe played 1 or 2 gigs with each and then lost interest
for a while. I was a lousy student and my parents always used
that as an excuse to put a stop to any of my rock 'n' roll ambitions.
I can't say I blame them. They were afraid I would fall in with
the wrong crowd and end up playing dive bars, sleeping on filthy
floors, and coming home with nothing to show for it. And just
to show them, I spent 20 years doing just that!
What inspired you to start playing guitar?
I was so young when I decided I wanted to play guitar, I don't
remember what it was. It was probably something on TV.
What was your first electric guitar?
My first electric was a UNIVOX. It was a strat body with 3 humbuckers
and a neck like a fence post. The amp was a pignose 1x12. I played
my first bar gig with that set up.
What are your top 5 favorite records?
As far as albums I like... I like every album anybody had passion
to make and disregarded what anybody had to say about it. I know
there are more than 5.
• Live at San Quinton - Johnny Cash
• Layla - Derek and the Dominos
• To Long In The Wasteland - James McMurtrey
• One More From The Road - Lynyrd Skynrd
• Sticky Fingers - Rolling Stones
What was the proudest moment and/or performance
of your playing career?
I guess my proudest momement had to be when we headlined the Fillmore
in San Fransisco the first time.
How did you hear about Reverend?
I first heard about Reverend about 7 or 8 years ago in an
ad for the hellhound combo amps.
What Reverend guitar(s) are you using?
What kind of Reverend guitar do I use? I didn't know there was
going to be a test on this.
What do you like about your Reverend guitar?
I like the look. It's unique yet traditional. The tremolo is the
best ever, and the Bass Contour control is a function that actually
works.
What amps and pedals do you currently use?
The set up I currently use live is a Sommatone Roaring 40 head
with 2x12 cab and a Budda wah, Seymore Duncan Pickup booster,
Boss Super Overdrive, Electro Harmonix Holy Stain, and a Boss
Space Echo.
Do you have any unusual hobbies, skills,
or pastimes you'd like to share with us?
This used to be my hobby, but I fucked it up by trying to
make a living out of it. I'm looking for a new one.
Do you have any advice for up and coming
players?
My advice to up and coming players is look in the mirror and
ask yourself, "Do I hate anybody bad enough to do this to
myself?" If the answer is yes, buy a sleeping bag. If It's
no, get a job.
Please tell us about any of your current
projects, tours, cds, etc. we should know about:
See drivebytruckers.com.
