How long have you been playing?
Started playing when I was about 12 years old. My dad bought me a cheap electric guitar and I took about eight lessons and then gave up only to return to it a couple of years later to teach myself how to play. No youtube in those days so learned by copying everything I could get my hands on by Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, Rush etc.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
The first real concert I went was Van Der Graaf Generator at the Glasgow Apollo. Captivated by the scale and sound of a live band and have been a big follower of live music ever since.
What gear do you use?
My go to guitar is my trusty '79 Gibson Les Paul standard that I have owned since '83. I also have a Fender USA Standard Stratocaster and a Takamine EG50th Acoustic. On the amp front I now use a Backstair HT-20 for playing live and a Fender 110 Champion for practice. As well as the main kit I also have a few other guitars laying around and some Roland gear, SH101 mono synth and GR1 Guitar synth but they dont get much use any longer.
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
The urge to start playing guitar came about after seeing Marc Bolan on the TV playing a Les Paul. Once I had a guitar it was all about Hendrix, Moore, Peter Green, Lee Ritenour, and Angus Young.
Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?
I've been in a few bands over the years and been lucky enough to know and have played with some very talented musicians. After a long break from playing live I now play regularly with a band called The Vests. We play for fun, dont take ourselves seriously. All good fun.
If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?
Jools Holland and his Big Band. Just for the experience of playing with a band that size and the range of styles they do. I'd be completely out of my depth but wouldn't mind giving it a go.
You're stuck on a desert island and only get to bring one album with you. What do you pick?
Thats a hard one as I listen to music all the time and limiting myself to one CD sounds like torture but because I'd be alone I'd need a bit of angst so have to go for something by Radiohead, probably The Bends.