Mark had asked me if I wanted to start a band with him when I was 14 or 15. He was the guitar player so I took the bass. Our first band was called stilletto, then it became the The Hellbenders. My mom and dad were very supportive with our band. They provided a place to practice and they went to most of our shows. My brother Brian was our sound man.

There was and still is a bass player I look up to a lot, his name is Bob Roth. He gave me advice and help when I was starting out. His advice was "play a lot, play loud, play fast". That's what I needed to hear. Thanks Bob.

I have been in several other bands - Stilletto, The Hellbenders, Taboo (not with Mark), and Mirage. My favorite was The Hellbenders.

I took time off to get married and raise my two sons Mike Jr. and Matt and step daughter Kelli. Mike Jr. and I started playing acoustics about 6 years ago. He is a good guitar player.

We play a wide variety of songs. We still get together often, grandpa, uncle Randy, Mark, Mike Jr.and myself. Now I'm back for the long haul, doing what I like with a great group of musicians.

My influences are Led Zepplin, Rush, Tool, Perfect Circle, STP, Alice-n-Chains, Ozzy and others. I have complete help and support from my wife Pam of 19 years and the rest of my family.

I'm looking forward to playing good music, covers and originals.