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For ERIK HIMEL, playing guitar isn't a job, it's a lifestyle. It's all about passion and attitude. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Erik began playing guitar at the age of 8. “After years of lessons, I decided to start learning more on my own and in the direction I wanted to. It was many of the guitar driven records of the eighties that really influenced my playing style and direction. Artists such as Guns N’ Roses, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick have all impacted my playing style and attitude.”

Erik played his first show at the age of fourteen at a local bar with band members that were four times his age. “Those kind of experiences have developed me to be at the level that I am today at such a young age. I have already developed level of professionalism has landed me some good opportunities presently and many more in the future.”

Over the past 8 years, he has played hundreds of shows at the biggest and at the smallest of venues, in front of no crowd or to crowds of thousands. Working with his own original bands or filling in as a hired gun for other local acts at venues such as the Hard Rock Café, Rex Theater, Chevrolet Amphitheater, Star Lake Amphitheater and the Metropol/Rosebud. “However, as simple as it sounds, one of the biggest highlights for me was playing the opening riff to Alice Cooper’s “No More Mr. Nice Guy” at a sold out show in Columbus, Ohio in 2007 with one of my current projects, Mr. Nice Guy.”

One of his most recent studio projects was recording guitar tracks for an original group from Pittsburgh, “One Long Ride” which has since disbanded. Erik also received writing credits on two of the tracks. A lot of Erik’s work is more along the lines of a hired gun guitarist, filling in at different live shows and working at different studio sessions.

He is currently writing and recording with Lon Alan in the studio finishing guitar tracks on the second full length Lon Alan band CD expected to release in Summer 2008. Also performs live with Lon Alan either at acoustic performances or as part of the lineup for the Lon Alan band. Erik’s current full time project consists of the lead guitarist in the Northeastern theatrical tribute to Alice Cooper – Mr. Nice Guy.

Mr. Nice Guy – A Theatrical Tribute to Alice Cooper is the most gruesome and authentic tribute to Alice Cooper in the Northeast. The band originated in 1998 by Lon Alan and has played many premiere venues in the Northeast region specifically Pennsylvania and Ohio. It is a full out theatrical tribute with live boa constrictors, dancers, elaborate stage props and executions.

On stage with Mr. Nice Guy, Erik is exclusively using (Diamond Amplification), GMP Guitars and InTune Guitar Picks.

Erik Himel will be featured at all upcoming Mr. Nice Guy – A Theatrical Tribute to Alice Cooper appearances in 2008. Currently the band is finalizing dates in the Northeast region for summer/fall shows. Show dates when I receive them will be placed at the top of the page!

As of March 2008, Erik is proud to become part of the Diamond family, now exclusively using (Diamond Amplification) on stage and in the studio.