As far as individual players there is people such as Tony Iommi, Randy Rhoads, Neal Schon, Santana, George Lynch, Steve Harris, Joe Satriani & Kerry King among others that have influenced my approach to the guitar in one way or another from the time I was just a little kid picking an axe for the first time.
As far as bands, it's a wide range of styles that have been with me musically over the years. There's Sabbath (of course), Boston, Iron Maiden, Journey, Slayer, Def Leppard, early Metallica, Rush, KISS & Judas Priest to name a few.
I like a wide variety of stuff. I grew up with Sabbath & a lot of the guitar-driven 70's bands then really got into metal bands around 1981-2 and onward with the underground scene.-> Slayer, Exodus, M'tallica, Kreator, Celtic Frost & lots of obscure shit somebody would bring from Germany and/or Japan. Being a guitar player & musician, I also was big into new guitar talent. Guitar Player used to feature new talent on the vinyl record "sounds" page they used to have in their magazine. That's where I first heard Malmsteen (around '83-'84) & other young shredders that went on to become guitar gods. I played drums in HS as well, so I also dug music from guys like Lombardo, McBrain, Peart, Harris, Hamm, Sheehan...pretty much had a lot of respect and admiration for bands/musicians who were/are good at their craft. I also liked a lot of what was "mainstream" heavy metal at the time. There was a lot of good music created then that is still powerful to this day and I still like. Currently, I'm listening to a lot of independent music. There are some good major-label-type bands out there, but none that are really kickin' my ass or giving me a reason to dig any deeper than I already have. I do like Disturbed quite a bit & Lacuna Coil has been getting my attention as well. And yes, I suppose Cristina is kinda hot but that's not it. I'm beyond that. There's actually something interesting to me about them. Can't quite put my finger on it, but anyway... I've also always had a thing for instrumental piano and flamenco guitar (...thanks Dad!)
On the flip side, I have no tolerance whatsoever for Nirvana, any of that flannel-wearing-I-hate-my-life-bullshit from the early to mid 90's, rap-metal-hop (...what the hell is that anyway) or trance-electronic-type stuff. I need that like I need a hole in my head.
So there, that should give a fairly good idea of my musical taste and background. If you need to know more, just contact me.
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Hi Mario - sorry I missed you at PRP. Looks like your keeping busy AND enjoying your summer! Keep up the good work, and hope to see you soon my friend : )
My Main Man Mario: Hope you and all your friends can check out Melvin Taylor opening for CHRIS DUARTE Tuesday August 19th at The Clearwater Theater in West Dundee,Illinois. You will not be disappointed at all!
Must be willing to drive to practice and shows (must have a vehicle)
Must have HEART AND SOUL for music
Must have a drum set already
Band provides P.A.
System & Practice Space unless you have your own
Influenced by Nonpoint, Breaking Benjamin, Avenged Sevenfold, All that Remains, Killswitch Engage, Nickelback, Bullet for my Valentine, Metallica, Pantera, etc.
Hey there brother thanks and you also have yourself a good upcoming weekend...hey if your ever in the market for guitars check out mine on my new guitar site! www. myspace. com/kennycharlesguitars
Mario, it was a totally cool surprise to see you out at the show last Friday!! Thank you so much for hanging out with us. Can't wait to see the pics!! Have a great week, bro, and KEEP ROCKIN HARD!!!