| Influences | 
Oh yea, then there's these guys: Black Crowes, Zeppelin, Gin Blossoms, Buddy Guy, Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Dada, Clapton, The Band, Robin Trower, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Skynyrd, Gov't Mule, Jeff Healey Band
I want to pay special homage to both Jeff Healey and Rick Allen (of Def Leppard). Jeff, who is blind and yet, despite his unusual way of playing a guitar, plays some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard. He is certainly the King of the Blues in my book. Also as many are aware, Jeff died on March 2, 2008 at age 41 from cancer. This has left a scar on my soul, never to be healed. May he Rest in Peace, for he will be missed.
Rick, who was a drummer, had to have his left arm amputated, thus leaving him a one-armed drummer. However, he was determined not to leave the limelight and the music he loved so much. With help from others, as well as Simmons Drums, he pioneered a special electronic kit that would tailor to his disabilities, thus facilitating him to continue to play drums. He has been actively playing and touring with Def Leppard for 20 years since then.
I also feel the need to mention Mike Gurley of dada, who has been a chronic sufferer of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is very crippling for a musician, especially a guitarist, which that he is. Yet, he too possess a fire inside that keeps him to stick to his craft. To fight back, he soaks his wrist in ice water for a period of time backstage before playing, and I suppose afterwards as well. This is done to numb the pain temporarily. Regardless, the important thing is that this was not enough to stop him from playing. He fought back.
There are of course other musicians who deserve mention here, such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, etc. but I would require a whole other myspace page just to offer homage to every such person I knew. I suppose the above three would represent the highlights, or a summary if you will. These individuals have inspired me to not only play my own music as best I can, but to play with heart and passion, and to go through each day, putting my mind to whatever it is I want to accomplish. They have exemplified true passion and fighting for what they believe in. For any application, there is nothing that can top this quality in someone. This is what is important, the fact that none of these disabilities was enough to get in their way and stop them from pursuing what they love. I also thank God for giving me the talents I have and the chance to improve those talents. I am thankful that I do not have to experience the same issues that these guys had to go through, and pray that I never will experience them, and for that I am fortunate. All in all, what matters is they DID face their problems and OVERCAME. This is very moving and I both admire and salute their efforts. |
