Influences:
Randy Rhoads-Ozzy
Andy Locque-King Diamond
Alex Scholnick-Testament
John Petrucci-Dream Theater
Kirk Hammett-Metallica
Gear:
Guitars-ESP Ltd. 7 string, Jackson King V, Jackson Custom soloist
Amp-Mesa Boogie 395 Simul-Class, Mesa Boogie Triaxis (pre-amp)
Cabinets-2 Randall Cabinets
Effects-QuadraVerb Q2 (effects processor). BBE 442, Rane 27 band E.Q.
Extras-Samson wireless
Currently Listening To:
Killswitch Engage-Alive or Just Breathing
Disturbed-Believe
Static X-Wisconsin Death Trip
Michael Hedges-Taproot
South Park-Mr. Hankey’s Christmas classics
Q. What inspired you to play guitar?
A. "I’d listen to music as a kid and I would be so into it. The guitars, vocals, bass and drums! I love the rush you get when listening to metal (the go out there and rip somebody’s head off feeling) perfect before a football game. I would say to myself 'I gotta learn to do that' and since I can’t sing for shit, there was no way a drum set was fitting anywhere in my parents house, and Bass players weren’t big back then (sorry Tim). Guitar was going to be it."
Q. Did you take lessons?
A. "On and off for a bit, I was sort of lazy so I could never stick with anything for too long. Teachers were into music theory (Mary had a little lamb and shit) I just wanted to learn power chords."
Q. How did you get involved with Magus Beast?
A. "I was in another band for over a year without a singer, and we were going nowhere. So I ran some ads and John called. He sent me a copy of their CD, and the first thing I noticed was Ron’s vocals. I said to myself 'This guy is good'– an early Overkill sound…finally someone who could sing! So I learned the material, went down to audition and they haven’t been able to get rid of me since. I often check the web site to make sure my name is still there."
Q. How did your first performance go?
A. "I was great. No one roadies better than me. The drummer we rehearsed with left the band right before the show, and Steve filled in last minute. Since I never played with Steve I was asked to roadie instead. "
Q. How have performances been since your first show?
A. "We are so much better. There is nothing like playing in front of a live audience. Whether it’s 5 or 500 people, it’s a rush seeing people get into our music."
Some of Andy's favorite websites:
