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Hello all, we are now in March, 2012... 'RizMum' blog sure is getting slower now, but as promised I will try my best to keep on going... and its been awhile now since my last post (T_T) and to update this took me almost a year, anyhow, this will be my final year so you guys know how it is when the big "E" comes. So guys, see you in my next post and keep on SHREDDING!!!! And as always please feel free to drop a suggestion/ideas via e-mail, Thanks
Showing posts with label Taylor guitars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taylor guitars. Show all posts

Wednesday, 14 July 2010

John 5 (Marilyn Manson/Loser)

Name: John William Lowery
Born: 31st July, 1971 (Grosse Pointe, Michigan, USA)

Profile: He is an American guitarist, better known with his stage name John 5 which was bestowed on him in 1998 when he joined industrial metal group "Marilyn Manson" as their guitarist, and currently the guitarist for Rob Zombie. He is also a solo artist and works as a staff writer for Chrysalis Records, working with artists such as Avril Lavigne, "Garbage", Meat Loaf, "Scorpions", FeFe Dobson and has been writing and recording with southern rock band "Lynyrd Skynyrd".

History: Lowery first started playing guitar at the age of 7 after watching Buck Owens and Roy Clark's television show Hee Haw with his dad. His parents supported his playing as long as it didn't interfere with his education. They also accompanied him at the adult bars where he would play during the evening. In the 80's, Lowery started his career as a session guitarist having moved to LA from Michigan at the age of 17. His first band in L.A. was "Alligator Soup", which led to an important meeting with Rudy Sarzo (Whitesnake), that would give him his first real bit of exposure.

This also saw him meeting producer Bob Marlette, who has worked with, among others, Tracy Chapman, Alice Cooper, Rob Halford and "Black Sabbath". Lowery began working on numerous projects with Marlette including TV show soundtracks, movie soundtracks, commercials and infomercials. This in turn saw Lowery being picked to play with Lita Ford (The Runaways), opening up for "Kiss", and started another long time friendship with Paul Stanley and various "Kiss" members.

In 1996, Lowery went for his first audition with "Marilyn Manson", but narrowly missed out (he was late to the auditions) and the guitarist role at that time was taken by Mike (Timothy) Linton, who became known as Zim Zum. Instead, Lowery teamed up with former "Judas Priest" frontman Rob Halford, to work on an industrial metal inspired album, under the band name of "2wo". The subsequent album 'Voyeurs' was remixed by Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails). The band embarked on a world tour, and were part of the Ozzfest line-up but the tour was pulled and "2wo" disbanded.

After "2wo" disbanded, Lowery's next piece of work came when he played on David Lee Roth's (Van Halen) solo project album, 'The DLR Band'. Lowery was already a fan of the band and was familiar with the playing style. He submitted 6 tracks he had written to Roth's management. Finding they suited, Lowery submitted further tracks to Roth's management. Eventually Roth and Lowery met and recorded 'The DLR Band' album in 2 weeks.

In 1998, the infamous band "Marilyn Manson" was looking for a guitarist to replace Zim Zum. Again, for the second time Lowery went to try out for the band audition. Following a tour with Rob Halford in Europe, Lowery received a call from Manson's manager asking if he would like to meet Manson for lunch. At the meeting Manson asked Lowery to join the band, taking the moniker, 'John 5', he signed on for the band's tour and to work on the next album. Lowery's first live performance for "Marilyn Manson" came on the MTV Video Music Awards.

In 2005, after Lowery left "Marilyn Manson", he formed the band "Loser", recruiting vocalist Joe Grah, bassist Charles Lee and drummer Glendon Crain, they began working on their debut album 'Just Like You'. The band had initial success not long after signing with Island Records, when the track 'Disposable Sunshine' became part of the Fantastic Four Movie soundtrack. At the same time, Lowery was also working for Rob Zombie and a working conflict occurred.

In 2006, Lowery left "Loser", and took up the role of Rob Zombie guitarist as a permanent gig. Lowery is also working on the musical score for Rob Zombie's 6th feature-length film, Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Starting in 2004, Lowery has gone on to record a total of five instrumental records. His works have had many guest players on them, from Steve Vai, Joe Satriani to Jim Root. And in 2009, Lowery released a remix album, 'Remixploitation', and has also released an instructional DVD entitled 'The Devil Knows My Name'.

Influences: Buck Owens and Roy Clark

Axology: Fender J5 Telecaster, Fender J5 Acoustic, Squier J5 Telecaster, Ibanez AX, Ibanez Iceman, Ibanez RG, Ibanez Talman, Gibson Les Paul, Taylor 912 Acoustic, Boss effects and Marshall amplifiers - JCM900

Signature song(s): The Fight Song - Marilyn Manson {Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death), 2000} and Pear of Anguish - John 5 (Requiem, 2008)

Link(s):

http://www.john-5.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdc7u4MUYYo

http://www.youtube.com/user/john5official?blend=1&ob=4

Sunday, 4 July 2010

David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)

Name: David Jon Gilmour
Born: 6th March, 1946 (Cambrige, England)

Profile: He is an English rock musician, best known as the lead guitarist, one of the lead singers, and one of the main songwriters in the progressive rock band "Pink Floyd". In addition to his work with "Pink Floyd", Gilmour has worked as a record producer for a variety of artists, and has enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist.

History: Gilmour attended The Perse School on Hills Road, Cambridge, and met future "Pink Floyd" guitarist and vocalist Syd Barret, along with bassist and vocalist Roger Waters. Gilmore studied modern languages along with Barrett, and spent his lunchtime learning to play the guitar. They were not yet bandmates however, and Gilmour started playing in the band "Joker's Wild" in 1962.

In 1966, Gilmour left "Joker's Wild" and busked around Spain and France with some friends. However, they were not very successful, living virtually a hand-to-mouth existence, and about a year later he returned back to England.

In 1967, Gilmour was approached by drummer Nick Mason, who asked if he would be interested in joining "Pink Floyd", which he did in January 1968, making "Pink Floyd" briefly a five-piece band. He was used to fill in for Syd Barrett's guitar parts when the front man was unable to take a consistent part in "Pink Floyd's" live performances.

When Syd Barrett left the group, Gilmour by default assumed the role of the band's lead guitarist and shared lead vocal duties with bassist Roger Waters and keyboard player Richard Wright in Barrett's stead. After recording 'Animals' album, Gilmour thought that his musical influence had been underused, and channeled his ideas into his self-titled first solo album in 1978, which showcases his signature guitar style, as well as underscoring his songwriting skills.

Gilmour's solo style is often characterized by blues-influenced phrasing, expressive note bends and sustain. He is also a proficient multi-instrumentalist. He plays bass guitar (which he did on some "Pink Floyd" tracks), keyboards, banjo, harmonica, drums (as heard on the Syd Barrett solo track 'Dominoes', and other songs where he opted to play all the instruments) and lately, the saxophone.

Taking time off from "Pink Floyd's" schedule, Gilmour also took up various roles as a producer, sideman and even concert sound engineer for a wide variety of acts which included former bandmate Syd Barrett, Paul McCartney (The Beatles), Kate Bush, Grace Jones, Tom Jones, Elton John, Eric Clapton, BB King, Seal, Sam Brown, Jools Holland, Bob Dylan, Pete Townshend, The Who, Supertramp, Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson, Alan Parsons, and various charity groups among others.

In 1985, Gilmour was member of Bryan Ferry's band. He played on Ferry's album 'Boys & Girls', as well as the song 'Is Your Love Strong Enough' for the US release of the Ridley Scott-Tom Cruise film 'Legend'. A music video for the latter was created, incorporating Ferry and Gilmour into footage from the film. He also took part in a comedy skit titled 'The Easy Guitar Book Sketch' with comedian Rowland Rivron and fellow British musicians Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), Lemmy (Motorhead), Mark King (Level 42) and Gary Moore.

In 1994, Gilmour played guitar for the video game 'Tuneland', along with the additional saxophonist for "Pink Floyd", Scott Page. In 2001-2002, Gilmour held a small number of acoustic solo concerts in London and Paris, along with a small band and choir, which was documented on the In Concert release. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine included Gilmour in the list of hundred greatest guitarists of all time.

Influences: Jimi Hendrix

Axology: Fender Stratocasters, Fender Telecasters, Fender Esquire, Fender Bass VI, Fender Precision bass, Fender Jazz bass, Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, Gretsch guitars, Ovation guitars, Takamine guitars, Martin guitars, Taylor guitars, Guild guitars, Charvel guitars, Music Man Fretless Stingray bass guitars, Steinberger GL, Jose Vilaplana nylon string guitar, Fender amplifiers, Mesa/Boogie amplifiers and Hiwatt amplifiers

Signature song(s): A Saucerful of Secrets - Pink Floyd (A Saucerful of Secrets, 1968) and Another Brick in the Wall Part 2 - Pink Floyd (The Wall, 1979)

Link(s):

http://www.davidgilmour.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5LcMAlR7nc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGV1lfoKhi0&feature=related

Tuesday, 8 June 2010

Mark Tremonti (Creed/ Alter Bridge)

Name: Mark Thomas Tremonti
Born: 18th April, 1974 (Detroit, Michigan, USA)

Profile: He is an American Grammy award-winning musician and songwriter best known as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist for the American rock bands "Creed" and "Alter Bridge".

History: At the age of 11, Tremonti started exposing to heavy music, like "KISS" and "Metallica", with the help of his brother Daniel and Michael. He (Mark) was greatly inspired by this music and it was around 1985 that he bought his first guitar, a TARA (Gibson LP knock off) for $25 from a man who wanted him to play in his band. Mark, enthralled by the deal, immediately signed up for lessons but quit after 2 weeks and began to teach himself, by buying a few tab books and trying to learn his favorite songs, practicing them until he got them right.

In the early 90's, Tremonti moved to Orlando, and met for the first time with future singer Scott Stapp. It was also here that Tremonti had his first rock band called "Wit's End", playing "Motley Crue" covers and other metal songs. After doing his studies at Clemson University for a year, he went back to Florida to reunited with Scott Stapp. At this point, his guitar skills had reached a new level, and the both of them agreed to formed a band together, and auditioned for a bassist and drummer, resulting in Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips's selection.

As the band sat down to think of a good band name, a funny article which Tremonti carried in his wallet, headlined "Naked Toddler" came to mind which led to the bands original name. But after a while, they realized they needed a change and Stapp and Marshall suggested "Creed". For Stapp, it was rememberance of his roots (Stapp's ancestors were Creek Indians) and Marshall's old band was "Maddox Creed". Tremonti and Phillips agreed and "Creed" was born.

After they had written a few songs, they put together all the money they had and recorded an album, called 'My Own Prison' which took only $6000 to make, and only 6000 copies were made, and their began to tour around America. Eventually, a Radio Jockey heard about "Creed" and decided to check them out, he heard 'My Own Prison' and the song was played, and became a success. In 1997, the band re-recorded the album 'My Own Prison', with a few small changes to the lyrics and guitars with Wind Up records.

The album was a huge hit and they have had 8 #1 singles and 3 multi-platinum albums in the US alone. In 2004, "Creed" officially announced their break-up after 3 highly successful albums. Tremonti, Phillips and Marshall formed a new band with Myles Kennedy (The Mayfield Four), called "Alter Bridge" while Stapp opted for a solo career. "Alter Bridge" name comes from a long-standing bridge near Tremonti’s childhood home in Detroit, which was often regarded as a boundary to the children in surrounding neighborhoods; beyond it was uncharted territory.

Tremonti also worked on producing for bands such as "Submersed" and with Troy Stetina, and has guest appeared on albums by Michael Angelo Batio and Fozzy. Tremonti's main project though had been creating a new band. From playing a cheap guitar, Mark now has his own PRS signature series guitar and Mark Tremonti Morley power wah pedal. With "Creed's" success Tremonti has achieved best guitarist of the year for 3 years and his success continues as he works on new projects, working with other bands and writing new music.

Influences: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Zakk Wylde (BLS), Joe Bonamassa, Neal Schon, Audley Freed, Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), Slash (G'nR), Metallica, Slayer, Celtic Frost and Testament

Axology: PRS Tremonti signature series model guitar, Taylor 614CE acoustic guitars, Morley wah-wah, T-Rex Michael Angelo Batio Overdrive pedals and Fender Twin Reverb amplifiers

Signature song(s): With Arms Wide Open - Creed (Human Clay, 1999) and My Sacrifice - Creed (Weathered, 2001)

Link(s):

http://www.marktremonti.net/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siId0ykNui0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_tfOf7Wqaw

Tuesday, 1 June 2010

Jason Mraz


Name: Jason Thomas Mraz
Born: 23rd June, 1977 (Mechanicsville, Virginia, USA)

Profile: He is an American singer-songwriter. Mraz's stylistic influences include reggae, pop, rock, folk, jazz and hip hop.

History: Grew up in a family who love music, with a piano in their house, young Mraz were always singing and making up songs. Mraz was 13 when he began writing and when he was 18, he started to play guitar and determined to be a great musician. He spent 3 years sitting in his apartment learning how to play guitar and writing songs.

Musically, he is influenced by almost any genre. He grew up listening to the radio, so was into 80's and 90's pop, then moved onto troubadours and jazz and is now becoming interested in world music. Keen for the music he produces to keep evolving, Mraz tries to use all of these influences when he is writing in order to bring new rhythms and melodies.

He discovered he had a knack for spontaneously creating songs on the spot, often spurred on by a random phrase or word someone would suggest. The favorable response Mraz got, and the immediacy with which it came, served as a creative epiphany for him. It also provided the impetus to drop out, the better to follow his muse anywhere it took him.

He attended The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, for a short time, then pursue his dream as a musician in San Diego to look for inspiration. When he just started to get involved in the music scene there, he took lessons on people who were going to open mike nights and learn from the other people playing. He worked on it until he started doing his own show there, and spent about 2 years doing his own show every Thursday night.

In 1999, Mraz was discovered by former San Diego concert promoter Bill Silva during an impromptu Las Vegas performance. This led to the Los Angeles-based Silva becoming his manager and lots of gigs at Java Joe's in Ocean Beach – and a contract with Elektra Records.

In 2002, his debut album 'Waiting For My Rocket to Come' was released. Mraz's listener-friendly blend of folk, rock, hip-hop and jazzy scat singing has only grown more popular since then. In 2005, he released his second album 'Mr. A-Z' that achieved commercial success. The album peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 200 and sold over one hundred thousand copies in the US.

In 2008, Mraz released his third studio album, 'We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.' The album debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 and was a commercial success worldwide, peaking in the top ten of many international charts. Mraz's international breakthrough came with the release of the first single from the album, 'I'm Yours'. The single peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Mraz his first top ten single.

Currently, Mraz is planning to release his forth album this year (2010). He posted on his Myspace page that he will be coming back to studio and begin recording. The process is unlike any of the other records before this and he plan to hit the road for tour anytime soon.

Influences: Michael Franks

Axology: Taylor acoustic model 714CE ES and Taylor T5

Signature song(s): I'm Yours - Jason Mraz (We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things, 2008)

Link(s):

http://jasonmraz.com (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcrpfKrTLFE

"... I make music out of a happy moment, a hardship I've overcome, a lesson I've learned, a love story I got to live. So, for me, it's just a chronicle of my life and putting reason to the voices in my head". - Jason Mraz

Hardee (The Seeds)


Name: Mohammad Shuhardi Mat Salleh
Born: 8th May, 1978 (Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei)

Profile: He is a Bruneian musician, composer, a talented guitarist and the co-author of 'Master Class Fingers - Guitar Finger Workouts' book. He is a self taught guitarist, notably known for his acoustic guitar works in the famous duo-group "The Seeds". A person who appreciates all genres of music from classical songs, folk songs, Jazz and his love in arts. He is also a fan of collecting action-figures and love animals (mainly reptiles).

History: His love in music aroused after the influence of his cousins, which made his interest bloom in guitar but he did not take it seriously due to lack of instruments and guidance. At the age of 14, his grandfather bought him a used Vision electric guitar with a Marshall amplifier; it was his first electric guitar. He got bored with the electric guitar and stop playing for 12 months. After that period of time, he bought his first acoustic guitar (an Aria Pro) with his own earnings.

In 1996, after watching live stage performance in high school, he was determined to take guitar seriously, and learned the art of finger style, slapping, tapping and percussion just at the age of 18. In 2004, he met a fellow Filipino musician named Ronee Miclat aka Rosli (he was a former music teacher at Yamaha Music School in Philippines), Ronee was responsible in guiding Hardee's path in his music career.

While under Ronee's music guidance, Hardee was given an assignment to form his own band and ended meeting with a local songwriter Eswandee Salim, who later told him, that vocalist Dillah Othman was vacant and also looking to form a new band. At that time, there was an upcoming songwriting contest for '2006 Father's Day'. With chemistry for the both of them (Hardee and Dillah) they formed "Dil & Hardee" and entered the contest with the song 'Mahkota Hati', composed by Eswandee.

In 2006, they changed their name to "The Seeds" and released their EP album 'Rahsia Hati' which made them famous in the local music scene and East Malaysia. Another song from the album 'Kau Tetap Milikku' was fully arranged by Hardee. With these songs, "The Seeds" had received various of awards including 'Best Duo-group' and 'Song of the Year 2007'. In 2007, "The Seeds" was officially an ambassador for 'Brunei Darussalam National Association of the Blind (BDNAB)' and 'Kau Tetap Milikku' was the #1 song for Kristal FM 'Top 300 songs'.

In 2008, "The Seeds" decided to experiment with new sounds and new environment for the upcoming album, with the help of a new composer named I-Sam (who composed 'Cerita Aku dan Dia'), the single 'Cerita Aku dan Dia' burst to the charts at #1 for 11 weeks. In this album Hardee have started to composed a few songs. This album sold couple of thousand copies with high demands from local music stores and won them 'Best Duo-group' for the second time and was nominated for 'Best song of the Year 2008'.

Early in 2009, "The Seeds" went on hiatus, after Hardee went on to experiment more sounds and seeking a way to express himself with his own music, he managed to collaborate with a young and talented Chinese singer named Peipei, and formed a side-project band named "Hardee & Peipei" which released an English song 'Perfect' and a Malay song 'Cinta Kita' and went for a tour. Due to this commitments, Hardee was unable to attend any interviews and performances with vocalist Dillah for "The Seeds". In between those time, Hardee was also in the process of publishing his first guitar book entitle 'Master Class Fingers - Guitar Finger Workouts' with the help of his fellow friend Jun Cesar, the book took half a year to finish and was sold thousands of copies.

Recently, Hardee is compiling new materials and composing some new songs for their upcoming "The Seeds" new album, and he is looking forward to publish a new book - this upcoming book will focus mainly in guitar techniques and compilations of songs from local folk songs to international songs. He also hopes that one day, he could bring local music scene to an international success.

Influences: Brian McKnight, Tuck Andress, Metallica, MYMP, Bryan Adams, Tommy Emmanuel and Jason Mraz

Axology: Crafter CT125/n acoustic guitar, Ovation guitars (model Idea and 1778tx elite), Takamine egs-430sc, Taylor 314ce and Yamaha ntx700 acoustic guitar

Signature song(s): Biarlah Tetap Rahsia - The Seeds (Rahsia Hati, 2008) and Perfect - Hardee & Peipei (2009)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnJqfnWwGf4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQxkl1Cx05o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycEGoo9aHKE

Tuesday, 11 May 2010

Heather Nova


Name: Heather Nova
Born: 6th July, 1967 (Bermuda)

Profile: She is a singer-songwriter and poet. She has released seven full-length albums and has found lasting success in Germany where two of her albums 'South' and 'Storm' have made their way into the Top-5 of German official album chart.

History: Nova started playing guitar and violin at an early age, writing her first song when she was 12. Her family relocated to New England where she attended the Putney School in Putney, Vermont. Following her graduation in 1983, Nova enrolled at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where she majored in film in 1989. She also sat in on poetry classes and wrote music to go with her student films. Later, she would forgo film study to focus on creating music.

After graduating from RISD, Nova briefly relocated to New York City (where she unsuccessfully tried to interest some major labels in a demo), before moving to London. In 1990, she released her first recording, 'Heather Frith', an EP; she had not yet changed her name. The name change came a year or so later, in an effort to create a name with more buzz.

The new name debuted in 1993 with her second EP 'Spirit in You' and her first full album, the critically acclaimed 'Glow Stars'. The success of the album led her to record and release her first live album 'Blow' the same year, which she supported by a tour of Europe.

In 1994, she released what many consider to be her finest work to date, the emotional yet jagged album 'Oyster', for which she toured for almost 2 years. 'Siren', the long-awaited album was released in 1998, after which she joined Sarah McLachlan and others on the 'North American Lilith Fair', a music festival with only female performers.

Over the years, Nova has written and recorded over 100 songs. With the release of 'South' in 2001, she returned to the international spotlight with an appearance on the soundtrack of the John Cusack movie 'Serendipity', the album followed by 'Storm' in 2003, 'Redbird' in 2005 and 'The Jasmine Flower' in 2008.

She also collaborated with the German trance artist ATB on tracks like 'Love Will Find You', 'Feel You Like A River' and 'Renegade'.

Influences: Patti Smith

Axology: Taylor acoustic guitar

Signature song(s): London Rain (Nothing Heals Me Like You Do) - Heather Nova (Siren, 1998) and Gloomy Sunday - Heather Nova (South, 2001)

Link(s):

http://www.heathernova.com/start/menu/home/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buE0nMhyvwI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2fGWQKbX68

"One of pop's most enduring mysteries" - Sunday Times

Wednesday, 14 April 2010

Billy Sheehan (Talas/Mr. Big)


Name: William Sheehan
Born: 19th March, 1953 (Buffalo, New York, USA)

Profile: He is an American bassist known for his work with "Talas", Steve Vai, David Lee Roth, "Mr. Big" and "Niacin". Sheehan has won the "Best Rock Bass Player" readers' poll from Guitar Player Magazine 5 times for his "lead bass" playing style. Sheehan's repertoire includes the use of chording, two-handed tapping, right hand "three finger picking" technique and controlled feedback. However, Sheehan is also noted as a steady "true" bassist, fulfilling the traditional supportive role of the electric bass in the rock rhythm section.

History: Sheehan's first instrument was an acoustic guitar that he borrowed incessantly from his sister, he bought his first electric guitar soon after. However, when he saw Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge) using a Fender Precision bass with a maple fingerboard, he switched to the bass.

Billy Sheehan's first electric bass was a Hagström FB, which was soon sistered by a Precision bass similar to Tim Bogert's. After acquiring the Precision bass, he removed the frets from the Hagström. Over the years, he heavily modified the Precision bass as well, adding a neck pickup and additional support for the bolt-on neck, which Sheehan considers its greatest weakness. The neck pickup was added for what he referred to as "super deep low end" modelled after Paul Samwell-Smith (Yardbirds). The Gibson EB-0 type pickup in the neck and the original split Precision bass pickup each have their own separate output jacks on the bass itself, allowing for control of the tone via the bass. Sheehan also uses two amps to achieve his signature tone, one with full distortion and notch filtering to sound more guitar-like for solos, and one super clean for the low end of the neck pickup. This bass has been retired, but he affectionately refers to it as "The Wife".

Sheehan’s first full-time gigs came with "Talas", they played a mixture of cover songs and original material. They remained one of Buffalo’s most popular local bands for over a decade. Sheehan also played with a band called "Light Years" in the late 70's, though he eventually went back to "Talas" and played in a show that saw him acquainted with guitarist Michael Schenker, who would help him land a job touring with band "UFO" in 1983.

After the tour, Sheehan went on to play with metal band "Thrasher", though his involvement with them didn’t last. Eventually Sheehan was brought on board with David Lee Roth, as a guitarist for his second solo album. Sheehan helped with the album but left soon after, and by 1988 Sheehan and Paul Gilbert (Racer X) formed a new band called "Mr. Big".

Mr. Big met with some initial success, hitting hard with hits the likes of "Addicted to that Rush" and "To Be With You". After "Mr. Big" was disbanded, Sheehan continued to bop around with various bands until he debuted solo in 2001 with 'Compression'. A second solo album, 'Cosmic Troubadour', was released in 2005. Currently, he is doing clinics and workshops all around the globe with fellow virtuoso bassist, Dionald Tubang.

Influences: Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge), Johann Sebastian Bach, Jimi Hendrix and Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)

Axology: Fender P-Bass, Yamaha Attitude series, Epiphone Rivoli EB232, Taylor AB3 and Alvarez Artist Acoustic Bass 4070BK

Signature song(s): See Saw (Talas), Shy Boy (David Lee Roth) and To Be With You (Mr. Big)

Link(s):

http://www.billysheehan.com (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9bG8hwZ9Bo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5omFFeLEXFE