1. Can you remember the first time you ever picked up a guitar and what it was?
The first guitar I remember was my dad's Peavey T-60; it was a big, ugly thing, but a good guitar. Later, he got an original Fender '72 thinline telecaster, which I used to borrow a lot and even used on our Dreadful Hours album. 2. What was the first gig you ever went to? It was either Alice Cooper or Saxon; I can't remember which; both gigs were at a similar time, and both gigs were amazing! 3. When you were learning to play, which artists inspired you to take it to the next level? Dave Mustaine was a huge influence, as was James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett obviously. Learning their stuff really taught me a lot, and still enjoy playing those classics today at home and warming up. Later on, Dan Rock and Brian McAlpine from Psychotic Waltz really influenced me to step my playing up a gear too. 4. Who out of your peers still inspires you and what bands are you currently listening to? I buy loads of albums, and have recently been really enjoying Rose Kemp, The Ocean, Mastodon, Akercocke, Autumn's End, Evile, as well as my long standing favourites whom I still listen to as well. 5. Why did you choose Jackson Guitars and how long have you played them? I first saw Jacksons being played by some of my favourite guitar players, and thought they looked amazing! Then, back in about 1992, my local guitar shop called Piece Hall Music (R.I.P.) started stocking them, and I used to play the stock they had as much as possible whilst dreaming of being able to afford one! They are the ultimate metal guitars as far as I am concerned, and cannot be bettered. 6. What Jacksons do you use for touring/recording/rehearsing? I use a few different variations of the Randy Rhoads model. Some fixed bridge, some with a floyd, one maple fretboard, most with ebony, different pickups in some; they all have a different character, and are ALL awesome! I love and play them all. 7. If you had unlimited resources and raw materials and the chance to have Jackson USA build you the Jackson Custom Shop of your dreams, what would it be? Well, I am fortunate enough to have my own Custom Shop Jackson which was built for me; it is a RR model with 24 frets, Floyd Rose, Seymour Duncan in the bridge, Dimarzio in the neck, plus one of my tattoos as the inlay on the bound ebony fretboard! It truly is a wonderful instrument. I do also hope to get a 22 fret, fixed bridge model at some point too. 8. Imagine that somewhere out there is an alternative universe where you never discovered music – what are you doing right now? Well, my other passion was acting, and I even worked as an actor for a while trying to "make it" in music. I guess that's what I would be doing. 9. If you could construct a fantasy band made up of musicians living or dead with you as a member, what would the line-up be? Wow! Tough one! How about this; me on guitar, also with Kirk Windstein from Crowbar on guitar too, Rose Kemp on vocals, Tori Amos on piano, Emilie Autumn on violin, Cliff Burton on bass, with Rhett Davies from Morgion on drums! That would be awesome! 10. What advice would you give to any young musicians starting up a band? Never be disheartened, if you have the desire and inspiration; then work hard and play Jackson guitars! The intensity's intentional!!!! For more information on My Dying Bride, visit: http://www.myspace.com/officialmydyingbride 
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