Never forget the roots!

I think it’s important to remember what influenced me as far as the music I play/listen to. I also think it’s important to know who’s who when it comes to my instrument (guitar, drums). Don’t get me wrong, I listen to and love all kinds of newer stuff but I also know where my roots are.

It’s just that I’ve met people who don’t know who Eddie Van Halen is. Or Angus Young, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Johnson, or Steve Vai… Drummers who’ve never heard of Buddy Rich, Gene Kruppa, John Bonham, Keith Moon, or Dave Weckl.

Now I can understand if you’re just not into AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, The Who… but I do think it’s important to know who these people are! To know how they’ve affected music. Even if you’re not a musician, there’s a good chance that these people have had a big influence on bands that you’re currently listening to!

Who were some of my influences? You’re dying to know, so here’s a couple:

Stevie Ray Vaughan – Probably the best guitarist in my book. When he was 17, he would match solos with Albert King note for note live!

AC/DC (Angus Young) - Angus Young is an amazing performer and (along with brother Malcolm) has been responsible for some of the most influential rock riffs (try playing “Back in Black” or “Thunderstruck” with out someone knowing what it is…).

Nirvana (Kurt Cobain) - Along with Van Halen and Bush, Nirvana was one of my first rock bands. I think Kurt Cobain, while not being the most technical guitarist, was very inventive. I think he brought an interesting perspective to rock music.

That’s the end of my rant for now…  Just remember your roots!

~ by mheathershaw on March 8, 2009.