From the mid-80s to the early 90s, I lived a life many only dream about, touring America with a microphone slung over my shoulder and my heart on my sleeve. I was a road dog, a musician dedicated to bringing rock and roll to every corner of the country. From the sun-drenched streets of Key West to the rugged beauty of Mount Rushmore, my journey was nothing short of extraordinary. This blog series is a tribute to those unforgettable years, the triumphs and trials, and the incredible people I met along the way.

My journey began in 1986 in the back of a Gremlin, learning 50 songs on a cassette player at 3 a.m. as we drove from Norfolk, VA, to Charleston, South Carolina. The guitar player had called me at my apartment at 2am saying his singer had just quit and they would were swinging by to pick me up. We would end up at the legendary “Flying Dutchman,” a place that I would play with each of my bands over the next several years..
I sang and played for several regional bands that would become my second family, each one leaving an indelible mark on my soul. Badd Manners, High Risk, Tara Thunder, Avalanche and Baby Blu, to name a few, were all special in my career. Each had its own magic, and together we created moments that would stay with me forever.
Our days were a mix of sweat and laughter, dealing with the chaos of life on the road. We had agents who would send us from Lawton, OK, to Key West, FL, and then up to Flint, MI. You just knew they didn’t have a map. We had managers who promised the moon but delivered a crater, and record companies that dangled the keys to the kingdom only to slam the door shut. Yet, through it all, the music was my anchor, my reason for pushing forward.

No matter the problems, no matter the obstacles, there was always that surge when we hit our stride on stage. The noise of the crowd, the pulsating rhythm, and the adrenaline coursing through our veins created a euphoric symphony. We lived for those moments when we felt invincible, when the world outside ceased to exist, and we were one with our audience. Those smiles on stage, the collective high, were worth every setback and every mile traveled.
Despite the ups and downs, I wouldn't change a thing. Each setback was a lesson, each triumph a testament to our resilience. The road was the teacher, the stage the proving ground. We didn't make it to the top, but we touched the sky in our own way, even if just for a fleeting moment.
What stands out the most are the people I had the honor to play with. The camaraderie, the shared dreams, and the unspoken bond that only fellow musicians understand. We laughed together, cried together, and played our hearts out together. It wasn't always easy, but it was always real.
Life on the road was a symphony of highs and lows, but through it all, the music played on. Over the next several weeks, join me as I share those days, stories of passion, perseverance, and the unbreakable spirit of a musician chasing a dream. This is just the beginning, and trust me, you won't want to miss what comes next.
Stay tuned, because the ride is just beginning....

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