Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?
I usually fly. I trust that the aviation mechanics are keeping the planes safe.
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
I eat a strictly kosher diet. That often requires me to cook for myself. I’ve been known to soak black beans in the morning and boil them, along with brown rice, about an hour or so before show time. Slap some hot sauce on it and it’s quite a wonderful meal.
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
I probably break strings a lot less than I used to. Maybe once a year, or less. My technique has improved, I guess. I probably spend about 12 bucks a set.
Where do you rehearse? Any interesting stories about the space?
I’ve had a tortoise and a duck walking around in my space at various times. The duck makes noise, the tortoise is quiet, but he’s knocked my microphones over from time to time.
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
Your hopes are down and you pick up a “J” it ain’t gonna help you anyway. But you strike a match and you let it burn, now your mind is ready to turn…
From “Exit” – age 12
Describe your first gig.
It was at the Cerebral Palsy Foundation of Saint Paul Minnesota. I learned that people who might look and act differently from me, still love Rock and Roll.
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
My last day job was 45 years ago. I was “warehouse assistant†for the national record distribution company, Pickwick/Musicland in Hopkins, Minnesota
How has your music-related income changed over the past 5-10 years? What do you expect it to look like 5-10 years from now?
The residuals have held steady, the sales have nearly disappeared.
I expect my income to grow wildly over the 5-10 years. (Written in optimistic font)
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
Nothing is as important as making people feel that they are loved and that their potential is limitless.