As a kid growing up, I always dreamed about being a part of the Beatles! I clearly remember the day I received my very first guitar as a Christmas gift when I was 12 years old. With great enthusiasm, I started teaching myself how to play. Admittedly, it was probably a slow and somewhat inefficient way to learn, and it certainly opened up the possibility of developing some bad habits along the way. Nonetheless, after much persistence, I eventually figured out a few chords and melodies. That sparked a desire in me to play music with other people, and I became determined to put a band together. In the photos from that time, that's me proudly positioned on the far left.