Photo by Jeanne Rice> Sal. “Sal was this guy who used to perform at Emilio's Restaurant in Santa Ana. Nothing washed down a plateload of pasta better than having Sal crooning tableside. He was the only performer I knew besides Tom Jones who could get away with wearing polyester rags and large-collar silk shirts.”
> Southern Culture on the Skids. “They throw yummy fried chicken out to the audience during their performances, which is good because I usually don't eat before I go to shows. Plus, they have a rad chick bass player.”
> Guitar stores. “I shop at Sam Ash because their service is superb. They treat me like a musician, unlike Guitar Center, where they treat me like a girl instead of a musician—and they treat girls like morons. I bought my first guitar at Norm's Rare Guitars. Still have it—a 1973 Ricky with a red sunburst and checkerboard binding.”
> Sangre de Toro. “Pure Latin rhythm; a cool, groovy time!”
> The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs. “They put on a great live show—I was entertained every viewing moment. Also, the lead singer will hypnotize you with his head-bobbing antics.”
> Midnite Rapture. “They all wear dark suits, except for the singer. During shows, he ends up stripping off his coat and shirt anyway and laying down some mean moves. They also pass out these cool glow-in-the-dark crosses, if you're into that kind of thing. And they rock. Hard.“
> Influential women. “I love Exene Cervenka from X. She's my hero, along with bass player Tina Weymouth from the Talking Heads. I must have watched the videos of “The Unheard Music” and “Stop Making Sense” about 100 times each when I was first learning how to play. I've also always had a soft spot for Debbie Harry's voice. And I think Courtney Love is the queen shit!”
