What’s your role in Pyroclast?
Guitar.
Where you from, man?
I’m originally from a small town on the outskirts of Glasgow called Erskine. Lived in and around Glasgow most of my life. Currently living in Clydebank.
When did you join the band, and what brought you to this wonderful group of awesome people?
I joined the band in April 2022, responding to their add for a guitarist. I’d been out of playing guitar in a metal band at that point for 12 years and really wanted to get back into it. I just couldn’t find the right band. Many lineup changes have happened since then and I’m really happy with where we’re at now.
What drew you to your instrument originally?
Having two older brothers and parents who were into listening to music in a big way meant I grew up surrounded by music. My parents taste introduced me to the likes of Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Roxy Music, Miles Davis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and a huge amount more.
My eldest brothers introduced me to bands such as Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Saxon, Blind Guardian, Iced Earth, Thin Lizzy, Manowar… The list is almost endless.
Queen were the first band I got into for myself when I was about 9 or 10. I was initially drawn to drums as I thought Roger Taylor looked cool! But as one of my older brothers had a guitar, that was an easier instrument to get into. I taught myself to play along to the likes of AC/DC, and, when my skills improved, Metallica and Maiden.
Who would you say were your greatest influences? Not necessarily for your own instrument, just in terms of writing, performing, and style?
I really love the Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher. A gentle, quiet soul, he really erupted into life when perfoming his blues/rock live. Recommend checking out any of his live albums.
Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy has to be one of the greatest rock stars off all time, and a fantastic showman and lyrisist.
Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden and Iced Earth are a gigantic influence on my songwriting. Twin guitars all the way! Lizzy and Maiden for their melodies, Iced Earth for combining brutality with melody.
Lyrically, I often like my words to either tell a story or make a statement about the state of the world we live in. I think that comes from reading lots of books and being influenced by artists such as Dylan, Steve Earle and Rage Against the Machine. Sometimes I do like to go for mull metal cheese on occasion, right enough (thanks Manowar).
When you want to chill the fuck out, who would be the first three bands you’d likely want to listen to?
Rush, Pink Floyd, Opeth and Porcupine Tree. Also partial to a bit of Americana (not The Offspring album!)
Who are your past bands and/or projects?
Syth
Farseer (bass)
Scarlets
Soul Remover (vocals)
Creatures of Habit (still active)
LDN
Till the Death
List your main gear (e.g., guitars, amps, drum kit, pedals), etc.
Gibson Les Paul Standard 2008
Gibson Les Paul Standard Mary Ford
Gibson Flying V HP 2019
Jackson Adrian Smith SDX
Helix LT
What’s one piece of gear you’d never give up?
My Les Paul Standard 2008
What’s one piece of gear you don’t have but would sell your granny for?
I am an absolute Gibson freak, so a vintage Gibson would rock my world.
Are you a tone-chaser, fannying around with your gear all the time, or do you plug and play?
I’m happy with a good rhythm tone and I go from there. Not too fussy!
What song are you most proud of and why?
The Pit and The Pendulum. It always make me smile knowing I had a hand in writing that one.
What’s the weirdest/funniest thing that’s happened on stage?
When I was singing I tried to do a Roger Daltry mic spin and the mic came off the cable and launched into the audience. Cringe.
What do you do when you’re not making music?
Hang out at home with my girlfriend, watch movies, read and (fun fact) I enjoy gardening!
Guilty pleasure artist or song?
No Limit and 2 Unlimited. Absolute banger!
What’s your ultimate one-day festival lineup? Doesn’t matter if they’re not around anymore.
Iron Maiden (in their prime 80s pomp)
Rush
Thin Lizzy
Queen
Metallica
Rory Gallagher
What’s the best gig you’ve been to? Ever. Hands down.
Anthrax – Glasgow Cathouse
What would you like to see from Pyroclast over the next three years?
More festivals and some gigs in Europe!
Who would you like to see shot with a ball of their own shite?
Nigel Farage, of course!