A lot of bands whine about the road and how tough it is.

I was more influenced by players like Randy Rhoads and Eddie Van Halen than by the guys in southern rock bands.

Of all the grunge bands to come out of Seattle, Alice in Chains were the greatest.

I was mostly influenced by bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest - Metallica's 'Kill 'Em All' was also a hell of an inspiration.

Way before we got a record deal, we were playing clubs seven nights a week, three one-hour sets a night. Then we got the record deal, and we took off on the road and stayed out.

To me and my band, guitar riffs are what it's all about. We know that every time we jam on a great riff, we've got a fighting chance of writing a great song!