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

My heroes were Eddie Van Halen - especially after Van Halen I, II, III, and IV - Randy Rhoads, Ace Frehley and dudes like that. My brother played drums and we jammed in the garage and started writing our own stuff.

Van Halen was a huge influence on me, and 'Eruption' was the song that really leaped off that first Van Halen album.

Van Halen is a work in progress.

When I was 13, I was just figuring out how to play 'Eruption,' poorly, by Eddie Van Halen.

Van Halen can keep providing the rain and I'll keep providing the parade.