I have had several influences in my life and here is a run down of a few:

Pete Rose (Charlie Hustle) – Even though he wasn’t necessarily the most gifted athlete, he was the best player to play the game because he tried harder than anyone else. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame and until he is, Major League Baseball can kiss my ass!

The Batman – (what do you mean he’s not real?) – What I’ve always liked about the Dark Knight is that he doesn’t have any super powers. He’s a guy. (a pissed off, screwed up in the head guy at that) His obsession has shaped his entire life. He faces insurmountable odds and always finds a way to come out on top. He also has the coolest gadgets.

And of course, all my rock and roll gods (if you happen to be a rock and roll god and I left you off the list, my humble apologies) :

Jimmy Page, KISS, Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, Ted Nugent, Peter Frampton, SRV, Tom Scholz, Angus Young, Steve Vai, Joe Perry, Rush, B.B. King , Randy Rhodes, Joe Walsh, Eddie Van Halen, Rik Emmett, The Beatles, Mark Knopfler, Nancy Wilson (yes, a girl), Alice Cooper (not a girl), Billy Gibbons, Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Neil Schon, Brian May, Pat Travers, Neil Geraldo, Carlos Santana, Tommy Shaw, Billy Gregory, and especially Roger Waters (his lyrics forever shaped/warped my young impressionable mind)