Ya know, Im probably one of luckiest people in the world when it comes to being a VR fan.  Lets set aside the fact that Ive known Geoff since I was in high school, and lets set aside the fact that Ive probably seen the band live 50 or 100 times.  While were at it we'll even set aside the god knows how many  times Ive partied with the band (wow, looking back on it is pretty incredible).

So what am I getting at? What is it that makes my story so special?  Well, I was the singer for a hugely popular band during those special years. Some of you might even remember that band as we opened for VR many many times. Does the name INTENSE ring a bell?  If it does, I was the crazy ass dude with the long blond hair screamin his ass off in that band. As a lead vocalist I worshipped the ground Carl walked on.  Man I look back and Im so blessed to have been on the same stage as him so many times! Carl and I became good friends over the years and we'd often pair off together at the parties after our shows and spend the whole night just talking about our voices, our careers, our lives. I think the thing that probably made Carl so special to me was the fact he was so humble about his singing.  I mean here's a guy that'd make mincemeat out of Geoff Tate from Queensryche without even breakin a sweat and he'd often tell me how great he thought I was!  And Im not writing any of this to stroke my own ego either!

I mean, PLEEEAAASEE!!!  My name shouldn't even be spoken in the same sentence as Carl's when it comes to singing. But thats something I'll always be thankful to Carl for because it was so Incredible to be supported by him, and It helped me on a level I cant even begin to describe.  I remember When I recorded the first Electric Punishment album with Geoff as producer and Carl called me to wish me luck. That meant so much to me and I really dont know if Carl ever knew just how much I appreciated that.  I mean I told him this many times.. but he was just so damned humble it almost seemed unfit for someone so bad ass.  Anyway, I could ramble on and on about how great those days were.. but I wont because this isn't about me.  Its about VR. And about Carl. And its about you Dave.  Thanks for such a great website and thank you so much for sharing such a special part of your life with all of us.  For that I gotta say "YOU RULE"!!   I gotta sign off now as not only has this brought back some of the best times of my life, its also brought up one of the most painful.  Jeez it's still hard to believe Carl's not here anymore.

Hey thanks!