|
CHRIS GOMEZ - (Gomer)
Lead Vocals / Guitar
Chris began singing in live bands in 1995 with The Hitmen based out of Cleveland, TN, and early on it was evident that he
had a natural ability interact with audiences. This did not go un-noticed by other local musicians and soon caught
the attention of Larz Hanson & Chris Bond while between projects. In February of 2000, Chris made his first appearance
with Live At 11.
After the first 'incarnation' of Live At 11, Chris went on to form DILLIGAF, and later Third Wish
both of which gained notoriety in the Chattanooga club scene.
Chris' demeanor on stage is a never ending source of entertainment. His love for interacting with the crowd
is a constant driving force and there's never a dull moment. If there's a party
to be started - Chris will most certainly will make it happen!
|
| |
|
KEITH COREY - (keefa)
Bass / Vocals
I never had a defining moment when I said "I'm going to play music". Neither of my parents
played an instrument and, for the most part, always listened to elevator music which drove me nuts.
My first guitar came to me in some what of an unusual way. I was about 12 and my older brother
had a friend whose quest in life was looking for ways to finance his next lid. He always had something for
sale and would often try to con me out of my paper route money. Oddly enough everything I bought
from him had a price tag of $15, as was the case when he came to me with his Teisco
guitar, complete with a plastic amplifier.
For about 2 weeks I banged senselessly on it, until I got hooked up with a music teacher who set
me up with the ever so popular Mel Bay guitar primer. That got me far enough to start playing along
with all my Black Sabbath records and REALLY driving my parents insane. In high school, I signed
up for a class on Music Theory, a real eye opener followed by a 2nd semester studying Bach's
choral style. From there I went on to learn tenor and alto sax, neither of which really stuck with me.
I think I took them up because I thought everyone was chanting "peace, love, drugs, and sax". Doh!
So where did the bass come in? After high school, I found a really great instructor / studio
musician that worked out of a music store and took more lessons in theory as it applied to guitar.
There was a really cool Guild 302 bass in the store that I'd pick up and noodle around with while
I waited for my lessons. This went on for a few months and it just fell in love with me.
One day it just followed me home. Switching over to bass, I did not stray too far from wanting
to play rock, and was influenced by the obvious greats - John Entwistle, Chris Squire, Geddy Lee,
along with a little less recognized Geezer Butler.
As for gear, my current favorite is a Ibanez 905 5-string neck thru, Ampeg SVT-3 and a pair of 2-10 cabinets
that I built.... just to fit in my truck. (Yes, I was paying attention in wood shop.) I also
keep another Ibanez 405, and Carvin LB75 (both 5-strings) as a back up.
Oh, and the Guild 302 still loves me even though I don't take her out much anymore. And I must make
special mention of our road crew of one: my wife Debby - official band photographer, sound consultant,
and beer tech.
When I'm not playing I'm usually modifying our house, hanging out in the garage turning planks
of wood into something useful, or trying to out smart Benny (our golden retriever).
|
|
|
REECE VARNELL
Guitar / Vocals
My first real experience playing guitar came by chance. My best
friend, who was a gun collector, decided to switch gears and went into guitars
for some reason. I think he just wanted to try something different, and in the
process, his interest passed along to me. At the time I was single, living on
my own, and guitars seemed like a good fit. Besides - landlords don't like
drummers!
In the summer of '89 I met Tim Lewis. We hit it off and started
playing acoustics at the Lakeshore pool. Over time Tim and I had become the
best of friends. Tim turned me on to the Allman brothers and I turned him on to
Stevie Ray Vaughan. Our first real gig was in 1993 at a little bar in Hixson.
We got free beer and I knew right then we could make it work. We played for 3
years solid, developed a pretty good following, and in '96 we both bought brand
new Harleys. I was Stoked ! But, playing music was the only way we could afford
them so it was very important we stayed working. Over the years, Tim and I
have formed an everlasting friendship, mostly due to our music being an integral
part of our lives. We put together a couple of groups, Dix Hat Band w/ Joe
Lawson and the late Mike Dyer. Then there was Barely Legal with Steve Core and
Mike Mullins. And last, but not least, my 1st power t rio "Bad Little Doggy"
with Steve Core and Glen Smith. However to most, we were known simply as Tim and
Reece..... and the name just kinda stuck that way.
My biggest influences would have to be: Warren Haynes, Stevie
Ray Vaughan, Gary Moore and Walter trout. There are so many but I always had
these in my CD Player !
I use a variety of gear. Guitars - Gibson Les Paul Classic 60's,
Fender Fat Strat, Fender Strat Deluxe, PRS Custom 22, Gibson SST acoustic, and
Martin acoustic guitars. Amplification - Mesa/Boogie Roadster / Nomad 55. I use
several different cabs - Soldano 4x12, 2 - Mesa 1x12's. Line6 and Digitech
processors, Shure wireless and mics, Sabine tuner, all rack mounted in an anvil
case. Don't forget the Heil talk box, if your gonna cover Walsh and Bon Jovi,
you gotta have it !
Over the last 15 years, I have been very fortunate to be a part
of Chattanooga's music scene, made some wonderful friends who without them I
would not be here today. Only recently have I decided to seek out new and
exciting ventures and take my playing style to the next level. Music has been
very rewarding to me both financially and emotionally. I am so fortunate and
honored to be a part of the Legends of Party Music , Bud Lightning ! (formerly
known as Live at 11).
C'ya @ the Gig !!!
|
| |
|
GREG RUDDER
Drums / Vocals
Greg has been playing drums since.... well... even before he can remember.
When he was two years old, his older brother played
keyboard for a band that practiced in the basement of their home. Greg would sit
in the floor and watch the drummer's every move. His brother would put him on
the seat in front of those drums with his feet dangling in mid air and he would
copy what he had seen that drummer do. When he was four years old, his folks
got him his firs trap set, and the rest is history.
Greg's life as a musician has included many 'colorful' experiences. In the mid eighty's, Greg headed
to Atlanta as a full time professional musician, indulging in a lifestyle typical most young rockers
trying to get ahead in the business. The band had rented some warehouse space with meager living
quarters that we all shared... along with a few ...eh, let's call them 'companions' from a local
strip club.
Before too long, Greg found himself in Nashville with yet another hair metal band. The band was
fortunate enough to find backing and soon were living in a bus on a cross country tour. After several months
covering the northeast states the tour eventually took them into Canada, where they narrowly
escaped a 'paraphernalia incident' with the border patrol. The tour abruptly ended when their gear was stolen.
Over the years, Greg has played with a number of different bands, the most recent of which include
Third Wish, Push Play, and Radio Days. Greg likes to spend his free time hunting and fishing.
|
|