I seriously doubt that the photographic record of my musical life extends further into the past than this picture. It's 1974 in Kankakee Illinois. L-R: (a bit of) vocalist Tim Hancock, guitarist Steve Courtright, Brad Cluver on drums, me (17 years old) on bass, and Steve Harris on keyboards. My high school pal Steve Courtright and I had always dreamed of starting a band with this drummer, who was a few years older than us and the best, most solid rock drummer around our region at that time. When we approached him about starting a band he informed us that he'd recently become "born again" and would only agree to play with us if we did Christian rock. We were desperate (and a little flattered because we were just kids and he was the experienced rock drummer) so despite our consternation we agreed, convincing ourselves that we could still do some solid complex rock of our own a la Yes and Gentle Giant as long as we could convince Brad that the lyrics were about The Lord or something. Ahh yes the things we did just to get out and PLAY! Incidentally this is the same Rickenbacker 4001 bass and Kustom 250 amp I still use today, and Steve Courtright is still my oldest best friend. Photo by ????