
I started playing in bands about the age of 15, firstly playing drums in a few local bands and then onto playing guitar. My first electric guitar was a blue Tokai, which I started to learn the ‘licks’ that would eventually feature in U2 UK. I have been a massive fan of U2 since the BOY album. I love the early U2 songs, they have power, passion and energy and they are great to play!
My favourite U2 album is Achtung Baby, and in particular the tracks ‘Acrobat’ ‘Love is Blindness’ and 'Heartland’ off Rattle and Hum. I am currently really into the new album at the moment and really enjoying playing some of these songs in our show, particularly Blinding Lights and Love & Peace.
I have seen U2 live a few times now, most recently on the vertigo tour in Cardiff. What a show! Loved it! I even got asked for my autograph by a U2UK fan that was sitting beside me!! A real surreal moment!!! Whilst in U2UK there have been loads of highlights for me. Every show seems to be different, but a few moments that stick in my mind are when we played in Rotterdam at the Ahoy Stadium in front of an 8000 strong crowd, and when we played in Amsterdam in the summer of 2005 at the U2 after party celebrations. In the UK the U2UK our fans are brilliant, the best there is! Real appreciative and also very dedicated.
I take real pride in my personal gear. I am using 5 guitars at the moment, still 34 to go :) My favourite is Blacky (Black Fender) I have customized this one similar to the Edge adding a bridge humbucker. I also play a Les Paul, Explorer, acoustic and most recent addition is my own design Vertigo Stratocaster! I use it for a couple of songs, as it's got a great tone very close to the Edge's!!
I use a vintage Fender Amplifier, similar to the ones used by Edge on the Vertigo tour. FX wise, well he's got lots of em! I favour Korgs for my delays, Boss for my Overdrives and a little compression. Mix it all up a bit and hopefully it comes out the other end sounding a bit like the Edge!!!!!!