1. what first inspired you to become a drummer?

Hearing the drumming intro of Iron Maiden's 'Where Eagles Dare' blew my 13 year old mind forever. I actually started on guitar, but found I had no affinity for it whatsoever. At a very early jam with a heap of mates from school, I left my guitar on the floor and jumped on the drums, and upon finding that I could actually DO it (sort of!) I wouldn't get off! Much to the dismay of my fellow Rock-obsessed mates. But hearing Mr McBrain ripping it up, and that early jam were the pivotal moments!

2. anything that you've learnt along the way that's really helped you as a drummer?

Obviously the 3 words: practise, practise, practise! Which I did, and still do as much as I can. But I always remember a quote from Mike Bordin from Faith No More.....'You sh*t what you eat.' I learned to listen to as many drummers and as much great music as humanly possible, because the more you put in, the more you'll be able to get out of yourself. Listening to just a handful of bands/drummers is no good at all. Today I listen to everything from Vivaldi to Jeff Buckley to Opeth!

3. who have you and/or who are you playing with at the moment and what are the bands movements At the moment?

I'm in a really cool hard Rockin' outfit called CREECH., who play Nirvana and Black Sabbath inspired all original Rock. We've just recorded our debut full length album down at Back Beach studios with our good mate Ren Parisi (from Melbourne Records in Altona), and DW Norton, which we are taking our time mixing. It should be out by mid year at the very latest. After that will be plenty of live work, including a European tour in August. Anything to plug? Yep, check out our website: www.creech.com.au. Also our Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/creechband Also check out Melbourne Records: http://www.melbournerecords.com/ I also write the Rock and Metal column in BUZZ magazine: http://www.ozonline.com.au/buzz/

4. what gear are you using at present?

Being that I've just started working at Revolver Drums, I'm a tiny bit embarrased to say that I'm using my Pearl Masters Series 5 piece, which I bought about a year and a half ago. I love the kit, it's awesome, but looking at some of the kits in Revolver Drums, I'm very tempted to trade it in for a new Gretch or Mapex! I most likely will at some point. They sound and look incredible.

5. what would be your dream gig?

CREECH support Rush at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto in front of 16,000 screaming fans!!! Or, more realistically (!) a headline gig at Rod Laver Arena....

6. favourite drummers and/or bands and why?

I could sit here for days and list bands and drummers that I love and worship. Suffice it is to say I have my own personal 'big 5' drumming influences, who inspired me in my formative years: Peart (the greatest!), Bonham, Copeland, McBrain and A. Van Halen. Today, I'm heavily inspired by guys like Hoglan, Donati, Martin Lopez from Opeth, Dirk Verbueren from Soilwork, Chambers, Portnoy, Vinnie Paul, Calaiuta, Eric Erlandsen from Arch Enemy, Ray Herrera and some local guys like Lucius Borich, Sean Bailley from Sydonia and Matt Racovalis from Alarum.