Nine Questions

B.C. Priest is the singer and guitarist of Virtual Grace, a new semi-prog/melodic-based band about to go in the studio to record their debut CD, hopefully to be released at the year's end. B.C. listens to almost every style of music (except gangsta rap) and has written more than 400 songs in several genres.

What was the first concert you ever saw?

The Flock, out of Chicago, playing the VFW hall.

What CDs are in your changer right now?

White Stripes, Elephant; Eric Johnson and Alien Love Child, Live and Beyond; Marillion, Season's End; Loreena McKennitt, Mummer's Dance; and Virtual Grace, On the Edge of Obscurity. (OK, that's my band!)

How many total albums do you own (CDs, vinyl, cassettes, 8-tracks)?

Hmm, let's see--1,600 CD's, 3,000 records, 2,100 tapes and 360 reel-to-reels.

Do you download music, and if so, legally?

Nah, I either have it, don't need it or burn it from friends.

What was the first album you owned?

Do I have to say? OK, Rolling Stones, Flowers.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

One of mine, called "All My Life," and "Make Us All Aware," by Ambrosia.

Musically speaking, what do you love that your friends don't know about? What are your guilty pleasures?

That would be a band called Gentlemen Without Weapons.

What band or artist changed your life, and how?

Me mum--she's a classical pianist but always had all styles of music in the house, and we embraced it all. (It's her fault I have this huge collection.)

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?

How about band instead? Hands down, it's Pink Floyd.