What was the first concert you ever saw?
First live rock 'n' roll I saw was an unknown surf instrumental band playing at a restaurant in my hometown of Kankakee, Ill. They wore gold suits and had pompadours. The year was 1961, which would make me around 13.
What CDs are in your changer right now?
Country Falls by Husky Rescue, a Finnish pop group; Live Forever: The Best of Britpop; Scratchy Sounds--Ska, Dub, Roots and Reggae Nuggets, compiled by ex-Clash DJ "Scratchy"; Stompin' Singers and Western Swingers: More From the Golden Age of Western Swing (box set).
How many total albums do you own (CDs, vinyl, cassettes, 8-tracks)?
Thousands of CDs and hundreds of vinyl LPs, 45s and 78s.
Do you download music, and if so, legally or illegally?
Never have downloaded music. I actually buy almost all my music.
What was the first album you owned?
First record (45 rpm) was "Martian Hop" by the Ran-Dels, 1963. First LP was England's Newest Hitmakers, the Rolling Stones, 1964.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
"Heart Full of Soul," Yardbirds.
Musically speaking, what do you love that your friends don't know about? What's your favorite guilty pleasure?
"Sugar Sugar," the Archies, 1969.
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
The first time I heard "Not Fade Away" by the Rolling Stones, I felt this incredible rush of excitement. The Bo Diddley beat, the maracas, Keith's guitar ... I felt baptized into the world of rock 'n' roll rhythm. Literally changed my life. Pretty much ruined me.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
The Rolling Stones Now!, 1965.
