| On lead guitar... |
|
the Ripper |
Q: How long have you been playing?
A: I started playing when I was about 13 or 14 years old, so I guess that makes it about 17 years.
Q: How long have you been playing professionally with bands?
A: The last ten or eleven years. The first band I played in was called "Hurlant" out of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Q: Who are your influences?
A: Overall, my main influence is Eddie Van Halen for his technique, style, and longevity. Among my earliest influences were the bands Kiss, Black Sabbath, Boston, and Lynard Skynard. I was also influenced by the licks of Randy Rhodes, Jimmy Page, Kirk Hammett, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Yngwie Malmsteen. I'm currently fascinated with the licks of guitarists Joe Satriani, and the music of bands like Godsmack and Creed.
Q: What kind of equipment do you use?
A: My main guitar is a Washburn Nuno series (American made) and my backup is a modified SG. I play through a Marshall head & cabs (with vintage 30's).
Q: What kind of music do you listen to?
A: Mainly hard rock but I do like classical rock, too. I listen to everything from Pantera to Led Zeppelin.
Q: Are you originally from Salina?
A: No, I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I moved to Salina about eight years ago, where I live with my beautiful wife, Shawn Marie.
Q: What's your real name and why are you "the Ripper"?
A: My name's Richard Long, and I was dubbed "the Ripper" by some former bandmates and it just sort of stuck.
