Bret Michaels, Joe Elliot, Vince Neil, Mick Mars and Axl Rose. Ever heard of those names? Probably not, but let me tell you why they are influential people in my life.
They represent my musical interests and my outlook on music.
For years, I have listened to songs that were produced 10 years prior to my birth year of 1990. How did I wind up liking these singers? I stumbled upon my parents' record stash from the '80s, pestering them and asking them questions about the artists whose records they owned.
Of course, like any great parents, they gave me a rundown on the artists from the '80s, but it was my own decision to keep on discovering the hair bands of that decade.
I blame Hysteria for its biggest influence on what I listen to. "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard was one song I would have on repeat as a child.
I was fascinated by the vocals of frontman Joe Elliot. I had practiced numerous hours trying to hit the notes in "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and songs like "Rocket" - which was my pump-up song for football from eighth grade through senior year of high school. I still struggle to sing both songs, but I know every lyric.
Growing up in the '90s was difficult for me. While boys were trying to impersonate the bad-boy mentality of A.J. from Backstreet Boys, I was trying to be Axl Rose. Everything about him was awesome.
Like Rick Ross has his grunt in today's music, Axl Rose had his moans and screeching notes that trademarked his matchless voice. "Welcome to the Jungle" was one song that showed a lead singer with a unique voice.
But that wasn't all. He had numerous run-ins with the law, but I always had the utmost respect for his badass mentality. But don't worry; I slowly grew out of that phase but still listen religiously to Guns N' Roses.
However, I truly knew I grew up in the wrong decade when I discovered two bands: M?\0xA6tley Cr??e and Poison.
If "Kickstart My Heart" has never touched your ears, I feel bad for you. I thought I was the coolest kid in middle school because I knew every lyric to this song.
"Dr. Feelgood" was the driving force behind my decision to learn the guitar. Micky Mars' guitar riffs in "Kickstart My Heart" and the song "Dr. Feelgood" are arguably easy songs to play on guitar to advanced musicians. But I had to learn how to play these.
I spent an immeasurable amount of time and my parent's money learning guitar so I could play M?\0xA6tley Cr??e hits. I eventually learned both songs but have yet to play a reunion tour with them.
And how could I forget about Poison? A band whose lead singer could have any girl he wanted in the world. Bret Michaels was a sex symbol. I don't feel as though I wanted to sing just like him, but I wanted to be just like him.
This was actually more of my high school years when I would try to wear bandanas, until my friends told me that it wasn't as cool as I thought it was.
They were right, but I tried to just be as up front and honest with the ladies as Bret Michaels.
"Nothin' But a Good Time" and "Talk Dirty to Me" are classics on my iPod. I can't go anywhere without them.
Sorry ladies, you won't see me trying to serenade you with a song by Death Cab for Cutie or Enrique Iglesias. Instead, I'll try with a rock ballad written in the '80s.
Email: joseph.konze@ubspectrum.com
