1. How long have you been with 1964 The Tribute? Who asked you to join, and where did you meet?

I've been with 64 since its inception in Sept. 1984. I left the group at the beginning of 1990 to finish my BA in Psychology and returned on Valentines Day 1993. Tom Work (the original George) and Mark Benson asked me at one of my gigs. Tom and I played in a great original band called Dogs n' Kids and I met Mark around town somewhere. I met Gary through Tom when they were doing studio work at the same recording studio in Akron.

2. What did you do before joining the band?

I played 20 years in several bands before 64. The first time I got paid to play drums I was 12.

3. Did you have any formal musical training?

Around a year of formal drumming lessons and a little music theory in college.

4. Do you play any other instruments besides the drums? If so, what are they?

No.

5. You learned to play right-handed in order to present yourself as a more authentic Ringo. Was there one particular event that made you decide to do this? How long did it take?

I decided to do this for two reasons. One, it was something a teacher once mentioned as a good way to improve your weaker side. Two, most importantly, I knew that it would be a challenge I needed to face immediately. I began playing right handed while we were rehearsing in the very beginning of the band. To be comfortable at playing right handed I'd have to say that it took about three years.

6. How long have people been saying that you look like Ringo Starr? Did it take some time to warm up to the idea, or did you start off happy to hear it?

I learned from Mark that people always used to say I looked like him but never knew that was the buzz. I think had I known this in my youth, I wouldn't have liked it. Adolescence is a time when one is looking for their own identity. To tell you the truth I didn't see it at first but the reaction from Mark, Gary and Tom was so strong that I began to believe I could pull off looking like Ringo.

7. Other than the Beatles, who are your musical influences?

It's impossible for me to answer this, because I like so many different types of music.

8. If somebody approached you and said that they wanted to start learning to play the drums, what advice would you give them?

Get a good teacher, listen to them and practice, practice, practice. It is a huge mistake to buy a set of drums and teach yourself. You develop bad habits and aren't armed with the basics of drumming. Start with a good practice pad.

9. If somebody approached you and said that they wanted to be in a Beatles tribute band, what advice would you give them?

If they have faith in what they're doing and they're willing to be dedicated, go for it!

10. I'll throw out a standard: The old desert island album. You've got one choice. What do you take?

Cher's Greatest Hits.

11. What's the most important thing about performing these songs?

The magic that happens only once the way it does because that night, and that group of people, will never happen again. And that magic is the music and the crowd's reaction and the band's reaction and so on...

Thanks again, Greg! I can't wait 'til next time! ~Michelle~