I think once I saw Kiss as a child I knew Rock N Roll was where my soul was. As far as influences I have many of the usual shredder influences like Vinnie Moore, Paul Gilbert, Yngwie Malmsteen ETC but I was also very influenced by bands and guitar player in those bands – Manowar (Ross the boss), Judas priest (KK and Glenn), Thin Lizzy (Gorham and Moore) ETC.