I realize most of you posted your bios in the recent past,and although I've been an avid admirer and minimal contributor to the site it's finally time to give my two cents. I'm 28 I live in a suburb of Vancouver,Canada,which I have all my life. Music has been my passion since I can recall. My father was a huge Dylan fan,as well as a blues affecianado,and my mother was more Beatles,Elvis and Motown.My personal tastes include all of those artists as well as many others that have been mentioned in messages on this site. I became a Brian Wilson acolyte after being exposed to Pet Sounds and the legendary "Smile" sessions as well as believing along with DB that Lindsey Buckingham is a constantly under appreciated artist. I taught myself guitar in my teens and had quite a cool little band for a few years,mostly jamming on Neil Young,Stones and a few originals that weren't too shabby. I considered myself an "acceptable" rhythm player,happy to hang back and let our lead man solo away. I had a few great guitars,a Strat fairly new and stock,a Tele along the same lines (my favorite) and an old Epiphone Casino. In July 1997 my life changed dramatically. A hit and run car crash broke my neck,leaving me quadriplegic with some use of my arms but no hand function. A injury like this has been overwhelming to deal with. I'm no longer able to play,but my appreciation for music and my desire to figure out away to create music keeps me going even through a year of hospitalisation and intense physical rehab. And without the love and support of many friends and family especially my fiancee.The internet has been an invaluable source of information and independence for me and this site and all the interesting dialog it creates is amazing and it all boils down to,one common denominator,our appreciation and respect for the music of David Baerwald. Like David once said he'd rather have 500 fans like us than a million Britney Spears fans. And I'm proud to be amongst you all.

Regards
Kyle Thorleifson