Feb. 18, 2005 - Have been making a lot of contacts with musicians lately. Unfortunately, nothing is panning out as quickly as I had hoped. I've been playing a bit lately - itching to get back into it. Getting ready to see the Crue on Sunday - NASCAR is back - just had a baby boy named Andrew. If only there were 3 or 4 musicians that had the same approach I do. Maybe in time.

March 20, 2005 - I've been putting a lot of ads through bandtastic and NC music - unfortunately I have not been able to find the guys I want to play with. Been getting back into rehearsing by myself and trying some new things, but it still boils down to I'm a rock/metal drummer - can't escape that...and I'm not sure if that is good or bad. Keep rockin'

June 24, 2005 - It's been awhile since I last updated my plight to find some good musicians to play with - I believe the wait is finally over. I can't say too much about who is playing, but the bass player is awesome, the guitar player is as well, and the singer is rock solid. I can say the music we are doing is more aggressive than Ballistic Karma - think Godsmack, Tool, meets STP. You will definitely be hearing more soon.

July 24, 2005 - What could have been...Looks like the search is back. I thought maybe the last musicians I played with could pull it together, but sometimes people just don't want to work for it. I find it incredible that most musicians in this area (Hickory) only want to play with established bands or a band that is only missing a link. I'm not knocking people for doing that, but if something good comes along in such a dry area, wouldn't you want to make a move and try  - I mean really try to make it happen. I guess not...Searching on....

January 2006 - Happy New Year to everyone. Hope that peace, joy, and happiness surround your lives. Still trying to find a band. I've auditioned for some guys in Charlotte called Smokin'. I have to say that the leader "his band" is pretty shady. He considered replacing his drummer because I could sing and play, but that didn't happen. A month or two later, I get a call to audtion as singer. I went down, thought that it went well considering I've not sang lead in a few years. I was told a decision would be made soon because their singer had a drug problem. Well, It's about 4 weeks later and I've not heard from this guy at all. I don't believe he is a man of his word and it's no wonder that his band left him to form BlackGlass. On the other hand, he should have thought harder about replacing his drummer because when I sang for them, this guy was very average. I guess that's the kicker because I was lead to believe this band consisted of the best musicians in the Carolinas. Don't get me wrong the bass player was good as well as the guitar player, but this was simply another garage band with a kick ass light show and full PA. Hey Dave - just a phone call bud!! In the meantime, I've been in touch with a guy to start an 80's tribute band. We'll see how  that goes.

May 15, 2006 - Met a great guitar player in Lake Norman on Saturday. I think we found some common ground. We're looking for a great bass player. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because this music thing is bullshit in North Carolina. Did a slight update on the page as well  - as if anyone gives a fuck. In the meantime - eat shit and don't get crabs.

August 12, 2006 - OMG - finally playing again. Blayde is the new band. Located in Taylorsville, NC - we're doing covers and that's fine with me. If you happen to check out my page - see us live at BlueRidge Harley in Hickory on Sept.2. Peace and a bottomless kick!!!

October 8, 2006  - Blayde is currently recording a new demo to update our web presence (www.blaydemusic.com). If you read this and go to that sight - please understand that I'm not playing and that our new demo will kill what you currently hear. Also looking for a new singer. Gary is no longer with us - if you are or know a good singer - bring it on. In the meantime - peace and bottomless kick!!!

March 13, 2007 - Damn, I can't believe it's been two years since I started this page. I hardly ever use it now because myspace is much easier and popular. Anyway, the new band is called Strangle Leslie. Billy Ford on guitars and vocals, Jeff Knox on guitar, Jamie Caudill on bass and me on drums and vocals. We're doing covers like Seether, Velvet Revolver, STP, System of a Down, etc. Check out www.myspace.com/stangleleslie