Age 5
Turns down first paying gig: $1 for a solo rendition of "All Shook Up" by Elvis Presley, his first idol. Good money even then.
Age 7
"Meet The Beatles" joins a meager but growing vinyl LP collection. Elvis has to share the throne.
Age 8
Singing & piano lessons from an honest-to-god nun reluctant to indulge in frivolities such as McCartney's "Fool on The Hill" despite countless pleas.
Age 10
Picks up a pair of sticks and learns to roll with legendary bebop drummer Kenny Clarke.
Age 12
The loaner piano is reclaimed. A classical guitar finds its way into his hands.
Age 16
Misses opportunity to set an early precedent to the famed Milli Vanilli lip-synching scandal by turning down offer to become a teen idol for the European 45rpm single release, "Life is a game of pinball… and we are the balls!"
Age 18
Moves to LA. Lasts a year. A lunar expedition might have been less disorienting.
Age 19
Lands in Boston under a blanket of heavenly snow to attend Berklee College of Music with a letter of recommendation from Leonard Bernstein.
The 80's
Drops out after a year under the radar at Berklee. Enjoys first taste of success with Option One – stretch limos, groupies, roadies, record label interest – until the band implodes.
John Hegner • Paul Connelly • Gregory Paquette • Sean