Firstly Danny thanks very much for agreeing to answer our questions.

My Pleasure!

What are you up to at the minute??

The most important thing is that we just completed our new album. It’s called “Traveller” and is due to be released on Frontiers Records in either February or March of next year. We hope to be touring around then as well. I have to say that it is the best thing I have ever recorded. The new, 2 guitar attack is really a strong influence on the music.
Aside from that, I’ve got a track on the new album from Richie Zito.. The song, and the album is called “Avalon” (same title, different song!). I’ve also got a new track featured on Melodicrock.com’s new release which was done with a guy named Michael Tharin. It’s brand new and a really great song that I hope will lead to more collaborations with Michael as I really like his writing. I also worked on a song with Spanish wunderkind guitarist Jorge Salan for his new album.
Lastly, the band and I will be playing the UFOR2 festival in Ludwigsburg, Germany on October the 1st. We will be playing some brand new songs as well as the classic stuff that I haven’t been able to play in Germany for a number of years. It’s probably going to be our only gig for the rest of the year.

You have been back in the studio this year. When can we expect a new album? (some of us are getting withdrawal)

Oops! In my enthusiasm, I answered this one already

Tyketto, Waysted, Vaughn, Flesh and Blood........have you a particular favourite line-up and if so what are the reasons for this?

Not to be difficult, but I could never pick a favourite line up. Fate puts together band members as best she can and they each have their own personality and history. I’ve been lucky in almost all of the bands I’ve been associated with.

What were your influences growing up and who/what inspired you to become a musician??

In the early days, listening to my parents records there was, of course, The Beatles, and then Cream, Joe Cocker, Bob Dylan. They were always on in the house and I used to sing along with Beatles records constantly. I probably learned everything I know about harmony right there. As I grew up and started to play guitar, other bands were definite signposts along the way. The Doobie Brothers album, “The Captain And Me” was the first time I ever heard acoustic guitar (my instrument of choice) mixed into a rock band and it had a huge impact on me and my writing style. So did the Steve Miller Band albums of the 70's and 80's. The first time a band hit me over the head and made me say, “Yeah, I really want to do this for a living” was when I saw Blackfoot live for the first time. That was like being hit head on by a freight train and I never wanted that feeling to end.

Any new upcoming bands that you can recommend to HMI??

I’m pretty far behind on the new band front. By the time I’ve listened to them, they have usually sold a million copies already. I move slowly when it comes to music.

Can you imagine doing anything else if you werent a rockstar??

I’m not a rock star. I’m a house painter with a damned good voice.

Recording or playing live what do you prefer?

I guess if I have to pick one it would be recording. Don’t get me wrong, I love to play live and my bands are always known for the type of shows we put on for the crowd, but it’s over and done so fast. You either get it right or you don’t. Done and dusted. Recording gives you the opportunity to rethink, to experiment, and to open up your creative side to the fullest. I’ve always loved that and producing very much.

And finally anything that you think fans in the UK and Ireland need to know??

Pluto is no longer a planet! What kind of crap is that?