Having been a fan of music from a very early age, Mark had always wanted to learn a musical instrument. When he was 14, he got a set of drums and began teaching himself to play. Because Mark had older brothers, he was influenced early on by the progressive rock genre; Yes, ELP, Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, and most notably, Jethro Tull, who, to this day, remain his favorite band. With the likes of Bill Bruford, John Bonham, Carl Palmer, Michael Giles, and Jethro Tull greats Clive Bunker, Barrie Barlow, Doane Perry, and Mark Craney, he was blessed with an incredible group of influences to both inspire and discourage him at the same time. (The frustration comes in knowing that all of these aforementioned greats occupy a level that he will never reach.....though it continues to be fun to try and get there!)
Rush's music was a discovery Mark made all on my own, without the influence of older siblings. He has been a huge fan of theirs since ninth grade; ever since he rode his bicycle to Zayre's to pick up a copy of Moving Pictures, his first Rush record. While it is the consensus among many that Neil Peart is the greatest drummer of all time, Mark has always found that to be an impossible conclusion to draw. Whether playing rock, jazz, fusion, or funk, there are just too many amazing players out there to single out any one individual, (the only possible exception being Buddy Rich). That being said, it is his opinion that Neil Peart is maybe the most charismatic drummer of all time. Much like the late John Bonham, Neil seems to blend musicality and power in a way that almost no one else has been able to. And yes, he is truly a great player as well!
Anyway, back to the Mark, the "poor man's Neil," (yes, a very poor man!), he has been playing in bands since age 15. Mark had his first studio experience at 20, recording a demo for an older "friend of a freind." Starting at 22, he played in a four piece original band known as The LYE, with three guys my age from Woonsocket, RI. The band made some headway over the next eight years or so, opening for acts like the Alarm and Electric Light Orchestra II. In 1996, they were finalists in the Ticket Master Music Showcase. Their style was decidedly progressive and was definitely Zeppelin influenced.
The Lye came to and end around 1998. From then up until about two years ago, Mark had basically spent time on his own just trying to improve his playing. Thus, most of my early 30's were spent not playing in a band. But now, having been fortunate enough to have found two very talented guys who share the same passion, Mark can proclaim proudly that he is in a Rush Tribute band called Lotus-Land.
And, so…………this is where we find ourselves!
