What is your first Star Wars memory?
I think my first Star Wars memory was the stormtroopers blasting through the blockade runner and Darth Vader walking through the door, all evil. My fondest memory is probably seeing the trash compactor scene where I thought they would all "be a lot skinnier when we get outta here."
Were you the kind of kid who would play with Star Wars toys?
Yes of course, show me a kid that wouldn't play with Star Wars!
Do you still collect any? What is your pride and joy item?
I am a huge collector -- mostly figures and ships. When I was a kid and had all those toys I always wanted to hold on to them until I was older and they might be worth something. They sold all my stuff at a garage sale when I was like 14. One of the cooler figures is the blue Snaggletooth.
Did you ever dress up as a Star Wars character for Halloween?
This past Halloween my son was Yoda and I was Darth Vader.
Why did you decide to get Star Wars tattoos?
My Star Wars tattoos started a few years ago. I was in Chattanooga and a guy approached the stage after we were done and asked if I wanted some work. We went to his shop and he had Star Wars stuff all over his station -- books and toys, everything. I was a big collector then and started off with a bounty hunter sleeve. I always had a fascination with the bounty hunter 'scum' in the movies and the books about them.
Which Star Wars film made you become a fan and why?
I was a fan right from the beginning. I was the right age when the first one came out and it blew me away. There was nothing like those movies before that. It was so realistic and the story of good versus evil is every little boy's dream of saving your friends from danger and stopping the bad guy. Oh yeah, and the lasers -- the lasers.
What did you think of John Williams' music for the films?
John Williams is brilliant. The music is creepy at times -- dark evil and triumphant. He really knows how to spice up the action scenes with his movements.
What is your favorite scene from the original old school films?
My favorite scene has to be the Hoth scene with the AT-AT walkers and snowspeeders. Just the sheer size of those things coming over the horizon destroying everything in sight was amazing! They had no chance against those things. It looked as though the Rebels were done for.
Which character would feel right at home playing in your band?
I think there could be room for Jabba's dancers and maybe Max Rebo could add some keyboards to the mix.
Which character do you identify with the most in the entire Star Wars saga?
Han Solo, definitely. He was a hot-tempered but cool-headed, wisecracking, loner guy looking for some friends.
Well, he was a little goofy, I think, because he was so big and fat. I don't know why anyone would be afraid of him, all ya gotta do is throw a donut and run the other way!
Which of the bounty hunters is your favorite?
The evil assassin droid IG-88. He just is a crazy robot that would disintegrate you in a heartbeat. But then again if he were chasing you, you could just run up some stairs and he couldn't chase you. (He can't bend his knees.)
Are you into playing any of the Star Wars video games?
LEGO Star Wars was a great game. I really thought they were cool. They characters were so realistic, and there is a bit of humor going on as well. It really followed the movies well.
Do you ever go to sci-fi fan conventions like Star Wars Celebration or Comic-Con?
I recently went to Dragon*Con in Atlanta. It was a little more fun for my kids. They loved the Star Wars parade. Now their journey into the Star Wars galaxy has begun.
Why do you think sci-fi and fantasy films like Star Wars are important -- especially as a way to spark your imagination?
Plain and simple, it's just a great bunch of movies. They teach a bit of camaraderie with a group to overcome their struggles, like they are a team fighting for a just cause. Seeing Star Wars when it came out it was unprecedented. A lot of movies have come and gone in the past 30 years, but Star Wars still stands strong. Hopefully, our music can do the same!
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