The Right Amount of FUN

Darren has been in choir since Kindergarten and starting playing guitar
at the age of 14.  He was also highly involved in Musical productions such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, Les Miserables, and Fame.  His first band was called “The Zelots,” a classic rock band which encompassed
his friends at the early age of 16.  Along with music, he was highly successful in athletics being a multiple state champion in track and wrestling.  During his college years he participated in the Voice In Praise contemporary gospel choir in La Crosse, WI for three years.  Eventually, he found himself playing guitar and singing vocals for an 80s rock cover band, Led Foot.

Darren has been inspired by guitarists such as Bill Leverty, Eddie Van Halen, Neal Schon, Steve Stevens, and Richie Sambora.  His favorite vocalists are Lou Gramm, Steve Perry, C.J. Snare, Mark Free, and Ann Wilson.  Musical history regarding guitars and amps are some of Darren’s hobbies.  He currently runs a vintage guitar website called vintagewashburn.com and had the opportunity to talk with many famous musicians and influential people such as Jennifer Batten (of Michael Jackson), Steve Stevens, Bill Leverty, Grover Jackson, and Stephen Davies.  He has a growing interest in vintage amplifiers from the 60’s
and 70s.

In his spare time, Darren occasionally records music and modifies guitars. His main guitars are a Washburn SS80 Steve Stevens signature, Washburn Extended Cutaway 26 fret Atlantis, and a custom built guitar made from wenge and ebony.  His amp is a custom-made Metropoulos 12,000 series ’67 replica 50 watt bass-circuit combo thought-up and created by some of the most knowledgeable experts in the industry. He
is currently completing school for a sub-doctorate degree in psychology.