Jimmy Pena
Jimmy Pena, Lead/Rhythm Guitars and Backing Vocals
Favorite Bands: Iron Maiden, Kamelot, Helloween
Influences: Jimmy Page, Steve Howe, Ritchie Blackmore
I grew up listening to the radio and didn't get into metal until I was 13. That was 1988. I consider that late because most of my other friends had been listening to it for a while already. My first 'metal' memory is September 27th, 1988, mourning the second anniversary of Cliff Burton's death with my friends. However I did not actually own any metal albums until approximately 1990. The first metal bands I listened to were Motley Crue, Motorhead, Metallica and Megadeth (yes, all M's, only a coincidence). Followed shortly by Iron Maiden, Rush, classic blues-rock bands like Cream and Led Zeppelin and a host of other bands from thrash to black metal to classical music. Lately I have been into power metal bands like Kamelot and Labyrinth. But I have always remained true to my roots in straight up rock and roll.
I started playing at age 18 (I know, LATE) with a few lessons and a new guitar I got for Christmas (the Strat, which I still have). However, other than that I am self-taught.
I have not played in many bands, not many 'real' bands anyway, and few of them have played in public. For one reason or another, these 'projects' always start out with high hopes and end up going nowhere quickly. If you are a musician, you know what I mean. I guess I could name them, but it's not worth the bandwidth. If you come see a Truest Damned show, I know we make up for lost time 
My greatest influence and exposure is on the Internet, particularly Usenet. I have met many people from around the world who have helped me become a better musician, by teaching me things it would have taken a lifetime to figure out on my own. Look around for articles on music theory, you will not be disappointed by the quantity and quality of work available.
Some things (music and non-music) I have done on the 'Net include:
Started the Rush-Tabs mailing list on April 25th, 1997 for the dissemination of tablature for the Canadian rock band Rush. Check it out here.
I also worked on the On-Line Guitar Archive as an archiver for a few months in 1998.
Voted for the creation of a new newsgroup dedicated to Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism in 1996: humanities.philosophy.objectivism. Passed 362:46.
Voted for the moderation of rec.music.makers.guitar.tablature in 1997. Passed 183:22.
Oh, and I created and maintain this website.
See you on the road!
–Jimmy