Meet our bass player, and singer of lead & backing vocals.

Another lad hailing out of SE Portland, Oregon, Rich also began his performing career at an early age, branching off for a time to become a highly-prized radio personality and a trainer of Boeing 727 pilots. His formative years were spent with a popular San Diego band, Nasty Habits, and he is currently sharing his musical talents with another worldly famous, and popular combo, from Portland, OR; The Mossbacks. Rich’s contributions to The ByrdBrains are legend and growing all the time.

1. Favorite All Time Band?

That's easy...The Beatles, Van Halen, and Tower of Power. Then there is   Wings...and how about Pink Floyd? Can't forget Chicago, the Doobie Brothers, Paul Revere & The Raiders, and of course Nasty Habits; and The Mossbacks!

2. Favorite All Time Movie?

That's easy too..."Dumb and Dumber"...no wait a moment that's number three, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" holds down the number one slot, and a close second would have to be "The Blues Brothers."

3. Favorite All Time Actor?

Okay, Will Smith. Believe it or not, it used to be Leonard Nimoy, but then I grew up. Well I got older anyway, okay?

4. Favorite All Time Actress?

Oh wait...Heather Locklear. I just like typing her name; Heather Locklear. I'm not sure, but I don't think it has anything to do with her acting. 

5. Favorite All Time Musician?

Oh come on...I have to list more than one? Bob Marley, Paul McCartney, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Pat Metheny, Al Dimeola, Buddy Rich, Greg Lake, Toots Thielemans, John Lennon, Diane Schuur, Jimmy Buffett, and Jimi Hendrix.

6. Favorite All Time Musical Instrument company?

That would have to be an equal tie with Fender and Vox. Oh oh...I just remembered; Hammond. As in the Hammond B-3. Oh yea! Even though I am not a keyboard player, there has always been a soft spot in my soul for the sound of the B-3 being played through a Leslie rotating speaker. OH MY GOD!

Circa 1979 Playing bass for Nasty Habits, a good ole'
rock-n-roll band in San Diego, CA. Notice the classic Ampeg SVT behind him? 

Circa 2006...
Notice that Rich is playing the same 1976 Fender Jazz Bass
as in the picture to the left; THIRTY years after Nasty Habits.
(and why YES...with the same slim waist-line)  

Inner Thoughts:

They asked me to write a few words here to express my thoughts about this band. Well I have to say I am thrilled to be part of this particular group of guys. It's hard to believe how well we all get along, and it's REAL exciting when we start playing The Byrds, The Beatles, The Eagles, and especially The Moody Blues tunes. It's really satisfying when you can read the lips of the folks in our audience..."oh my god these guys are amazing!"

The best part of this for me, is this group of guys; not one of them is intimidated by my immense beauty, my huge musical talent, or my ability to juggle. These guys are actually able to stand on stage with somebody of my stature, talent and looks; and not let it bother them; well at least they don't let it show. These guys hide their envy for me real well. I have to give them props for that. Way to go guys!

All kidding aside, this is a dream come true for me. I was chosen to play bass, and sing, with a group of extremely talented musicians; musicians that get along real well, have a lot of fun, have common goals, and keep reaching for the stars. Hopefully I can play up to their level, and make them as proud of me as I am of each of them!

Thanks for allowing me to come along for the ride of a lifetime!

Rich Wahne

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