July 2007 Featured User

Coyote

I'd like to introduce another of our extremely interesting users, Coyote. Former Consigliere of the Diamond Mafia and long time member of the VH/DLR boards. He hails from Finland. As his avatar, he uses my favorite picture ever from a VH t-shirt.

Coyote: I was born August 11th, 1983. Before I popped out of the chute, my mom had been listening to Queen a lot. (So that explains how I got into music...) I grew up in a gumbo of musical styles. Currently, after 24 years of living, I'm a student of the dark arts (although some call it marketing). I'll pretty much make friends with anybody, given the chance. I've been a Van Halen fan since 1996.

Chelle: Where were you born?

Coyote: In a hospital, near my hometown - Lapua, Finland.

Chelle: Where do you live now?

Coyote: In a little apartment (which I think you guys call ”studio apartments”), in that same hometown.

Chelle: Are you married or single?

Coyote: Single, on account of the fact that I'm still learning to deal with myself.

Chelle: Do you have kids?

Coyote: No. (see above)

Chelle: Do you have any siblings?

Coyote: Yeah, two lovely sisters, who have kids that try to bust my balls every chance they get. They're still adorable, though.

Chelle: What is your earliest memory?

Coyote: My earliest memory involves yours truly asking my mom to show me how to use the record player. And going next door, just to sing Queen's ”Good Old-Fashioned Loverboy” to the neighbors daughter. I forgot the lyrics, so I scooted back home, listened to the song again, went back and gave her a stellar performance. (At least I like to think so.)

Chelle: What are your interests?

Coyote: Uhh...Music and amateurish anthropology.

Chelle: Amateurish anthropology? What is that?

Coyote: "Amateurish anthropology" is a quick term for observing and studying human behavior, without the actual education or diploma for it, in a bar (or some other place of equal social interaction).

Chelle: Do you play any musical instruments?

Coyote: I've been playing guitar since age 11, partially due to listening to Queen and seeing all those 80's rock videos. (Especially Europe's ”The Final Countdown”, y'know, when the sparks start flying during the solo... Mindblowing stuff, especially for a 4-year old.) And I putz around on the piano.

Chelle: Did you play any instruments as a child that you don't play anymore?

Coyote: I used to play drums, but we didn't have enough money to get me a real set. (Or dad didn't want that racket in the house.) So, one birthday I got a classical acoustic guitar. And that's all she wrote.

Chelle: Tell me about your musical interests.

Coyote: What do you have? I'll listen to or play anything, as long as it's got a melody.

Chelle: What was the first concert you ever attended?

Coyote: A now-defunct local band. Can't remember which one. But goddamn they seemed cool.

Chelle: What do you do for a living?

Coyote: During the summer, anything to get the bills payed. Like this summer, I'm one of the guys running the rides at an amusement park.

Chelle: What did you always want to be when you grew up?

Coyote: At first, a cowboy, á la Lucky Luke. Later it (d)evolved into being a musician. Especially today, since a friend of mine starting to get around in the business, telling me some stories. Whether they're real or bogus, it's something I'd much rather do for the remainder of my time here on this planet.

Chelle: Did you get to do that?

Coyote: Not yet. But I have an plan to shift this idea into overdrive after this summer. One part of it being to move outta town. (The band scene here sucks these days. Only 5-10 bands in the area...)

Chelle: How much cash do you have on you right now?

Coyote: 'Bout 5$ in my pocket. Don't tell me ya need change for coffee...

Chelle: If your company gave year-long paid sabbaticals, what would you do for that year?

Coyote: I'd go someplace tropical. Jamaica, or someplace where the water's clear. And run up the tab in the bar.

Chelle: Do you collect anything?

Coyote: Obscure (Back To The Future OST, anyone?) and influential records/or LP's (Zeppelin, et. al). My friends usually call me ”the music lexicon”.

Chelle: What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

Coyote: That my parents used to be pro-amateur dancers, up until they divorced. Ballroom & Latin, which might've expanded my musical taste.

Chelle: What's the craziest thing you've ever done?

Coyote: Can't remember. I mainly do crazy things when I'm drunk.

Chelle: Have you ever been told that you resemble a celebrity?

Coyote: So far, no one's told me that I'd resemble any international celebrity. People mainly think I'm the drummer from one of the bigger Finnish bands.

Chelle: Do you have a myspace page or other webpage of your own? If so, what's the URL?

Coyote: No myspace (attention whoring's not my thing), but my bands' website's at www.revengineband.com (still in the works)

Chelle: Who is your favorite superhero?

Coyote: Gambit, from the X-men. Seems like a cool guy, with killer card tricks. And he's Cajun!

Chelle: If you could have a "super power" what would it be?

Coyote: "The Wall of Sound-guitar playing”. Think ”The fall of Jericho”.

Chelle: Have you seen Van Halen and/or DLR live?

Coyote: I had a chance back in '98 (Van Cherone), but none of my friends were interested. 1999, Dave was playing an hour and a half away, but I heard about it later. Man, was I pissed...
So: only on tape, unfortunately. But my sister's met Dave. Youtube Link: The gal he kisses on stage is her. (at 1:34)

Chelle: What is your opinion of the current state of VH?

Coyote: It's just fucked up and silly, in a bad Monty Python-skit-gone-bad sort of way. I thought shit like this would only happen with Spinal Tap.

Chelle: If VH tours with Dave, but without Mike, will you go?

Coyote: If they're playing Finland (or somewhere close enough), hell yeah! If Mike wants to play with Hagar, it's his choice. Not a wise one, but still.

Chelle: Have you met any VH band members?

Coyote: In real life, not yet. Some years back, I had a couple of dreams where Ed gave me a guitar (A black Peavey Wolfgang). That's the extent of it.

Chelle: Have you met anyone from the VH/DLR boards?

Coyote: Not yet. Most seem like interesting characters that I'd like to have a drink with