literally.

Sometimes things pop up on Facebook that you didn't know existed. This is the only picture (that I know of) of me with the UKII from my teen years.

As for the rest of the items in the picture... I plead the 5th

The other guitar is a Kramer held by Ross Merson. At the time, Ross was recording an album on Shrapnel records (Yngwie Malmsteen (Steeler ), Marty Friedman, Jason Becker, Paul Gilbert, Racer X, Tony MacAlpine, Vinnie Moore, Greg Howe, Richie Kotzen etc etc) with a band called Trauma. Trauma was the band Cliff Burton was in before Metallica. The rest of the guys in the band were pushing 30, Ross was 16. Trauma held auditions for a new lead guitarst specifically to record this album, and Ross won out over some pretty serious competition. all of which were much older. Ross ended up contributing 4 or 5 songs of his own to the effort as well. That year he also came in 2nd or 3rd in the BAMMY annual guitar grudge match. He lost to someone insane like Joe Satrianai or Vinnie Moore or someone like that.

Ross was quite awesome indeed. He's one of 2 people that I attribute most of my early learning to.

I've heard tales that Varney is going to re-release Trauma's 'Scratch and Scream' I have the original vinyl and the songs on mp3. If anyone cares to listen, let me know and I'll share. 

My wasted youth. I'm on the right...

Speaking on misspent youth.  Me aged about 16 with my first Ovation 1617.