Fender: Can you ever remember the first time you ever picked up a guitar? BA: Yes. It was at my friend Sam's place in Ottawa. He is a lawyer now.
Fender: What was the first riff you ever learnt? BA: 'House of the Rising Sun' by The Animals.
Fender: When you were learning to play guitar, which artists inspired you to take it to the next level? BA: I was completely into Ritchie Blackmore and Jimmy Page. I still think they are the best guitarists ever.
Fender: What was the first record you ever bought? BA: I think it was a Creedence Clearwater Revival album.
Fender: What was the first gig you ever went to? BA: David Bowie - Diamond Dogs Tour in Ottawa, 1973.
Fender: Which of your own gigs has been the most memorable up to date? BA: Wembley Stadium '96
Fender: What are your top three albums of all time? BA: I tried to answer this and I couldn't!
Fender: What sounds are you currently listening to? BA: In the CD player at the moment: Howlin' Wolf, Willie Dixon, Ray Charles and AC/DC
Fender: Which do you prefer - Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin? BA:Dark Side Of The Moon is one of my fave albums, but if I had to choose, it would be Led Zeppelin.
Fender: Can you tell us about the first Fender® guitar you ever owned and did it inspire you to write any of your songs? BA: I worked as a dishwasher for a year to be able to afford to buy a Strat® guitar. It inspired loads of songs. I still own it.
Fender: What Fender gear do you use for touring/recording/rehearsing? BA: I play Strat guitars live and for recording. I have one 1960 Cherry Sunburst which is on every record I've recorded since Reckless.
Fender: A while ago, you went round gathering artists’ signatures on a Stratocaster® guitar. That instrument now holds the World record for the most expensive auctioned guitar ($2.8m), with all proceeds going towards Tsunami relief. What was it like getting involved with such an amazing and worthwhile project? BA: I felt compelled to do something other than give money. I had no idea it would raise so much money. I hear that the owners are going to put it in a glass case at the airport in Qatar.
Fender: What advice would you give to any young guitarists starting up a career in rock and roll? BA: Write your own songs and don't sign anything!
Fender: If you could construct a fantasy band made up of musicians living or dead with you as the guitarist or vocalist, what would the line-up be? BA: I'm playing with them. I love my band. (Keith Scott on guitar and vocals, Norm Fisher on bass, Mickey Curry on drums and Gary Breit on Keyboards.)
Fender: Imagine if you will, that somewhere out there is an alternative universe where Bryan Adams never discovered music. What’s he doing right now? BA: Gardening.
