Real name: Andrew Dowling

Birthday & Birthplace: June 8th in Redcliffe, Australia.

Instrument: Bass, Backing Vocals.

Other instruments played: Played guitar for a few years prior, and also played the Trumpet!

Influences (playing): Jeff Pilson (Dokken/Foreigner), Rudy Sarzo (Whitesnake/Quiet Riot), Kip Winger (Winger), Frank Bello (Anthrax), Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath), Schmier (Destruction), Rick Savage (Def Leppard).

Influences (song-writing): Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow/Black Sabbath/Dio), Blackie Lawless (W.A.S.P.), Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Geoff Tate/Chris Degarmo (Queensryche), Tom Englund (Evergrey).

What bands were you in prior to LORD? I'm a bit of a virgin rocker! I played in a couple of bands in highschool that were more mucking around then actually playing. The first main band I was apart of was Brisbane band Sedition where I was playing bass and I also did a one off show with Brisbane rock band Mobstar. So I've definatly been thrown into the deep end!

Have you been involved in any other projects whilst in LORD? Nothing currently.

How long have you been playing? Bass? Since July 2004! Prior to that I was playing guitar and realised that everyone is/wants to be a guitarist and there was a shortage of bass players... so why not! :)

What gear do you currently use? Amplification: Ampeg 450watt Head and 4x10 Cabnet. Effects: Line 6 Bass Pod. Wireless System: Shure Dual Guitar/Headset. Guitar: ESP BTL STD 5 String. Picks: Usually use an assortment of guitar picks (not a bass pick fan!)

Is your current instrument the one you started on? Definitely not :) As far as Bass goes, I started off with a BC Rich Warlock 4 string which I have now passed on.

What prompted you to start playing? Watching Metallica's Seattle 1989 show on the Justice Tour while I was in highschool. I knew what I wanted to do with my life!

What is the best thing about being in LORD? Playing with great musicians and friends who constantly motivate me to be a better player!

What is the worst thing? Missing flights, and dealing with difficult people.

Favorites:

• Foods: Spag Bol, Steak, 2 minute noodles (the meal of kings!) and a variety of junk food I'm trying to stop consuming.
• Drinks: Creaming Soda, Jack Daniels, Milo, and of course beer, beer, and more beer!
• Movies / TV shows: The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, This Is Spinal Tap, Waynes World 1 and 2, Borat, The Green Mile, Schindler's List, American History X, Joyeux Noël, etc.
• Books: Marching Powder, Let The Good Times Roll (Bob Jones), Wild Swans (Jung Chang), National Geographics, etc.
• Bands: Dio, Megadeth, Agalloch, Winger, Harem Scarem, Whitesnake, Foreigner etc., etc.
• Sports: Not really a sports fan, but I used to be an obessive NBA fan back in the day!
• Websites: www.metal-rules.com, www.ozprog.com, www.ultimatemetal.com ... ohh and I better be really lame and say www.myspace.com

What is something about yourself that would surprise people who don't really know you yet? I don't like to drink beer ALL the time! I also listen to a disturbing amount of 80s rock ballads...

Have you got any hobbies outside of LORD? I really like photography although I never really have time to do a great deal of it anymore.

Do you have a personal website? Yeah but you have to pay to see the pictures! Other than that, I have a myspace page. :)

Any other information you wish to divulge? Currently endorsed with Dean Markley strings, DSL Straps and ESP Guitars. I'm very proud to be representing all three world class companies. Be sure to check them all out.

Final comments: Words cannot describe how proud I am to be in LORD and to play along side great musicians and friends! Thank you for all the support and encouragement so far, can't wait to see and meet you all on the road!