My first memories of music was of my dads band "The Sheiks" who used to practice at our house when I was 3 or 4. At about 13 my dad taught me my first chords and I would play along with his band at rehearsals. From there I started playing along to vinyl to the likes of Rush, AC DC, Allman Brothers etc. I still love that music and it is a big influence on how I play. Area bands have included Foolish Pleasure, Roadwork, Gothom City and Lovechild along with a few others. After about a 10 year break fate brought Scott, Mike and myself together and we formed Empty Pockets. We have a blast and hope to do it for a long time to come.

Favorites:
Full Metal Jacket, Apocalypse Now, basically any bloody war movie, homebrew(I make a mean stout!!), fine Kentucky Bourbon, cigars, pipes and tobaccos, Jim Morrison, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Alannis Morrisette and above all my wife and 5 children.

Rick Manges