ABOUT
Allen has played guitar for over forty years. He recalls being a curious 8-year-old who took notice of his teenage neighbors playing guitar and bass while trying to emulate Led Zeppelin, Grand Funk, and The Who. This was all it took for his passion of guitars to become ignited; however, he wouldn't pick up a guitar of his own until he was 15. From then to now, playing guitar has been a central component of his life.Being a guitar enthusiast at 15, Allen found likeminded friends to start a band. His band began playing at school dances and winning Battle of the Bands competitions. When they turned 18 they started playing at local clubs and carving out their niche in the local Northern Virginia music scene.
Throughout his career, Allen's bands have opened for national recording artists Thin Lizzy, Jackyl, Jason Bonham, Vince Neil, Dokken, Y&T, and Kix.
Allen's favorite style of guitar is Rock, Bluesy Hard Rock, and Blues. His guitar heroes include Gary Moore, John Sykes, and Zakk Wylde, but Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin has been his top influencer. Allen's preferred guitar is a Gibson Les Paul that is hooked up to a Marshall or Soldano amp.
Bands:
Vollmer CD- Welcome to the Rat Race. 1998. 700 copies sold
Vollmer CD- Motel 69. 2002. 600 copies sold
Bands:
- Bootleg, 1980-1984
- Public Enemy, 1984-1987
- Dorian Gray 1988-1989
- Vollmer, 1996-current
- Crooked Jack, 2012-current
Vollmer CD- Welcome to the Rat Race. 1998. 700 copies sold
Vollmer CD- Motel 69. 2002. 600 copies sold