Stu grew up in the Chicago area and his love for music started as early as he can remember, since his parents were always spinning records in the house. At 10, he received his first cassettes of Aerosmith, Boston, and Kiss as a gift. After hearing those songs and sounds, he was hooked. Stu just had to play an instrument like his heroes.  With dreams of sitting behind a big drum kit, he began taking drum lessons. But after three weeks, he was still doing exercises on a block of wood with cork on top. That wasn’t going to cut it for an impatient 11 year old.  So, he switched to guitar and never looked back.

 

Stu's passion is in playing live and is adept at a wide range of styles, which is evident from the many bands he has been a part of including original rock with Deep7, rock covers with Sneeky Pete, 70’s disco with Double Knit Dance Party, and now country with Whiskey Horse.

 

You'll see Stu play a variety of gear on stage but his favorites are vintage Hamer guitars. Not only are they  stellar quality handmade instruments, he grew up in the same town where Hamer Guitars were made. So there's a there's a connection with those instruments that's more than just musical!