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A self-described "perfectionist," John McFarland's vantage point is front and center - on stage with a guitar and off stage where he oversees the band's studio work and stage show. Born in December 1955 in Chicago, McFarland's passion for music was ignited by his sister through the music of the Beatles. He started playing bass guitar at age 9, and switched to a six-string guitar at age 12. In and out of bands throughout grade school and high school, it was during a performance with the band "Port Authority" that McFarland was spotted by M&R Rush. Asked to join the band in 1973, McFarland rounded off the lineup that remained together for a decade. McFarland holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Illinois, where he studied Communications and Theatre. His knowledge of the music industry and stage production has proven invaluable to M&R Rush over the years, behind the scenes and in the spotlight. McFarland brings fans a perfect combination of stage presence and smooth, solid guitar playing as his signature style. John plays Gibson and B.C. Rich guitars and uses Marshall amps. M&R Questions & Answers Name: John McFarland Band Instrument: Fiddle What Do You Enjoy About Playing in M&R Rush: Having 5 brothers. We've been together since high school and developed a brother like bond. What Do You Want The Audience To Remember About M&R Rush: That we're having fun up there and we hope they are too. We don't take ourselves too seriously. Remember it's called "playing" music. Favorite Movie: A Hard Day's Night Favorite Bird: Eagle What People Say About You: Hell if I know, ask them. Favorite Artists Past and Present: Beatles, Chicago with Peter Cetera, Queen, Van Halen, Journey and Aerosmith CD in the Player Right Now: Mr. Big If You Knew This Question Was Going To Be Asked What Would You Have In The Player: M&R Rush What You Want People To Say About You: Anything they want. Favorite Foods: Seafood What You Most Often End Up Eating: Chicken What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up: A pilot Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois Interests, Hobbies, Outside Of M&R Rush: Helping my daughter with her musical career. What Car Do You Wish You Owned: Vette Favorite Beverage: Iced Tea, Diet Dr. Pepper, Vanilla Pepsi Favorite Beer: Cold Favorite Cocktail: Rum & Coke First Rock Album: Meet The Beatles Your Former Bands: Port Authority Most Disturbing Thing You've Seen During Your Years Of Playing: During a show in the early 70's, a fan wanted a guitar pick that was on the stage. She was leaning over a flash pot trying to get the pick when the flash pot went off. Luckily she was OK but it scared the crap of out of me. How Long Have You Been Playing Your Instrument: Since the age of 9 Favorite M&R Rush Song: I'd Like To Meet You (In The Alley) Last Concert You Saw: Peter Cetera - Frankfort, Illinois Favorite Concert: Queen, 1975, Auditorium Theater, first row. They had just released Bohemian Rhapsody and opened with it. Season: Cajun!! Ha Movies You Recommend: A Hard Day's Night, We Were Soldiers, Seabiscuit Regular or Decaff Coffee: Regular How Do You Take Your Coffee: Cream and One Sugar What Your Band Mates Say About You: Hell if I know, ask them. Favorite Sports Team: World Champion Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bears What You Watch On TV: Discovery Wings Channel, Biography Channel, VH1 Classic Rock Channel Why You Play The Instrument You Play: I get to play lots of solos! What You Would Play If You Had To Choose a Different Instrument: Saxophone, very soulful instrument, lots of solos!! Favorite Color: Blue (Blue sky, blue water, blue thong bikini!! Wooo!!!) Biggest Disappointment: Not having a gold or platinum record hanging on my wall. Quote: "Never say never my little immigrant friend!" from "An American Tail" my daughter's favorite movie when she was little. Most Embarrassing On-Stage Moment: It was the late 1970's. I was doing a guitar solo at a club; the rest of the guys had left the stage, just me. Playing my solo I went into the audience, you know Joe Cool. As I finished my solo I ran and jumped back onto the stage. Well thanks to my platform shoes (ala Kiss) I tripped, fell and broke my cord off in the guitar. With the place completely silent I went up to the microphone and said "I bet you never saw a guitar solo end like that before!!" They laughed, we played!! Most Embarrassing Off-Stage Band Related Moment: 1980. I was being interviewed live on the radio, the Loop, WLUP, by Mitch Michaels. It was live at ChicagoFest at Navy Pier at the Loop booth in front of about 1000 people. In the middle of answering one of Mitch's questions, I totally loose my train of thought and stop talking, dead silence. He looks at me and I freeze. Go to commercial............. Your Heritage: Scottish & Irish, Father - German & Bohemian (Rhapsody), Mother What Do You Miss From Your Youth: Playing music full time. Favorite Day Of The Week: Everyday that I do something that involves music. Artist You Admire, But Do Not Listen To: Sammy Hagar's solo stuff, Phil Collins Coke or Pepsi: Pepsi Paper or Plastic: Both Most Obscure Artist You Enjoy Listening To: David Foster, Gary Hoey, Craig Chaquico. Anything produced by Mutt Lange or David Foster. Artists People Would Be Surprised You Like: Big & Rich, Alan Jackson, Jimmy Buffett, Keith Urban, Shania Twain. A lot of today's Country music. Magazines You Enjoy: Flying, Biography, Men's Health Ever Traveled Out Of The Country, Where: Yes - Mazatlan, Mexico Mustard or Ketchup: Both Brothers and Sisters: Sisters - 2 If You Went To A Casino, What Would You Play: Slots and Blackjack Your Dream House: Big enough to have a recording studio in it. Leno or Lettermen: Letterman Your Sign: Sagittarius Skill That Most Aren't Aware Of: I have a few flying lessons under my belt.. Musical Guilty Pleasure (Like It But Embarrassed To Admit It) The Bee Gee's - Great Harmonies - Post disco of course! Favorite Vacation Destination: Marco Island or Clearwater Beach, Florida - I think I've seen Roger there. Eye Color: Hazel Left or Right Handed: Right PC or Mac: PC for now. How Do You Like Your Eggs: Scrambled Favorite Dessert: Anything with Strawberries Steak Or Fish: Fish How Do You Like Your Steak: Medium Rare Morning Or Night: Night High School Sports: Snow Skiing (Is that a sport?), Wrestling (for half a year) Dreams - In Color Or Black and White: Color Fears: Having another guitar stolen. Life on other Planets: Yea, and they've come here already: Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monson, Dennis Rodman Flower: Red Rose Pets: Reilly - Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier - The coolest dog I know! Favorite Things: Spending time with my wife and kids in Marco Island, Florida Ideal Amount of Sleep: 8 hrs Do You Still Own Any Albums: Tons Most Memorable Near Brush With Fame: 1977. We played a club called B'Ginnings in Schaumburg, Illinois. (Owned by the drummer from the group Chicago.) We go into the dressing room. First class; mirrors with lights around them, shower, beer taper, etc. The club manger tells us about an unknown new band from California who played the night before. On one of the mirrors they had left their initials in magic marker. VH. Yes it was! |
