Name: John Foottit

Instrument: Lead guitar

Gear used: Gibson\ESP\Ibanez guitars, Laney amps and cabs, TC electronics effects Jim Dunlop wah wah pedal, Boss OD1, Fender midi floor controller

Influences: Michael Schenker, George lynch, John Petrucci, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and too many more to mention, I like most styles of playing and am not just a rock guitarist

Started playing at the age of 15.

Predominantly self taught, locked myself a way for 7 to 8 hours a day for 3 years as I thought that was what you had to do.

 Did first gig in public at the age of 17, recorded first album at 18.

 Moved to London in the mid 80’s, played all the top venues down there as well as doing some session work for the BBC.

 Moved back to York and joined a band with Rob and Wayne (Mai Rouge) had some success but a case of wrong timing again.

 Did some work with change of heart (Alan Clarks project) and appeared on two albums with some success.

 Was in a Bon Jovi tribute band with Wayne and John called "One Jovi" again had good success.

 Riot was formed on the back of One Jovi as the gigs were far and few between due to a lack of commitment from a couple of the band members.

 Now we just concentrate on Riot.