Shawn Hatchell

Name: My name is Shawn Hatchell and I've been a part of the local music scene in Kentucky for about 10 years now.

Age: I'm 44 years old and don't plan on slowing down anytime soon. I'm actually the youngest one in all the bands I've played out with. Sometimes I feel like a naive kid around all these older musicians that always seem to have it all together.

Instrument: My voice is the instrument that I'm known for but I also enjoy playing the guitar as well. I'm completely self-taught as a singer and have never had vocal lessons. I did have guitar lessons at the age of 14 at the House of Guitars in Frankfort Kentucky. Singing on the other hand has always come naturally to me. When I was younger I only wanted to play guitar because I was so terribly shy to speak in public. I didn't mind to sing but I knew that speaking went along with it.

Band/Former Bands: I'm fairly new to the game as a singer. The Graveyard Romeos was the first band that I've been in and we're still very active. I used to be in a Van Halen tribute band called 5150 but I'm currently in another Van Halen tribute band called Fair Warning. I'm also currently working on an all original project that I'm excited about as the singer of Fear a New Day.

How long on instrument: I've been singing professionally for 10 years now and I'm amazed by how far I've come. My voice has certainly gotten stronger than I could have ever imagine. I remember freaking out a little just before I got together with the Graveyard Romeos because they wanted me to sing Dio, Skid Row, and AC/DC. I wasn't used to singing other styles but somehow I pulled it off.

Equipment: I use a Shure BLX24/PG58 wireless vocal mic for when I play gigs. I never used microphones when I first learned how to sing so using an actual mic was something I had to get used to.

Influences: I would have to say that my greatest influence vocally is Rob Halford. He's the guy that made me want to be a singer. I'm also very influenced by Rod Stewart, Freddy Mercury, Dan McCafferty from Nazareth and James LaBrie from Dream Theater as well. Yes, I know LaBrie gets a lot of heat in Dream Theater but I think he's a great singer no matter what a lot of people think.

My first gig: My first gig was with the Graveyard Romeos at O'Neill's in Lexington Kentucky sometime in September of 2012. I can remember being so nervous before the show. My throat was bone dry and I wondered if I would be able to get out any notes. Needless to say, everything went well and I'm still going strong with GYR.

Hobbies: One of my favorite hobbies is to travel. I love going on these long road trips around the country. I drove to Los Angeles and back a few years ago. People looked at me like I was crazy for driving that far but the driving is what I like the most. I'm also a huge basketball fan and enjoy playing it as well. Don't let my plus size fool you because I've got some game. I might come close to passing out but you'll know I was there.

My favorite movie really depends on the genre. My favorite horror movie is probably The Shining. I love how the movie just keeps you in suspense and builds. I'm also a huge fan of Good Fellas, Rocky, and The Patriot to name a few.

Favorite food: My favorite food is whatever is in front of me. All kidding aside, I could probably eat fried chicken everyday and be fine with it.

Favorite place: My favorite place to be is probably at the beach, preferably the gulf coast of Florida. I wouldn't mine retiring there someday like all the other older folk.

Favorite sports or team: My favorite sport is basketball but I also enjoy football and boxing. My favorite sports team is the University of Kentucky Men's basketball. I'm also a Lakers fan and a Steelers fan in football. Muhammad Ali is my all time favorite athlete.

What I'm listening to nowadays: I'm currently listening to Judas Priest's Firepower album and it's killer. It sounds amazing and the production is top notch.

Coolest thing I've done: The coolest thing I've done is co-create my three children. They're truly the best thing that's happened in my life.

Most embarrassing moment: My most embarrassing moment was when I forgot the lyrics to War Pigs. which is a song that everyone knows the words to. There was no playing that off and my heart just sank. That's one song that I'll usually go over to this day just before a show just to be safe.

Bad Habits: My worst habit is that I like food too much. Food is the most difficult habit to control because you can't completely eliminate it. I don't really have any other bad habits other than I like women a little too much.

What was your first concert ever: I hate to admit it, but my first concert was Warrant and Poison in Rupp Arena, I believe in 1990 or 1991. I'm a little embarrassed that was my first concert but you got to start somewhere.

If you could meet a Rockstar ( past or present ), who would it be, and why: The Rockstar I would most like to meet is Nikki Sixx. He just seems like a really interesting guy to talk to and I would love to hear some of his wild stories from back in the day.

Who do you love: I love my children since they're really the only people I hang out with on a regular basis. I love my family and I love all my band mates because they're like family to me.