BRAD McGIRR and Brandon Pakkala perform at HAZ-MAT.
Published September 16, 2009 05:32 pm - WEEKENDER for Sept. 18, 2009: It all started at work, when two guys talked about the musical talents of their children.
Pair start musical careers at early age
By ROBERT LEBZELTER -Special Sections Editor - bobleb@starbeacon.com Star Beacon
It all started at work, when two guys talked about the musical talents of their children.
The end result could be considered -well- hazardous.
HAZ-MAT, a heavy-metal group, started in 2008, will play at Wilbert’s in Cleveland tonight.
What’s really unique about the band is there are only two members and they are only 12 and 13.
Brad McGirr, 12, discovered a guitar under the bed his grandmother had bought at a garage sale, says his mother, Carrie.
“He pulled it outside of the bed, strummed it and played something like ‘Smoke on the Water,’” she said.
Brad says a friend came over, showed him the basics and he’s been playing guitar ever since. He joined with Brandon Pakkala, 13, on drums, thanks to their dads’ conversation.
Brad attends Wallace Braden Junior High School in Ashtabula Township and Brandon attends Geneva Junior High School.
The pair have played at several area events and through distributing their CDs, have a producer who books gigs. That’s how the got their appearances at Wilbert’s.
Although only two in the band, Brad says, “We just try as much as we can to sound like more people.”
Their influences include Suicide Silence and Slipknot. The band is instrumental, but their MySpace site states they are looking for a bassist and singer.
They opened for Inlow and Seladora on their first night at Wilbert’s. This time, they are higher up amongst the acts.
As for the future, Brad says, “I’d like to pursue music as a career.”
One thing is for sure, he still has plenty of time to make a final decision.
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