Name: Ron Porcelli (aka Pelagius)

Birthday: November 3

Place of Residence: New Castle, New York

Instrument: Bass

Hobbies: Having grown up on the bay in Long Island, I enjoy fishing, crabbing, and boating with my family. The ocean is such a part of my life and my blood has a tide.

Musical Background: When I was 6 my grandfather bought me a guitar for Easter. My mom and dad got me a few lessons, and from there it was self learned. When I was 12, and discovered Rush and decided that the bass should be my instrument. I took about 6 months of lessons before following a self taught path that continues to this day. I just do not think you can even learn enough and enjoy meeting some of the great bassist on the road who are willing to sit, chat and share what they know. As far as bands, I was the singer and bassist for the punk band The Few of which a collection of our songs have recently been re-released on True Force Records in Spain. I was also a member of a heavy metal band from 1989~2006. The band name is not important, though the experience was very important both musically and personally.

Equipment: Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass (Main DesDemon Bass), Ibanez BTB 5 String Bass, M.V. Pedulla Thunderbass 5 String, Ampeg SVT Amplifiers, Ampeg SVT Cabinets, D’Addario Strings, and Line 6 G30 Wireless.

Musical Influence’s: Kamelot, Amon Amarth, Dimmu Borgir, Battlelore, Leaves Eye’s, TYR, Immortal, Nightwish, Iced Earth, Black Sabbath, Marillion, Rush, The Clash, Sex Pistols, and Iron Maiden.

Musical Idol’s: I have two musical heroes, who influenced me greatly. Firstly, Joe Strummer of The Clash. Joe inspired me to see the world with open eyes and mind and to always question authority. Second would be Fish of Marillion. He had a way with words that I have yet to experience with any other artist. No one could make being hung over seem romantic.
My bass playing idol, who molded me to be the bassist I am today, is by far Geddy Lee. I learned more from Geddy than any bassist. I will always be in debt to him for all the free lessons. The runner ups would be Paul Simonon (Clash), John Wetton (UK, Asia), Peter Trewavas (Marillion, Transatlantic) and Steve Harris (Iron Maiden).

Personal Heroes: Dad, Father in law, Grandfather, and my Wife.

Places You Would Like to Go: Wacken Open Air in Germany, Japan, Alaska

People You Would Like to Meet: Geddy Lee, Paul Simonon, Pelagius, Denis Potvin, Steve Harris

Favorite DesDemon Song: Soul in Exile
Favorite Sport Teams: Manchester United, New York Islanders, New York Jets, and the New York Yankees.

Favorite Books: Uther by Jack Whyte and London by Jack Rutherford. Basically any fictional history book is fine by me.

Favorite Drinks: J. Lohr Cabernet 2006, Hoegaarden White Ale, Monster Import, and Diet Coke

Favorite Foods: Sushi, anything Italian, Coffee, and Carvel Chocolate Ice Cream

Favorite Animals: Fish, crabs, Lord Metadox, Mike Marrone, and Cats

Favorite Movies: Scavenger Hunt, Braveheart, The Hangover

Favorite TV Shows: Deadliest Catch, Spartacus, Weeds, Holmes on Homes.