Jim Oldfield
Bass Guitar
Born May 14th, his parents were so proud, when at an early age, Jimmy showed brilliant engineering genius. He regularly took his crib apart, escaped, and put it back together, covering his tracks creatively. By doing simple experiments, such as placing potholders into toasters, he became fascinated with pyrotechnics. His future seemed bright. Until the arrival of the Top Value Stamp acoustic guitar, that wasn't loud enough. A quick trip to Radio Shack for a cheap microphone which he hooked up to his guitar and his sister's stereo provided the sonic power Jimmy now craved. He never looked back, or turned down.
Influenced by the English bass players, he started playing professionally at age 12. After playing in several bands through high school, he became a founding member of the legendary local rock band Bell Jar. After many years, road trips, album projects, it was time to experience something new.
In 1989, after a near death experience, Jim had a vision of being chased down by a nun, with a moustache, smoking a cigar and waving a baseball bat. He did not know what this meant-until 1990, when Richard Sciutto almost ran him over, literally. Rich jumps out of his car and said, "What's up", to which Jim replied, "Hey, I wanna ROCK". The vision of the Bad Habit became clear, and thus the band was born.
Jim's unique sound, usually from a handcrafted Alembic bass, is legendary, at least he thinks so. Nothing whiny or wimpy for this guy, if you don't feel it, something's not right.
It's been 43 years of playing professionally for him, and he tends to stick with what he likes. He's been married for 22 years to Julie and they have a really neat kid, Jack.
Jim has matured, he no longer drinks, but it is well known that he has spilled more beer than most people drink, and is proud to have been part of the loudest, most alcohol fueled bands in the Midwest. He is a closet roadie, which is probably why he is the slimmest in the band. As long as people enjoy what he does, he will continue to do it, tried to retire, it didn't work. Thanks to all who have supported all of the bands through the years!
I'm James Riddle Michael Oldfield, and I approved this message...
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