Brian Johnson

Bass Guitar, Lead Guitar

Brian Johnson joined the band in the wake of the passing of Neilhead Sherman before and after Reid came back to fill the void.  Brian, a next-door neighbor of Ed's in Fairfax, VA and an  accomplished lead guitar player in his own right, stepped in to his first gig with the 'slots for the Neilhead Memorial show in June of 2000. He followed that with a Homecoming, a wedding show and more.  Brian gave up his usual role as a virtuoso guitar player to play bass which quickly resulted in a unique style we like to call, "lead bass", which was usually fine until boredom settled in and Brian begged to dual Bill W. in a 10 minute solo-off on pretty much every song.

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Brian is an '83 graduate of Virginia Tech and an '79 graduate of Oakton HS.  

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And, in Brian's own words:

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Brian wears many hats, but prefers to not wear a costume when playing music.

Mucho credit given to parents for allowing basement jams and trying many guitar teachers (who were all awesome).

Most appreciative of wife drummer partner Katy; and admire the many folks I have played with, including all Slots friends.

Oakton High in '79 was the start of playing in organized bands, 'The Trend' played out a lot and recorded none (dangit).

At VT, freshman roomie was a bassist so I knew I was in the right place.  Joined an all cover band in '85 named 'After Midnight' but did not play that song for some reason, last semester before graduation we played two memorable Ladies Nights at 117, which became the legenday South Main Cafe.

Since my wife has an outstanding natural and acquired sense of rhythm, we have been in two combos other than basement jams with many friends like Steve Pendlebury when we were neighbors in Vienna Va.   'Katy and the Stud Dogs' was a cool name for a band that never left the backyard.

After moving a bit West and meeting new (now long-time) friends & neighbors Lulls, Brian played a small role of bass/ soundman/ roadie with the reformed Slots, and always enjoyed participating with that guitar army.

We formed the entertainment unit 'Noisy Neighbors' with not so quiet Ed Lull and other nearby friends, then evolved to Brian playing in an all-women band 'Hot Flash' where many songs and lessons in courtesy were learned.   Playing the ladies' original songs mixed with covers made for much fun and chops challenges.

Played in a couple of company bands, one with Gene McLeod where we performed in a conference room, but also with Katy at the Barns of Wolf Trap (company paid for the gig).  Have also played regularly over the years with standout guitarist Jim Steele (if you visit local wineries, you have seen him) and bass player Ben Winder.

Music has been a lifelong joy, even though a guitar face may indicate finger pain when bending, or scowling when soloing; those are the happiest Blues one can have.