Page 65 - ION Indie Magazine MARCHAPRIL 2020 Issue

Next, was the song “Atom Bomb” with “Get It Right” right after. The band barely came up for air, and
when they did take a short break, it was to remind the audience of their 25-year anniversary. With
Jason on vocals, Dan Aid on guitars, Chris Dalley on drums, and Mike Spero on bass, I could tell
the band was in a celebratory mood and having a blast on stage.

One thing that captured my interest was the profound guitar prowess of Dan Aid -- especially in light
of him being physically disabled with an amputated right strumming hand and arm. Rather, in Dan’s
case, he is a fully-abled guitarist. He yielded his instrument expertly and didn’t miss a stroke! The
back story is that Dan lost his picking hand and part of his arm after a freak accident at twelve-years-
old on vacation in Mexico. Apparently, he was climbing around on a balcony and leaned over the
edge where there was a high-tension power line running along it. He doesn’t remember the shock
from the wire, but it blew him back in the air off the roof, onto some stairs, and onto his head. He
suffered a fractured skull and on the surface of his hand/arm was visible burn damage, however,
underneath, it had literally cooked all the muscle tissue and nerves. His hand and arm could not be
saved and had to be amputated. Not to be deterred in his guitar playing, Dan created a device which
he uses today. It consists of a sweat band with a pick at the end of a wooden stick. Works great for
him!

The band played 16 head-slamming tunes for almost 90 minutes, finishing off their set with
“Superbitch” and “Revolution.” After the show, my ears where ringing off the hook, which is a sure
indicator of a great show! Authority Zero is currently on tour. Catch them when they come to a town
near you. I’d definitely see - and hear them - again! Well worth any lingering tinnitus!