Chris Brightwell began playing guitar at the age of 5. Starting off with a few chords taught by his father, he spent 5 to 6 hours a day learning every song and guitar solo he could from artists including Ace Frehley, Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, George Lynch, Yngwie Malmsteen, Al Di Meola, Allan Holdsworth and of course, Kirk Hammet and James Hetfield.

Since his first band at the age of 14, he's performed in many bands, ranging from metal to pop to country. Chris has toured the country as a finalist for The New Music Award (a contest presented by the American Music Awards), has participated in and won several guitar competitions, and done studio work for several artists.

Burned out on the original music scene, he joined a top-40 band, and played 4-5 nights a week at dance clubs to drunks that were more excited about the hip-hop played between sets. Rapidly approaching burnout, he decided to start an Ozzy Osbourne tribute band called The Ultimate Sin. Finally he'd get to play lead guitar, showing off his skills at imitating some of the greatest guitarists in rock and roll including Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee and Zakk Wylde. Life was good.

Eventually, he met the guys in Damage, Inc and was really impressed. Not only were they a great band, they were great people as well. They rapidly started to feel more like family than friends.

When lead guitarist Dave Gold stepped out of the picture for personal reasons, Chris was asked to join, and he quickly agreed. Having been a Metallica fan for years, and a Damage, Inc fan as well, he didn't see any other option than YES!!!

Once again, life is good.

 

Chris Knight | Chris Brightwell | Kevin Knight | Boyd Machtolff