I've gotten away from playing thrash metal as well. I still like to listen to it every once in a while. I am more into blues and jazz, not because I have anything against thrash or other metal, but just because that is what I have settled into playing. I have been seriously studying jazz for the last 6 months. I've been playing guitar since I was in highschool. I'm going to be 31 in a few weeks. Did you sport the ever popular 80's mullet back in the day??? Do you make your living as a musician?