I've been in a few 80's cover hair bands back in the day as well. Man those were some good times. You've got 3 years guitar playing on me. I've been playing over 17 years now and a graduate of G.I.T. (94/95) Roy Ashen was my fav. teacher.
Welcome to the forum bro! :-)
I started learning guitar because of Randy Rhoads..but Yngwie J. Malmsteen is my biggest influence.