I got into startovarius when I lived in Madrid Spain for 11 months (Also have been there 10 different times) My wife is from Madrid Spain (I'm from California).
I first saw a video with Stratovarius playing in a club called Afterdark in Madrid Spain. I was so surprised that heavy metal is so popular there. It reminded me of the 80's here in the U.S. Also another note Spanish women in Madrid are so fine. There are more good looking then bad looking. :-p
I started learning guitar because of Randy Rhoads..but Yngwie J. Malmsteen is my biggest influence.