I'd done a play in 1994, "Round Trip" with this remarkable group of actors whom I'd never met. Vaughn and Wendy Malick were the leads and we hit it off immediately. Vaughn and I stayed in touch and one day in 2003, he came over with four songs and asked if I could record them on my multi track, home producing unit. The rest, as they say, is history. We drank scotch and smoked cigars while we played and recorded the genesis of what would become the Enterprise Blues Band.

What was it like playing live in front of nearly 1000 fans at Galileo 7 in Germany?

Quite possibly the most exciting moment in my musical life to date. I'd never been to a Trek con or anything like it. As one of the band members, I felt honored and privileged to perform for these amazing fans. I'm looking forward to more and larger audiences. Trek fans/friends/family are the ultimate best!

How long have you been playing the drums?

Since I was around eight or nine. Started on pots and pans, then my little sister's head. My first miniature drum set was a "Gusto" (make) gold thing that blew me away with the BIG noise I could make without getting in trouble. I finally got my own adult set (Ludwig) which I built and pieced together in '69. (Raquel Welch's brother Ray sold it to my Dad). That's the one you see in the band photos. My father was a great musician in the 40's thru the 70's and was quite encouraging. He pretty much started the 'pop' music scene in San Diego in the early 50's. I was a celebrity's kid at an early age and even got to go on stage with Dad and play his conga drum at four years old. I think that Mom and Dad were hoping it'd stop there but apparently I could make a rhythm and keep a little tempo and around four years later, I got that "Gusto Gold" set. Kind of a full circle as I play a Conga drum in the EBB these days as well as a full set.

What other Bands have you played in?

I only remember a few of the bands...Wally Wac, Junction, Music Machine, Metro, Form A Ring, and a host of others. Some I'd prefer to forget. This one is the funniest to date.

Where did you find the inspiration for your song, Too Far?

That's easy...the first Galileo concert impressed me so much that as a lyricist with creative license, I simply rearranged the idea from a physical event to that of a woman who is 'too far' away (Germany), and that I'm a 'Space Man' of sorts. Ironic as my girlfriend truly is too far and I'm still a space man of sorts. I'm working on a song now that is more relevant to my/our current sitch. It's called...Bite Me, Baby...a love song.

You are in the process of creating a show called Lounge Lizard at Large. What gave you the inspiration for the show, and where are you with it now?

My girlfriend, and my inherent and very old love of travel/adventures is what inspired this idea. I'm Welsh/Irish, so there's a wanderlust combined with a smattering of a poet within me. I am now in the process of editing, on my own, the footage I captured during my recent visit. There are 80 million 'Baby Boomers' in the U.S. alone. It's my dream to get them up and travelin' as there are more places than America to see on this amazing planet. I want to be the one to lead the way with humor and weirdness. I have three demos which Paul, the gifted director of "The Christmas Princess" (and a dear friend), helped me put together but I felt I should capture my own experiences whilst in the lands I want to travel to. It's a daunting undertaking but my passion is driving me here as it has for the past year plus. Don't be surprised, dear Bev, if I happen to drop by Peterborough and stay for a while. Your 'Bevness' will be required.

You have appeared in a number of independent films in the last couple of years, can you tell us about those?

I love these things. They're a great way to stay in tune with the acting process. Indy's and film, in general, are a completely different animal than stage and TV acting. The individual dynamics are totally different. It's always good to tackle all of them just to be on top of the game. My fave is Tamar's films...so much freedom and trust from her to do our thing. Now if only these things would compensate us actors for our hard work...

What has been your most challenging acting role to date?

The one I just completed as the King in "The Christmas Princess". Hadn't done a full play since the one where I met Vaughn. This particular character was about as far from a standard character as I've ever portrayed. It was a bit more demanding than I'd first imagined but I got totally into this bombastic, yet benevolent Monarch than first realized. It was ostensibly a children's play...but it was more, a lot more. Paul Messinger had a great deal to do with this. Just an incredibly gifted and soulful director/human being. Put it this way, if Paul calls for a stage play...I'll be there!

Which other actors do you most admire?

Any who move me with a performance that goes beyond the expected. Male, female...don't matter. I've always loved the Brits in this sense. From O'Toole to Blanchett. No faves any longer.

What makes a good director?

One who's been there as an actor. It's an extremely personal affair one has with a director. If he/she hasn't a clue to life's vicissitudes and can't relate to what a true creative vision he/she has as in accordance to the writing, then the thing is doomed. I enjoy and respect a true collaboration. But that's me. There's an evolution and marked progression of creativity that takes place in the rehearsal process that's a dead give away of what's about to transpire. Tamar Halpern and Paul Messinger to date have rocked my world.

Your recent play The Christmas Princess has been very successful. You played King Hieronymus in a modern fairy tale about a Princess trying to stop her wedding to a really dumb Prince. Tell us about the experience, and what it has is been like playing to kids?

When Paul first asked me to consider this role I was just out of hand/arm surgery and about to embark on my European adventure. He said that my involvement was critical so I agreed, but he'd have to work around my commitments. Little did I know as I sat on my girlfriend's front steps in London going over my lines with her that this Children's play would have such an impact on my acting chops. Of course, when one has the opportunity to work with the magnificent and beautiful Christine (the Queen), how in hell could I refuse? As for the kids, jeez...their reaction and glee were enough to inspire further focus and commitment. There were wee ones from the age of 6 months to 14 years young and they ALL had a wonderful time. In fact, while Christine and I awaited our first entrance I was thrilled to hear that first beautiful giggle from a child, which told me we were on the right track. When the adults joined in the fun, I was convinced. Even Diane Keaton approached me and shook my hand saying that she was totally enthralled by 'our' performance. Nice touch! There was absolute magic during those performances from each and every actor. I've been enlightened yet again. I'm so happy, Bev, that you had a chance to see this remarkable adventure. I have a DVD copy that we shot over two performances from several angles.

You have played Petruchio from Taming of the Shrew this last year. Do you enjoy doing Shakespeare?

Considering that I've never done the Bard before, yes! There's a world of nuances and speech that demands a bit more than the usual, but it's a journey well worth taking.

What was it like working with the other actors on West Wing?

My personal experiences were with the wonderful John Spencer, Mark Harmon, and Allison Janney. I am honored to have been with such gifted performers who joke around till the director yells, "Action". Of course, Mr. Sorkin has something to do with the story. I mean, how could one go wrong with such profound writing? It may be proudest moments to date, my involvement with this TV show.

Congratulations again for the fact the movie Shelf Life (where you played Uncle Tommy) recently won an award at the Broad Humour Festival. That Festival uniquely celebrates female writers, comedians, and directors. Do you think women still suffer prejudice in Hollywood and the Film Industry?

Thank you for that but it's Tamar's doing. I simply helped to tell her story. And yes, women in all areas of life still get the short end of the stick. I mean, what in hell is that about? Men have screwed things up for more than a few millennium and we still think we're the greatest. Personally, I love a woman's perspective. And I think as time goes by and the major freakin studios realize that women writers/directors, etc could possibly change the face of current big movie failures, there might be a new game. Of course we all must 'get along', but these things take time. As far as I'm concerned, I'd prefer to work with a woman director any time but one must make a living so one can't boycott at this point. By the way, a woman stands at this point to become the first female President of the U.S. If that ain't directing, I don't know what is. Why the hell not, I say? Give it a shot.

The EBB played at Paramount Studio gates in December in support of the Writers' Strike. What was that like, and why do you feel it is important to support the cause?

What affects the writers, affects us actors. The producers have wanted to break the unions since they were conceived. Back to greed again. We have to fight and fight hard! Some may think our work inconsequential and frivolous, but go to a movie or watch a TV show. Do you like to be entertained? Taken away from your hard lives for a few hours? We can't tell a story without them and vice-versa. Fortunately, as a result of this recent debacle, the hugely paid and overrated movie stars may have to take a cut in their ridiculous salaries, which have boned those of us who help make them look better. I've been in the trenches pursuing my dream for quite some time and I know for a fact that I don't need 25 million for a film that bombs. I mean who really needs that much money? Of course, it would be grand to make some major cash for a change but come on...let's get real. By the way, we sounded pretty damn good.

What acting role would you most like to take on?

One that challenges me in ways I've not been challenged before. One that pays a fair and equitable rate for my work, and pays into my health and retirement fund. Again, union.

Why do Californian's freak out at the sight of rain?

There's this, this fluid dropping from the sky where there is usually an abundance of sunshine. Those of us who've spent our lives in this climate are justifiably confused when this fluid descends. The roads get slick, people are generally in a hurry, hence the rise in accidents. I prefer to not drive when there's fluidity. However, I personally enjoy the warm rains that come with a hot and sultry summer storm. That's the dog's bollocks for me with this rain stuff. It's usually best in the tropics but we get them here on occasion.

The American dream seems to be fading; do you believe there is still hope for humanity?

For most of us, the so-called "American dream" died with Kennedy. I grew up with turmoil, strife, and corporate greed. I always dreamed of owning my own home, doing what I love as a career, and growing older in comfort. One outta three ain't bad. Now, however, our health care system is in shambles, owning a home is near unreachable unless one moves to Elephant Tits Nebraska (I'm a California boy, not gonna do that), and our politicos are self-serving robots controlled by their corporate masters. So, what does one do? Well, one takes the essence of the Ameri-dream and applies that to one's work ethic. If anything, that essence is the only thing remaining from the dream. At the end of the day, if you have a roof over your head, food on the table, and love in the house...well, you get the picture.

What makes you angry?

Extremism of any kind; religious, political, etc. Hey, we're born with an open mind and it slowly closes as we age. Some close quicker than others, and all that's left to these mindless souls is what's been pounded into their pointy little heads since they were little. If ignorance is bliss than there's a lot of happy people out there. Unfortunately, we have to live side by side these clowns and put up with it...or not! And I'm not speaking of only the current religious/political madness taking place in the mid-east. We have a powerful group of hypocritical ass clowns who've perfected fear mongering, dogmatic propaganda in order to push their beliefs up the arse of a once proud democracy. Don't get me wrong. I've felt the effects of a mighty benevolent power lifting me up to a new and righteous perspective; even saving my life on a few occasions...but I keep it to myself and thank 'It' accordingly with my subsequent actions. These assholes are so transparent it's become ludicrous. Maybe that's why I feel as if I'm not laughing alone when my irreverence takes center stage. I can actually hear 'Its' laughter right alongside mine. Once one loses the capacity to introspect and laugh at one's self...one loses. 'Tis a brief dance we have here...make up your own steps.

How do you relax?

Physically: play my drums, surf, work out, walk, travel, and read a bunch. Psychically: write, feet up with a good Scotch and cigar, party with dear friends, hold a baby.

What makes a good party?

Plenty of specific libations, excellent cigars, people I care for who are willing to release their inhibitions and not feel guilty afterward (myself included), deep and not so deep conversations, and of course...some great music. Also, the ability to realize that anything can happen in a party atmosphere and be able to handle circumstances with grace and wit. There's nothing like a humorous take on things to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation. I've had to learn the hard way after many youthful and testosterone driven altercations.

What about them Chargers?

Hey, we're playing Christmas Eve for a play-off berth. These guys are literally the 'heart attack' kings. I love and hate them. Still a little testosterone left in me, I guess. Would love to see them pull off a miracle and go to the Superbowl again. It could happen...or not.

What questions would you most like to ask yourself?

When I win the lottery, will I do all the things I say I will?

Just how and why I am so blessed with this remarkable ability to survive? And the amazing people I've attracted into my life...why?

If there is a God, will he/she ask me where I got the shoes I'm wearing when I pass through the gates?

Do I have the capacity and wherewithal to be a good father?

Do I have the talent to 'make my big noise' and be rewarded accordingly?

Are there bathrooms in the hereafter?

Am I whom I think I am or am I who others think I am?

Do I have the depth of soul and experience to write my Grand novel?

Is there Love after death?

How come I can't understand how planes stay up in the air?

Why did that monkey in Costa Rica choose me to crap on?

Where in hell did I leave my wallet-keys-glasses...?

Thank you so much to Bill for these wonderful answers!