Meet the 4 most non-wanted men in O.C.
Phil Benson
Lead Vocals & Guitar
Phil was a product of the 90's, and throughout his formative years, his generation's musical influences consisted mainly of late 90's Grunge and Metal artists to the likes of Alice in Chains, Staind, Black Label Society, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden to name a few.
Phil cites his dad, Jon, as being the biggest musical influence in his life. As the son of an experienced drummer, Phil believes it was a major advantage to be exposed to such a large and diverse catalog of music at a young age.
When asked what it means to be an Outlaw, he said, "To me, being an Outlaw means going outside the scope of what's comfortable or familiar and having your own identity. There are a number of other bands out there that do a good job of blending in and filling the silence. However, OUTLAW is no background band.
When Phil isn't busy jamming and performing live, he enjoys movies, floating the channel in Lake Havasu and straight whiskey on the rocks.
Phil resides in Orange County and plays a Martin OMCE Shadowburst (No. 33 of 50) that he has affectionately named "Charlotte".
Gary Griswold
Drums and Percussion
Gary Griswold has over 40 years’ experience holding down the drum chair in wide variety of rock, fusion, and jazz cover and original bands in Southern California. His influences range from such drum virtuosos as Danny Seraphine (Chicago), Neil Peart (Rush), Phil Ehart (Kansas), and Don Brewer (Grand Funk) to minimalists such as Don Henley (Eagles), Levon Helm (The Band), and Charlie Watts (Rolling Stones).
When asked what he likes about being an Outlaw, he says, “This band, unlike any other I’ve been in, has a broad musical spectrum that draws upon all my years of training and experience.” He lives in Downey, California with his wife, Naomi.
Gary uses Gretsch and Ludwig drums along with Zildjian and Paiste cymbals but doubts any of these companies are aware of that or actually care.
Mike Walton
Bass Guitar & Vocals
Mike started playing guitar in high school in the San Francisco Bay Area in the mid-90's, cutting his teeth on the artists of the era like Green Day, Weezer, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, and REM. After college, Mike moved to Orange County where he played in a variety of original and cover bands as a bassist and guitarist, and has also performed as a solo act singing and playing acoustic guitar. Mike's favorite bassists include Robert DeLeo (Stone Temple Pilots), Mike Mills (REM), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) and Paul McCartney (The Beatles).
When asked what he likes about being an Outlaw, he says "It's rare to meet musicians who play this well without having massive egos. Trying to keep up with these guys has made me a better musician." Mike lives in Huntington Beach with his wife Lisa and their dog Chester.
Mike plays a Hofner Ignition Violin Bass, because if you can't play like Paul McCartney, you might as well try to look like him.
Eddie Diaz
Guitar and wisecracks
Eddie began his musical mission in 4th grade many years ago. Beginning his musical studies on trumpet, he played all through school and freelanced in the latin music scene for 15 years. In a moment of clarity/lunacy, he decided to transfer his passion to another instrument that had always been on his mind. The guitar.
His influences are all the classic great bands and players that created some of the best music of our generations such as the Eagles, Ritchie Valens, Elvis, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, SRV and modern-day guitar slingers such as Derrick Trucks and Chris Buck. When asked what he likes about being an Outlaw, he says, "Well...I started this band, so I HAVE to like it...". He lives in La Mirada with his wife, Sarah.
Eddie uses Fender Strats and Taylor acoustics. He is confident that neither company knows this because they would've demanded them back by now.