Rat Ranch opened for many musicians including Joe Walsh, Nazareth, Peter Frampton, the Starship, America, Tears for Fears, and 38 special. After nearly 3 years with Rat Ranch, John was tired of playing four to six nights a week so he decided to take a break from music. However after a period of time of not even touching a drum, John started to get that itch! Playing Drums is what John does best.

John was born into a musical family so it's in his blood. For several years John's father played bass for Willie Nelson and was around when Willie wrote some of his biggest hits! His father, Doug Hill, also backed up Hank Williams Sr., Bob Wills and played with Charley Pride as well as many others. His uncle played banjo with Jerry Reed and Roy Clark also.

John's biggest influences in drumming are Steve Ferrone, Vinnie Colaiuta, Neil Peart, Manu Katche, Bryan Holmes (The Producers), Tony Williams, Jon Farriss (INXS), Carter Beauford and basically everyone else who compliments a song.

John uses the following equipment:

• HPC (Houston Percussion Center) Custom Carbon Fibre Drums in Vintage Blue Sparkle Finish in the following sizes: 16x22 bass drum, 8x8, 8x19, 8x12, 12x14 toms and 5 1/2 x 14 matching snare.
  
• Zildjian Cymbals, 14" KZ Hi Hats, 17" and 18" Z Custom Med. Crashes, 20" K Dry Ride, 16" Oriental China Trash, 9" Oriental Trash Splash, 10" K Splash.
  
• Tama Rolling Glide Double Pedal and Hi Hat Stand and Tama Tom Holder/cymbal stands and various Gibralter mini booms and attachments.
  
• Vic Furth X5A drum sticks with wood tips.
  
• Evans drum heads.
  
• SennHeiser G2 Wireless In Ear Monitor System.
  
• FutureSonic custom in-ear Mold Monitors.
  
• Roc & Soc drum stools.

John has been playing drums since he was three years old... as long as he can remember. John began to get serious while armed with a background of good musicians to grow and learn with. During high school, John hooked up with a band named INFINITY that also included Glen Miller on vocals. After several years, the band changed its name to Wattzit2ya.

Wattzit2ya remained intact for a while, until John decided to try to take it to another level and play full time. He left Wattzit2ya and joined a band called Rat Ranch that was one of the top bands playing around Texas at the time.