Local Guitar Hero Renders Stirring Version of National Anthem to Raise Awareness for Seriously Disabled Veterans

Billerica, MA, September 06, 2013 --(PR.com)-- What do you do when a local veterans group calls upon you to perform a song you’ve never done before and only gives you two days to pull it off? Ask Dave Hines a local guitarist singer from Billerica, MA who was asked by the SAH (Specially Adapted Homes) Mission who raises money for seriously disabled veterans to pull a rabbit out of his hat or to be more exact, the Star Spangled Banner. A last minute cancellation sent the SAH committee scrambling two days before the event to find a replacement who could pull off the performance. They’re search brought them to Billerica lead guitarist/singer Dave Hines, founder of The Dave Hines Attack!, who agreed to step up to the plate. “I had never played the National Anthem before so I needed to work the song out quickly and then create an appropriate arrangement,” says Hines. “Having worked at Hanscom AFB, I learned by working alongside retired Vets there, that you do not, under any circumstances, mess with the National Anthem. Hendrix’s version wouldn’t fly for this event.” Hines goes on to say, “The challenge for me was to arrange the song to make it powerful but respectful to the original version – this was going to be interesting.”

So Hines, with the timer ticking, set off to learn then create a version and sound that would make the Veterans happy and at the same time, make a positive impact. And if applause is any indication, his rendition worked. His performance started off with a roar that shook the outdoor event. The song escalated from simple, intertwining lines to heart moving power chords. He went from a very powerful introduction into a quiet, almost breathless before unleashing back into finishing with a combination of guitar harmonies and power chords. If peoples comments on the FaceBook page are any indication, he succeeded in providing a moving performance.

Tim Shea, SAH Director said “Dave agreed to help us out the moment he heard I needed help and we appreciated it. His audience was made up of bikers, veterans, a couple severely wounded veterans and other accomplished musicians. Also in attendance was the father of a Medal of Honor winner whom the hit song 'I Drive His Truck' was written about. Not an easy or very forgiving crowd if Dave's rendition wasn't just right. Dave nailed it! He showcased how well it can be done on the guitar without going too over the top. I knew I had the right guy for the job."

See Dave’s performance on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqocikFsEeg