Tom Collins founded Signal Zero. He is the band's lead singer and lead guitarist.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Tom was born in a small Florida town called Lake Hamilton in 1962, and was raised in nearby Lakeland. He is one of the few true Florida natives. Tom is married and has three children (two sons and one daughter). Tom's wife's name is Kelli. Kelli is a beautiful lady and is also a local police officer. Tom's children's names are Sean (Oldest), Christopher (middle) and Sydney (Youngest).

Tom began a career in law enforcement in 1983, and is currently a Sergeant with a local law enforcement agency. He has served in a variety of assignments which include Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), narcotics investigations and criminal investigations. He was awarded his Department's highest honor, the Medal of Valor, in 1995.

Tom started playing guitar as a teenager, and played in a band with his oldest brother (Dave). He gave it all up for a real job a few years later. He rarely ever played again until twenty-some years later, when his teenage son, Sean started playing. Tom got the bug while helping Sean get started playing, and began playing seriously again in late 1999.

Soon after that, Tom started looking for other musicians to jam with, and it wasn't long before Signal Zero was formed.

Tom enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. He has recently gone back to school and is working on a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice at Saint Leo University.

HOBBIES:

Motorcycling
Running
Listening to and playing Rock & Roll

MUSICAL INFLUENCES:

Lynyrd Skynyrd
Molly Hatchett
Blackfoot
Outlaws
Allman Brothers
Grand Funk Railroad
Local Blues/Rack Guitarist Michael Bell
Robert Johnson
Cream/Clapton

TOM'S GEAR:

Guitars:
2002 Gibson Les Paul Classic nicknamed "Syd" (equipped w/Duncan Antiquity pickups)
2001 Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster
1984 Gibson "Designer Series" Flying V nicknamed "Louise"

Strings:
D'Addario #9's (with a #10 in the 1st string position)                           D'Addario #10's on the Fender Stratocaster

Effects:                                                                                               Hartman NKT-275 Vintage Germanium Fuzz                                        Fulltone Octafuzz 
Fulltone Clyde Standard Wah                                                                     Boss TU-2 Electronic Tuner                                                                   Barber Electronics Direct Drive 
Ibanez (Keeley Modded) TS9 Tubescreamer Overdrive                            Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2-Plus, Power Supply

Amp:
2005 Marshall Model-2061X 20 Watt Lead/Bass Reissue Head.
Marshall 2061CX 2x12 Speaker Cabinet.

TOM GIVES SPECIAL THANKS TO:

His beautiful wife Kelli "Louise" for her love, support and inspiration.

His Mother Nan and Father Norm, for a good home and up-bringing.

Sean for being a great kid and a good musician.

Chris for making him laugh.

Sydney for making him smile.

Phil Dentler with Hi-Tek Services for keeping the old Marshall going.

Marge Iliff for designing the Signal Zero Logo & graphics.

Alex Iliff for helping with our live sound.

Steve Bucklin for volunteering his vast knowledge and limited time to run our sound.

Jean Gardner for designing this fabulous Web site

Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #47 for graciously allowing us to use their lodge for practice.

E-mail: kellisman72@yahoo.com

Tom's Personal Photos and Favorite Links

Check our Band Calendar for upcoming performances and booking information..