Nana, nana, nana, nana, nana, nana, nana Bertman!

Civilian Identity: Andy Bert (aka Bertman)



First Appearance: Skinny Comics #1



Super Powers and Abilities: Master of numerous martial arts disciplines not,
superb athlete not, formidable tactician not, premier detective not, and one
of the world's foremost analytical minds (well, ok I like that one). His
considerable resources afford him access to cutting-edge paraphernalia,
equipment and gadgetry for use in his war on crime not.



Super speed and strength not. Highly impervious to physical harm not. Flight
not. Has "heat vision" that emanates like lasers from the eyes not. Able to
exhale wind force levels of extreme cold temperatures not. Also possesses
telescopic, microscopic, and x-ray visions along with superhumanly keen
hearing not.



Background:

Born in 1966 and raised in Richmond, BC, Andy's early musical influences
started with his parent's 8-track player during long drives around BC. They
listened to a lot of country music, and likes of Roger Miller (Do Wacka Do
was a favorite). AM radio was the next source, providing 70's rock, folk,
Motown, funk and disco.

1980's

Andy started playing bass in junior high school and formed various bands
with friends. His early influences in bass included Geddy Lee from Rush and
Steve Harris from Iron Maiden, though his musical tastes were diverse.

His first serious exposure playing to the public was during the Stardust
skating rink's Battle of the Bands, playing wicked heavy rock covers from
band like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Deep Purple. His band won the
competition and split the cash prize 5 ways.

Andy spent time recording original music over the years, though he was
usually not the creative source. His skill lies in the interpretation of
what he hears and churning it back into something wonderful. Andy was always
the technician of the group -the only guy who knew how to hook up all those
cables.

He took a gig, playing bass for the Johnny Mack blues band in Vancouver, and
eventually played the famous Yale Hotel. At the same time he also played in
a hard rock original band called Hemp that played various gigs including the
Anza club in Vancouver.

1990's

Andy spent several years in Australia, absorbing their fantastic music
scene. He played with various musicians and with a Sydney original band the
Plug Uglies. Australia would prove to be the biggest musical influence
overall, with regard to live music in particular.

During this time in Australia Andy was also exposed to techno, electronica,
house and drum & bass music. The rave scene, transplanted from the UK, was
somewhat of a tuning point musically, and a new interest was formed in
technology, promotions, and video production.

Andy put the bass down from about 1995-2002, during which he cultivated a
serious interest in jazz music along with his new wife Wendy. They spent a
great deal of time absorbing the Vancouver jazz scene and also worked for
the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. They also gained a serious
interest in mountain biking on the west coast of BC.

2000's

Jazz provided the impetus for Andy to start learning drums. This was
something he'd always wanted to do since high school, but couldn't because
he was always expected to be the bass player. He has now been playing drums
seriously for about five years.

While living in Edmonton, Andy played drums with several bands including
Funktion, playing a mix of original funk and jamming style music, and
Houdini, playing hard rock cover music. Both bands made recordings and
played gigs around Edmonton.

Andy relocated (again) to Calgary, and hooked up with a young original
player in a group called Rain to record and play live. He also played drums
with another group of musicians, including Jeff Hiscock, again doing hard
rock cover music. This band split up and eventually formed the nucleus of
the Cardboard Heroes, with the addition of Barry How on drums and Andy
switching back to bass.

The reason Andy switched back to bass was really a lack of bass players in
Calgary. Drummers are unfortunately plentiful. The big challenge and
inspiration though was taking on the lead vocal role simultaneously,
something Andy had never done before.

Andy has also taken on a new band in 2005 called Hotheads, playing a mix of
rock and R&B covers, hosting jam sessions around Calgary.