Ian Erving (By Diamond Dez)
The only member of the band who refuses to conform to the mandatory hair cut. Don't be fooled it's actually a wig and that's why, try as you will you wont find a single grey hair or split end anywhere on his head. More than any one else in the band Ian remains the one who has changed the least in appearance throughout the years I have known him.
My first memory of Ian was singing Satellite by the Hooters it was the only solo song he sang that evening. Even though I didn't much care for the tune he stood out as someone who could deliver a powerful performance. The way in which he effortlessly played really impressed me and I thought to myself, he should sing more.
Ian's skill on the guitar is something, which continues to impress me. I can spend hours trying to perfect a song, where as Ian can figure out the chords and all the twiddly bits in minutes. He has now after many years perfected his facial expressions and the way in which he thrashes his guitar down to a tee. It all seems to come naturally for him and his relentless energy and natural ability play a major part in the whole performance of the band.
Although Ian is the front man of the band and does a fantastic job of interacting with audience, in real life he is probably the most reserved of us all. He is not at all big headed about his abilities and is one of the most down to earth people I know.
There is however, one aspect to Ian's character that he has done his utmost to hide from his family and those closest to him. One that is so shocking that until recently he has always strongly denied any hint of a problem, choosing to angrily rebut any rumours knowing the scandal it would bring upon faithful followers of the band.
I'd suspected for some time now that Ian's behaviour was somewhat odd, especially towards the end of evening. Whilst we'd all be the worst for wear after consuming lashings of alcohol, Ian would give the appearance of being sober. Imagine the very concept. It is the bands believe that with a name like The Beer Pigs, people expect a certain standard of drunkenness throughout the performance. Not for the front man to be seen in public drinking glasses of water on stage.
After the other four members of the band met in secret it was decided to confront Ian and finally get him to admit that there was something worryingly wrong with his conduct and that as a role model to many young impressionable people he was setting the wrong example. We had been accumulating evidence for several months and we felt that as his best mates it was time for Ian to seek professional help. After a somewhat emotional outburst and a pathetic attempt to justify his behaviour, Ian finally broke down and admitted that he didn't have an alcohol problem.
Ian now regularly attends a self-help group twice a week where he receives support from others who have fallen victim to this anti social behaviour.