Guitarist Rodney Llewellyn was born on January 2, 1972 in Romney, WV.  He began playing music at about 12 or 13 years old when a good friend and great guitarist tried to start a band. Rodney recalls, “In the area that we lived, not many people really knew how to play.  He asked me if I was interested in learning, and of course, I dove right in.”

His first guitar was given to him by his uncle Dave.  He knew of Rodney’s love of music but was also aware of his financial situation. “It was an off brand guitar, but it was my own.  Once I had my own collection going, I felt the need to return the guitar back to him in hope that he could reach someone else as he did me.”  His playing style and influence definitely came from the 80’s hair band era.  (The KISS tattoo on his arm is a dead give away)  Kiss was his favorite band to listen to, but his playing influence came from the likes of Randy Rhodes, Slash, Jeff Beck, Kirk Hammett, and others.  He loves the rippling style and sound that came from that era. 

Rodney was raised by two very loving and spiritual grandparents.  “After raising six kids of their own, they found the love to do the same for me and my brother and sister.” They attended church service faithfully every Sunday and Wednesday. They were also very involved in the youth program at the Augusta Church of Christ in Augusta, WV.   

Rodney recalls, “I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at an early age of eight years old.  Throughout my life, I succumbed to peer pressure and the work of Satan himself.  I became an alcoholic and an abuser of drugs.  Satan had a hold of me and I did not intend to look back.  In my early 30’s, I came to a harsh realization. The one thing I loved to do, and has been with me for a long period of my life, was causing me to fall farther and farther from why God put me on his Earth……..MUSIC!  I had been involved with many bands, which involved playing in bars until the wee hours of the morning.  I finally realized that playing in a bar until 2:00am on Sunday morning and then getting up a few hours later to go to church is not the life God intended for me to lead.  I realized that Satan was winning and I had to do something about it.”  

Derek introduced Rodney to the Explicit Faith   family.  “From the first note played, I felt how the Holy Spirit can take you from a bad situation and point you in the right direction.” On December 6, 2008, Rodney became an official member of the band. Rodney is married and has six wonderful children ranging from high school to elementary age. It is his hope and prayer that the ministry of this group touches and influences others the same way it has influenced him.  “God has power over all, He has blessed me with this wonderful group and is easily the reason that I strive to be the person that I am. 

Matthew 17:20    And Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall be removed;  and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”  KJV

1 Comment to “Rodney Llewellyn”

1. Explicit Faith — January 1, 2009 @ 11:53 am
   

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