There are about five or six songs that were written in full or in part while I was in Iraq, and that was definitely a life-changing experience. There was no shortage of inspiration. Bryan Hayes More Quotes by Bryan Hayes More Quotes From Bryan Hayes I'd always been a fan growing up, and in high school, I was really into Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. Bryan Hayes growing-up fans school Before too long I was playing badly out in some bars around Memphis, but as soon as I learned a few chords I started writing my own stuff. Bryan Hayes bars writing long I was 35 years old and not in the best of shape. I spent many late nights playing music, drinking beer, and eating Taco Bell. Bryan Hayes drinking beer night I love most 70's song writers, not so much outlaw, but really those 70's guys. I'm a big fan of Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, those guys. Bryan Hayes fans guy song On the music side, I'm a cross between maybe that Texas songwriter and that Tom Petty feel. Bryan Hayes texas crosses sides