From class to opening act

JMU grad to open with band for Ashlee Simpson

David Hartley dreamt of growing up and becoming a famous rock star. But Hartley, a 2002 graduate from JMU, now is living out his dream.

This spring, his band Pepper’s Ghost will open for singer Ashlee Simpson. However, this won’t be the band’s first brush with fame.

"We’ve played with a ton of other well-known bands, like Collective Soul, Lit, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Darkness and Rush," Hartley said. "We’ve also toured in the past, nationwide, but this will be our first tour supporting a major artist."

Hartley dreamt of being in a band since he was 13 — even during his years at JMU.

"When I was at JMU, I was in a band called Triplerinse," Hartley said. "We played all around town and had a little bit of success."

About a year ago Hartley joined Pepper’s Ghost, a Philadelphia band that was quite successful. The band already was established in Philadelphia, and in that same year, Pepper’s Ghost signed with Hybrid Records, an independent label located in New York City.

Pepper’s Ghost often gets compared to bands from the ‘60s and ‘70s like the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Beach Boys and The Kinks, according to Hartley.

Many have influenced Hartley on his road to success. Hartley said the most influential professor in his life was philosophy professor William Knorpp Jr. "William Knorpp, on a non-musical, intellectual level, was probably the most influential person in my life outside my parents," Hartley said. "He was and is a great friend, and someone who taught me principles that I will hold onto for the rest of my life."

Knorpp shared his happiness for Hartley’s success. "He really should have gone to graduate school for philosophy, but he chose to be a rock star," Knorpp said.

Hartley’s friends also say he influenced many people while at JMU. Hilary Davies, a close friend of Hartley’s, said she knew from day one that Hartley’s music abilities had potential. "I thought his talent was supremely unique and that he would one day be a rock star … he’s overwhelmingly passionate about his music, specifically rock ‘n’ roll," Davies said. "He spends countless hours seeking out obscure bands and studying rock in the same way Peyton Manning studies hours of football videos to perfect his craft. No matter where he is on the globe, he creates and seeks out music."

The band will start its tour with Ashlee Feb. 16 in Anaheim, Ca. The tour continues until April 20, and includes shows everywhere from Toms River, NJ and Washington, D.C., to Charlotte, NC, and New Orleans, La. For more information, check the Web site, www.peppersghost.net/tourdates.