Richard was about 15 years old when the AKT played local bars in 
Cleveland (The Phantasy Nite Club), that is where he met Trent, 
Andy Kube...(Stabbing Westward drummer), John Malm (Trent's
manager and business partner). The bass player of the AKT, 
Paul Rusinko, is still one of Richard's good friends.

The band did not play U2 songs, they played orginal music that 
at the time had a U2 vibe (sound).

One notitable gig, the AKT opened for "Lone Justice" who at the 
time was a national act. Demo tapes of the orginal AKT music are 
around and the one single the AKT released "Walking in Circles" 
on 45 rpm are out there at least in Cleveland. They pressed 
3,000 units, 2,000 were sold/given away and 1,000 are probably 
still in Richard's parents basement! Rich played guitar and sang 
in the AKT. They had an "early" U2 sound and later would sound 
a little more industrial/experimental. Rich eventually met Trent 
who was impressed with Rich's guitar playing and songwriting 
ability. The rest is history.