Medal Militia is the premier Metallica tribute band in Florida. Founded in late 2012 by lead guitarist James Obrien while he was stationed at Mayport Naval Station. The current line up would not fully come together until the summer of 2015 and although the line up has changed a few times since it has come full circle back to what it is now: Retired Navy Chief James Obrien lead guitar and founding member, Retired Navy Chief Jim Pyle lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Patriot Troy Taylor bass guitar and backing vocals and former Acting Petty Officer Kyle Coe drums.
Medal Militia, so named for the medals all military wear on their uniforms, bring both the professionalism of the military training and intensity and ferocity of military life and Metallica’s music!
Medal Militia brings you the best Metallica concert experience you can get short of seeing Metallica themselves.
The Mind of a Musician:
When did you make up your mind that you wanted to be a musician?
Early on around 13 or so
Quick Look into Troy of Medal Militia:
From early on in his life Troy wanted to be a musician. He got his first guitar at 14 and took lessons at school. After High School a friend had a band looking for a bass player and that is when he switched. From that day on he has been a major rager on the four string muther fucker! He joined Medal Militia in late 2014 and has been with the band almost ever since, taking a short break in 2019 but returning in late 2020.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.
Very humbly in person and really feed off the energy they bring on stage!
When performing and the crowd is singing along, how does that energy make you feel?
Super energized! Love when the crowd is engaged!
What’s the biggest highlight of your career thus far?
Being in Medal Militia and enjoying playing Metallica music to fans that love it like I do.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
No.
Which famous musicians have you learned from?
I learn a little from anyone I watch live…. From Elvis to MJ to Megadeth….. all great entertainers.
What makes a performance/song good? How do you judge a performance/song?
No doubt, crowd interaction…..
How often and for how long do you practice?
3 to 4 times a week for an hour at least and with the band we try to do once weekly.
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to sing as a career?
Follow your dreams but keep a level head and set real expectations… it’s a hard industry
Who helped you most in your journey?
All the guys I have ever played with.
What would you do differently if you were to start over again from day one?
Never take a 10 plus year break from playing.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
Honesty….. needs to be more of it and less people trying to rip you off.
How would your peers describe you in the music industry?
Very Humble but a great bassist.
How would the people closest to you describe you outside of the industry?
A fun loving person that is easy to get along with.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
Watching sports, playing golf and my animals….. two dogs and a cat
End of Interview