Desperate Hero
Bound for Glory

Starting at the age of 13 with some friends, Tim Umstead picked bass to be different from the rest of the kids. Influenced by 80’s metal bands like Iron Maiden, Testament, Overkill and others, Tim continued his study of music and enrolled at the University of North Alabama. As a music major, he played in the university’s jazz band and broadened his playing style.

In early 2002, Desperate Hero guitarist Troy Reid contacted Tim about joining a band Reid was forming. This band was based in original thrash and progressive metal genres. Although the band didn’t last long, Umstead and Reid stayed together seeking a drummer that fit their plans for another band. They found that drummer in Scott Berg.

Taking over lead vocals is new for Tim, but he is approaching it with the same passion and commitment that he has for his instrument.

Guitarist Troy Reid was a late bloomer as a guitarist. Starting out as a drummer in a punk band, Reid became the default drummer in other bands in his hometown since he had the drum kit. At a high school event, Troy took over guitar duties in a performance that included some 12 bar blues and a couple of Elvis covers.

Troy joined the Navy during the first Gulf War and in 1994 moved to Alabama. After this, Reid finished his college degree and played on and off in various bands until he crossed paths with Desperate Hero bassist and vocalist Tim Umstead. The duo formed a band that enjoyed limited success, but suffered with drummer instability…”just like Spinal Tap.”

Umstead and Reid continued working on material and eventually found drummer Scott Berg and formed the current line-up of Desperate Hero.

Scott Berg originally hails from Southern Maryland and started his drumming career at age 5. Influenced by bands like Aerosmith, Van Halen and others, Berg continued playing through high school and enrolled at Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island. During this time, he played in a band called Tyrant.

He became an executive chef and rarely played drums. In 2008, he formed a band, but was unable to gain much momentum with it and after taking more time off from playing, Scott saw an ad seeking a drummer. Answering the ad, Scott talked with Troy Reid for an hour. The two hit it off and a rehearsal soon followed. After a month, Scott decided that the music challenged him musically and he was impressed with Reid and Umstead’s playing. Berg believes that the trio has formed a serious and promising band in Desperate Hero.