Dave Baksh

David Nizam "Brownsound" Baksh (born July 26, 1980) is a Canadian musician, singer and producer best known as the lead guitarist of punk rock band Sum 41. Baksh left the band for nine years, but returned in 2015. After leaving Sum 41, he became a singer and guitarist in his own heavy metal/reggae project Brown Brigade. He also plays guitar for Organ Thieves, with two of his fellow Brown Brigade members and the Canadian death punk four-piece Black Cat Attack.

Early years

Born in Ajax, Ontario, Canada, Baksh was heavily influenced by the bands Anthrax, Megadeth and Metallica, which motivated him to play music. Baksh met his future band members, Deryck Whibley and Steve Jocz, at high school, and he decided not to continue further education shortly after graduation under the persuasion of Deryck Whibley that the band was becoming successful.

Professional career

Sum 41 (1998–2006; 2015–present)

Baksh joined Sum 41 as the third member in 1996 or January 1998 (sources differ), after Deryck Whibley and Steve Jocz formed the band in the summer of 1996. In addition to being the lead guitarist, Baksh also provided back-up vocals. Baksh went by the name Pleasure in Sum 41's alter-ego band, Pain for Pleasure. Baksh also goes by the name Dave Brownsound Baksh, or also "Hot Chocolate", probably playing off of both his Indian heritage and brown sound, the name Eddie Van Halen coined for his own guitar tone. He has stated his favorite Sum 41 songs are "Mr. Amsterdam," "Machine Gun," "Pain for Pleasure," and "The Bitter End", and his least favorite to play with the band is "Pieces".