At age 18, and fresh out of High School, Gary traveled to Quito, Ecuador for what was supposed to be a leisurely trip. Instead, he filled a position in an original rock band that was looking for a lead guitarist and vocalist. This would prove to be a turning point in Gary's life.

The band, called Mozzarella (yes, same as the cheese... Gary did not pick the name...) started writing new songs with Gary at the helm. Before long they were scheduling their first concert, with local radio and television promoting the band. The night of the first concert was a media frenzy and an event to remember, as thousands of fans crowded the doors breaking through barriers and filling the three thousand seat theater beyond it's capacity leaving several thousand disappointed fans outside.