The name of his band came from a series of short science-fiction films of the early 1950s, "Commando Cody," and a 1951 sci-fi movie called "Lost Planet Airmen.".
He was a lifeguard and was on the track team in high school.
He grew up on Long Island, New York. Both his parents were artists.
Graduated with a bachelor's degree in design from the University of Michigan. He also has a master's degree in sculpture and painting.