Why I play, the way I do.
So often I have been asked why is I play traditional grip instead of match grip? Why do I have a tom on my left hand side next to the Hi Hat? Why do twirl my drum sticks like I'm a 80's show pony? Well very simple. It all comes from my influences. I grew up in the 80's. My first impressions of drummers was watching big hair bands on Rage TV @ 5am on a Saturday Morning. ( You had to get up early to see the popular stuff, cause the indie music and alternative artists were on in peak times). As I grew, and developed my playing, my styles and taste changed. being more adventurous with set ups and playing.
And while every one wishes they could be Steve Gadd, or Simon Phillips, not all of us can be. This doesn't mean we can't learn from the greats and be influenced our self's.
Here is a list of My top 5 main influences, growing up when I started drumming;
NO: 5 - Tico Torres (Bon Jovi)
Introduced to when: By my cousin, early 80's.
Why: The power house drumming. The simplicity of the playing. And the fact the bands major anthems (and music) have been part of almost my entire life. Have seen them 3 times and what makes Tico awesome, is he plays the song - not overplaying, but playing when he needs to, in order to add to the song.
Examples: Albums, Slippery When Wet & New Jersey.
NO:4 - Alex Van Halen (Van Halen)
Introduced to when: Given a copy of "RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW" LIVE album
Why: He is the older brother to ( in my opinion) the greatest guitarist EVER! Alex not only had monster drum kits in the film clips,(JUMP) but the live show was always incredible. 1st time I heard the song "pleasure dome" with the 10min drum solo, blew my mind. Incredible double bass playing.
Examples: Albums, O.U.8.1.2 & For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge.
NO:3 - Rikki Rocket (Poison)
Introduced to when: Watching music videos.
Why: Lets face it, Rikki is a true show man. The film clip "Nothing But a Good Time" has
all the classic Rikki finesse. The stick twirling, standing up and playing, the custom print on the drum kit, and the show boating during the song. Added bonus - he sings back up.
Examples: Albums, Open up and say Ahh & Crack a Smile
NO: 2 - Virgil Donati (Solo artist - previous bands, Southern Sons, Planet X, On The Virg)
Introduced to when: My drum teacher gave me a old VHS years ago - Power Drumming
Why: This man is a sheer modern day genius behind a drum kit. The speed, independence between limbs and the raw power in his stokes, can not be matched. I have seen this guy play about 5 times, even have a autograph and photo with him. The innovation around drum kit set ups and the ability to expand his playing year on year is unmatched. Bonus points - Australian. Born and raised in Melbourne.
Examples: Albums, Planet X - Universe & Instrumental - Just Add Water
Video - Modern Drummer Festival - 1997.
AND drum roll please.....NO: 1 - Buddy Rich (BR big band)
Introduced to when: Drum teacher gave me cassettes, c.d's, and video tapes.
Why: Buddy is the ONLY drummer to play so much, and with so little. Old school jazz drummer, played since he could walk, yet NEVER HAD A FORMAL LESSON. His drum rolls were so fine, they sounded like someone dropping sand on the drum. And the man had a great sense of humor. So good he had his own band. Was a tough task master. Known for his fire if a gig didn't go well. A true genius in every sense. There will never be another.
Examples: Album, Mercy Mercy - Live @ Ronnie Scott club.
Video's, ANYTHING you can find. Montreal Jazz festival, to Johnny Carson show
even a appearance on the Muppet's.
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