I've been playing drums professionally for over 20 years
in and around SE Michigan and NW Ohio. I got my first drum kit at the
age of 13...a five piece "Ringo" colored set of Ludwig's, which I still use
today.
I started playing out live with bands at a very early age.
I was fortunate to have an older brother who was a working
drummer. He was definitely a big influence on me and soon I was in a
band of my own before I could drive.
I started out playing the "Animal Circuit" (Moose, Elks, Eagles) at the
age of thirteen doing standard country
and oldies and continued that through High School.
I continued to play country after High School, but had always had an
ear for Metal...Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and AD/DC. I remember
going out to hear a local rock band and saw my first double-bass pedal and
knew I had to have one. I also knew that my days of playing country
were limited...they had paid the bills, but it was time to open things up.
Tommy Aldridge was someone I admired and he had released an
instructional video called "Double Bass Workout". I
worked on my technique and before long was able to incorporate many double
bass patterns into my playing. The only thing lacking was the type
of band where I didn't stand out like a sore thumb.
In 1987 I saw a guitar player in Downtown Monroe, Michigan that helped
change the direction of my playing forever. Hendrix, Trower, and
Deep Purple never sounded so good. I knew the bar owner and was able
to work my way up on stage. We've been playing together ever since.
Soon after we added a High School classmate and best friend of mine on
bass and the three of us have played together under several names, but the
chemistry has always remained solid.
Sure there are lots of bands, musicians, and stories to talk about from
over the years... but let's save some of that for when we get together to
jam!!!
Scott
