When I was a younger man, I would tell you how GREAT I THOUGHT I was. Now, on the North side of 50, I will tell you what I BELIEVE. I believe in doing my best. I believe in EVERYONE doing their best. I believe in playing in time. I believe in playing for the song. I believe in playing time until I HAVE TO play a fill. I believe in playing the very best gear you can. I believe in playing the same show every night. I believe in showmanship. I believe in dressing on stage like a pro. I believe in BEING a pro. I believe in making my artist proud that they hired me. I believe in “Thank you’s”. I believe in treating everyone from the janitor to the buyer with dignity & gratitude.
3 quotes that have deepened my intent in the last 20 years: Neil Peart: “What is the most excellent thing I can do today?” Gene Simmons: “They work hard for their money. So, I’m gonna work hard for their money!” Vinnie Colaiuta: “I do my very best to play with highest integrity & sincerity possible.”
In 35 years of professionally playing drums, I’ve had the real honor of touring & recording with the Bellamy Brothers, Nelson, Michael McDonald, Dennis Quaid, John Rich (Big & Rich), Suzy Bogguss, Michael Martin Murphey, Tanya Tucker, Governor Mike Huckabee, Michael & Kevin Bacon, Gölä (Swiss artist), Hal Ketchum, Larry Gatlin, Johnny Lee, Tom Astor (German artist), Brent Bourgeious, Phil Keaggy, Eddy Raven, Rick Cua, Ceili Rain & a few others.
I attended Berklee College of Music.
I’m very proud to endorse and/or play Sonor drums, Paiste cymbals, Aquarian drumheads, DrumDots, Agner & Promark drumsticks, Roland electronics, Meinl percussion, TreeWorks chimes, Roc-N-Soc thrones & my trusty TuneBot! I’ve got GREAT gear!!
Also, in 2009, I got my Commercial Driver’s License class A-55 & 57. Those classifications mean that I can pull a trailer. Furthermore, I have NOT been arrested. So, I can drive in Canada! Anyway, I’ve driven literally hundreds of thousands of miles behind the wheel of a coach. Again beliefs: I believe in driving calm. I believe in driving professionally. I believe in keeping everyone asleep. I believe in driving smoooooooth!
Finally, I’m a pretty easy guy to go down the road with. I always strive to do my best on stage & frankly, I expect all my colleagues to do their best as well. Call me, text me or email me. Then, relax knowing that your drum chair issues are over.
Best regards,
Rocky