ianbackdrums

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Band to Join.

ABOUT

Drummer for the UK's Premier, Award Winning Elvis Tribute, Danny Gracelands.

I first sat behind a kit at the age of eight after my father, an enthusiastic hobby drummer, brought home a mongrel kit from one of his work band rehearsals. For me it was an epiphany. I began studying with the revered Hampshire drum tutor, Albert Cooper, cutting my teeth with his first band at the age of thirteen, playing with musicians ten years my senior.
Inspired greatly by the incredible RAOC drummer, Ray Smith, whom he met through his brother in law, by eighteen Ian was earning my living on the cruise ships. This enabled me to network and develop many contacts, so that after two years, I was able to move into session work for theatre, radio and television. Depping at short notice and my ability to play unknown material as if I were the regular drummer became the reputation I was known for. I also studied for a time with the UK's foremost tutor and Mapex artist, Bob Armstrong.

By my mid twenties, I lucky enough to be in demand for my musical approach to the kit and natural, technical control which allowed my emotional playing to come through. In 2003, after moving to Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, I opened my drum school and began teaching here and in public / private schools. In 2009, I was invited by Vic Firth to join their international education team and 2014 was me invited to join what was, at the time, The Echo Factory Music Academy as a listing faculty tutor / clinician. I continue to play and teach to the present day, being given a teacher endorsement by Evans Heads and Promark Sticks in 2019.

Screen name:: ianbackdrums
Member since:: Sep 16 2023; Active over 1 month ago
Level of commitment:: Touring
Years playing music:: 35
Gigs played:: Over 100
Available to gig:: 6-7 nights a week

Influences

Many - with regard to drummers: Stewart Copeland, Steve Gadd, Buddy Rich, Dave Weckl, Dave Grohl, Art Blackey, Max Roach, Joe Jones Jo Jo Mayer among many others.

With regards to music - very eclectic: Funk, Pop, Rock, Latin, Jazz, County Rock, Motown, Soul, and more.

Instrument experience:

Drums:: Expert

EQUIPMENT

Mapex Meridian Birch Kit, 10",12",13"16", 22" kick
Mapex Meridian Birch Snare, 14"x 5.5", Pearl Steel Sensitone Snare 14"x 5.5"
Mapex H Series Hardware
Zildjian Cymbals
Mapex Bags
Various percussion
Yamaha MG06X Mini Mixing Console
Shure SE535 IEMs