Drumfest 2008, now in its tenth year, looks set to top previous years with an incredible line-up of drum talent from around the globe. To top it off the event organisers have added a fourth show and two education days at the NEC in Birmingham.
Drumfest is also the only event in the UK to include a full retail village featuring all the major brands including ddrum, DW, Mapex, Meinl, Pearl, Premier, Roland, Sabian, Sonor, Tama, Yamaha, Zildjian and many more.
Now for those of you champing at the bit to find out which artists will be hitting the UK, read on...
Terry Bozzio
A legend and an innovator, Terry's unique and immense DW kit make him one of this year's 'must see' performers. Terry's noted performances include Frank Zappa, Steve Vai, Jeff Beck and more recently with Korn.
Thomas Lang
Thomas has become one of the world's most renowned figures in contemporary drumming. His awe-inspiring technique is matched only by his CV which includes Robbie Williams, Kylie, Gianni Naninni and The Clash. 'Das Machine' remains one of the industries most sought after session players and one of the worlds most talked about clinicians.
Keith Harris
A master of r'n'b groove, Keith's performances with The Black Eyed Peas have quickly established him as a major player, aiding in their world-wide domination.
Steve White
Precision, groove and clarity - Steve's long term association with Paul Weller and his regular clinic appearances have made Steve a firm favourite internationally - a mod hero.
Jeremy Stacey
A British drumming hero whose early career was spent with Aztec Camera, later he joined the likes of the Finn Brothers, Sheryl Crow, The Black Crowes and Joe Cocker.
Russ Miller
One of today's top touring session players, Russ has worked with Multi-Platinum and Grammy award winning artists including Nelly Furtado and Ray Charles. Recently voted one of the top 5 players in world, Russ continues to wow audiences at events round the world.
Chris Pennie
Now writing and playing for one of the world's biggest new rock bands, Coheed & Cambria, Chris cut his teeth and built a reputation with mathcore metallers Dillinger Escape Plan. Chris is known for his blend of rudiments with jazz inflected expressions and creative use of triggers and effects via foot pedals.
Mike Terrana
A hard hitting Metal legend if ever there was one! He is currently playing with Rage and has played with guitar legend Yngwie Malmsteen. Mikes creative use of jazz funk swing and metal has made him one of the genres most innovative players.
Mark Richardson
Mark already had a reputation as a player and teacher while with '90s rock outfit Skunk Anansie but since joining Feeder in 2002 Mark has become a celebrity in his own right, appearing on TV, doing charity work for Riders for Health (cycling 2500km across Africa) - not to mention his appearances at Drumfest and other clinics.
Dom Famularo
Dom Famularo has been travelling the globe preaching the gospel of drumming for over 30 years. An intense performer, Dom is one of the most respected solo drum artists in the world, with a career built solely upon his unique skills as a drummer and motivational speaker.
Dates and line-ups on the Drumfest calendar include:
Drumfest Education Days at the Rock & Pop Festival, Birmingham NEC Forum
Friday 11 July
Saturday 12 July
Birmingham Drumfest, Birmingham Rock and Pop Fest, NEC Forum
Sunday 13 July
Terry Bozzio
Thomas Lang
Jeremy Stacey
Steve White
Mark Richardson
Chris Pennie
Mike Terrana
Dom Famularo
Sheffield Drumfest, Sheffield Megacentre
Tuesday 15 July
Terry Bozzio
Thomas Lang
Keith Harris
Mark Richardson
Chris Pennie
Dom Famularo
Northampton Drumfest, Northampton Park Inn
Thursday 17 July
Terry Bozzio
Thomas Lang
Keith Harris
Russ Miller
Chris Pennie
Dom Famularo
Brentwood Drumfest, Brentwood, Brentwood Centre
Saturday 19 July
Terry Bozzio
Thomas Lang
Keith Harris
Steve White
Russ Miller
Chris Pennie
Mike Terrana
Dom Famularo
Tickets:
Birmingham and Brentwood - £15 Adults (adv), £17 on the door; £5 children under 12.
Sheffield and Northampton - £10 Adults (adv), £12 on the door; £5 children under 12.
Tickets and further details are available via www.drumfest.net or from any of the five Professional Music Technology branches:
Northampton: 01604 230433
Birmingham: 0121 359 5056/ 0121 333 3220
Romford: 01708 746082
Oxford: 01865 725221
Southend: 01702 436501
