Lostprophets name new drummer...

and his name is Luke Johnson. The band chose Zildjian endorser Luke to replace Ilan Rubin, after left the band earlier this year to join Nine Inch Nails. Luke's previous band was Birmingham-based ska punkers Beat Union.

Luke says: "I have played drums for over 20 years now and all I have ever strived for is to play music and be able to dedicate my time unconditionally to it! I finally feel like I am in a position to really make some big steps forward in my career and I hope that I am able to contribute a positive drive to Lostprophets. It's really amazing to work with likeminded people who are on the same page. I am excited about the release of the new record. Big things are to come very soon!"

The new record, Lostprophets forth studio album, is entitled The Betrayed, and is due for release in January 2010. The first single, It's Not the End of the World But I Can See It from Here, is due to be released in October. Fans will no doubt get a chance to hear the new material when the band headline the NME/Radio 1 Tent at this year's UK Reading/Leeds Festival, where Luke will make his live debut in the company of 80,000 festival goers.

Luke, who joined the family of Zildjian Artists in June 2009, says, "I am proud to play Zildjian cymbals. They are the first cymbals I ever played, and they are only cymbals I ever want to play. Nothing else compares!"

Luke's current Lostprophets set-up is below... but don't be surprised to see some heavier and bigger crashes on his kit for Reading and Leeds!

Left to right from behind the kit:

18" A Custom Rezo crash
15" K hi-hats
19" A Custom Rezo crash
20" A Custom Rezo crash
21" A Sweet ride
19" A Custom crash


Chris Barnes

I'm MusicRadar's eCommerce Editor. In addition to testing the latest music gear, with a particular focus on electronic drums, it's my job to manage the 300+ buyer's guides on MusicRadar and help musicians find the right gear for them at the best prices. I dabble with guitar, but my main instrument is the drums, which I have been playing for 24 years. I've been a part of the music gear industry for 20 years, including 7 years as Editor of the UK's best-selling drum magazine Rhythm, and 5 years as a freelance music writer, during which time I worked with the world's biggest instrument brands including Roland, Boss, Laney and Natal.