Photos By Gail
The skulls and skeletons that pervade rock and pop culture signal danger and rebellion, offering a vehicle for engaging with death in secular society. This DW Collector Series drumkit in maple and aluminum, created for Alejandro (Alex) Gonzalez of Latin metal band Maná, deepens the symbolism. Expressing the group’s Mexican heritage, it features the iconic skull imagery of Dia de los Muertos, a celebration that openly acknowledges death and its equalizing power.
Skull Cymbal-Toppers, Detail
By painting and customizing this drum kit and others for numerous rock groups, artist John Douglas (who has been painting Alex’s drums since 1993) joins an ancient global line of artists who have crafted anthropomorphic drums. This kit was used during Maná’s 2023– 24 Mexico Lindo Y Querido tour.
Photographed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art as Part of the 2026 Exhibit Musical Bodies.
