Tag Archives: drummer

Music, Pop Culture

Greek Fire Release New Song In Support of Leukemia Stricken Drummer

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Drummer Johnny Venus of Greek Fire
Drummer Johnny Venus of Greek Fire

In February 2012, shortly after completing a tour of Japan, Johnny Venus, drummer for American rock band Greek Fire (and longtime drum tech for Story of The Year) was diagnosed with Leukemia. Devastating news, to be sure. Representatives for the band have issued a statement saying that, “Johnny is fighting the battle of his life, and even in these darkest of times his incredible courage and strength inspired Johnny’s fellow band mates to write a song about this profoundly difficult and emotional journey.” Continue reading Greek Fire Release New Song In Support of Leukemia Stricken Drummer →

Music, Pop Culture

RIP, Levon Helm

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Levon Helm Drumming
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Musician and Actor Levon Helm (Born Mark Lavon Helm), best known as the Drummer for The Band, has passed away on April 19, 2012 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 71 years old. I was fortunate to see Levon play drums once, during a taping of the the short-lived Sundance TV Show, Spectacle, which was hosted by Elvis Costello. Levon appeared on the Build a Band episode, where he was joined by fellow musical legends such as Nick Lowe, Richard Thompson and Allen Toussaint. What an amazing set those guys put together! The East Portland Blog has an excellent Obit and remembrance of Levon’s life at This Link that’s both heartfelt and extremely compelling. Worth checking out even, or perhaps especially, if you didn’t know much about him. RIP, Levon. You will be missed.

Music, Pop Culture

Happy Birthday, Vinnie Paul!

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Vinnie Paul Playing Snakeskin Pearl Drumkit
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Pantera Drummer Vinnie Paul (born Vincent Paul Abbott) was born on this day, March 11th, in 1964. Happy Birthday, Vinnie!

Music, Pop Culture

Michael Davis, Bassist for MC5, Dead at 68

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MC5 Group Shot
MC5: Michael Davis is on the Far Right

Michael Davis, the bassist of influential late 1960s rock band MC5, has passed away due to liver failure, his wife announced on Saturday, February 18th. He was 68 years old. Davis’ death leaves Guitarist Wayne Kramer and Drummer Dennis Thompson as the band’s only surviving original members. More information on what Davis was up to in recent years is available at This Link. RIP, Michael.

Music, Pop Culture

Happy Birthday, Steven Adler!

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steven adler magazine cover
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Original Guns ‘N’ Roses Drummer Steven Adler was born on this day, January 22nd in 1965. Adler (real name: Michael Coletti) has the dubious distinction of being the first member of the band to be fired by singer Axl Rose, setting a trend that would continue until Rose was the only remaining original member left in the group by the late ’90s. Happy Birthday, Steven!