Ever since I can remember I wanted to play the drums, as a kid my parents never would have allowed that to happen, so I started playing fairly late in life at the age of 35, and even then I wasn't too serious, I only got serious at age 40.

Like most "drummers" I have only ever had a few lessons and have learnt to play mostly by ear and self teaching. Although these days I do go to a teacher, albeit only 30 minutes every fortnight.

I mainly enjoy Rock music, Retro music and Heavy Metal music , I am not the worlds best drummer but just enjoy having a bash every now and again.

Currently I own a Pearl Reference Series Kit in the finish called Crystal Rain - it has 10 x8 and 12 x9 and 13 x11 inch rack toms as well as a 14 x14 and 16 x16 inch floor toms.

I also have  Pearl 10 x6 Maple 'popcorn' effects side snare as well as a set of LP 6'/ 8' Mini Timbales.

 

Cymbals as of April 2008

I have gone a little cymbal crazy !!

 My 4 x crash cymbals are a Paiste 18' Thin RUDE Crash, Zildjian A Custom 17' Fast Crash, 16'  K Series Dark Crash, 15' K Series Custom Fast Crash.

I have 2 rides, they are a Zildjian 20' A Custom Projection Ride, Zildjian 21' Armand Ride and set of 14' K Series Mastersound 14' Hats - well I have a hybrid mix of a bottom Mastersound and a Top QuickBeat - it works great.

 For effects I also have a Zildjian ZXT Trashformer effects cymbal, a Wuhan 12' China with a 10' splash backed into it for some 'white noise' , a Sabian 12' HH Splash, a Paiste 12' Signature Splash and a Sabian 10' Ozone Splash on a custom made holder as well as a Zildjian 16' Oriental China.

 

Percussion Bits

For percussion I have a Red LP Jam block, a Pearl 'Horacio Hernandez PCH3 Cowbell and a LP Tambourine and in Feb 2007 I added a Pearl Eliminator Double Kick Pedal to the kit, what a great double pedal !

 

Drum Heads

I use Evans EC2 Clear batter heads on the rack toms combined with Remo clear Ambassador Resonants, Evans Genera Dry batter head on the Snare and an Evans Emad 2 batter on the Kick. I have found this combination to work brilliantly with this kit.

 

Sydney Retailers and Drum Lessons

If you are in Sydney and looking for a drum kit I highly recommend to see Craig , Tim or Jason at Drum City at Petersham or Billy Hydes Drumcraft in Surry Hills. I have dealt with both stores and ALWAYS found the staff to be really helpful.

If you are in Wollongong and looking for lessons go see John at Barrack Heights, you will learn some seriously good shit and have a LOT of fun

 

Below is my current set up as at May 2008 - Pearl Reference Kit in Crystal Rain Finish

Crystal Rain is an incredible finish that changes dramatically with various light. I hope these photos show it as good as it gets.

 And while on my music page - I have to mention one of the greatest days of my life.

Having followed iron Maiden since 1979 I was stoked they were finally coming back to play Sydney in Feb 08 after a 15 year absence.......to cut a long story short a mate and I got clearance to get out onto the tarmac at Sydney airport when they arrived and actually got to meet them and go on board their custom jet..."Ed Force One"....for a huge fan , it doesn't get much better than that !!!

 

Heres me and Nicko McBrain

Heres me and my mate Ryan leaving the plane

Everyone except Bruce signed a skin for me  - he is the only member we didn't meet - damn it !

And of course- the concert was incredible!!