Vic Firth

Drum market icon, Everett “Vic” Firth passed away on July 26th at the age of 85.

Beginning as the youngest principal timpanist ever for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Firth designed his own sticks when he felt the ones he had weren’t up to par.

His innovations led to the formation of the eponymous Vic Firth company in 1963, eventually merging with the Avedis Zidljian Co. in 2010.

A post on the Vic Firth company website confirmed the sad news:

“To our dear friends around the world:

We are heartbroken to share the news with you that Vic has passed away.

“Vic was an inspiration to all of us. He was a visionary, a mentor, a leader and a friend. He always said he surrounded himself with the best people, but the truth is he brought out the best in all of us. His boundless passion for music and musicians drove every decision he made.

“Vic’s spirit and legacy will continue to live at the core of the Vic Firth Company. He will be missed beyond words.”