Musikmesse 2017 Drum Camp Lineup Announced

​The lineup for Drum Camp at Musikmesse 2017 (April 5 to 8) is complete. Eight stars of the international drum scene will give daily performances on their original touring sets in the ‘Blood, Sweat and Tears Box’ – a sound-proof cabin in the middle of Hall 11.0 where visitors can see and hear the musicians really close up.

After their performances, all drummers will be available for autographs and to answer questions about their equipment and playing techniques. Four more prominent artists have now announced their participation. They are Karl Brazil (Robbie Williams), Will Hunt (Evanescence), Chris Coleman (Chaka Khan) and Veronika Lukesova (Rock meets Classic, Kiske/Somerville).

The new drummers confirmed for the Drum Camp

Karl Brazil

As a member of Robbie Williams’ band, he has appeared on the world’s leading stages. Karl Brazil has also made a name for himself on the international music scene through his work with James Blunt, Elton John and Leona Lewis, as well as Feeder’s drummer. The English drummer gave impressive performances at the Drum Camp première at Musikmesse 2016. This year, he is taking part again and will be showing for the first time the new drum set for the forthcoming tour with Robbie Williams.

Will Hunt

Will Hunt will demonstrate his skills at the Drum Camp only a few days before departing on a tour of South America with his band, Evanescence. The US drummer is well-known to fans of the rock and metal scene from his work with bands such as Staind, Black Label Society and Static-X.

Chris Coleman

The American drummer has earned great respect from the worldwide drum community as touring drummer for Prince and New Kids on The Block. Coleman has been a member of soul icon Chaka Khan’s band since 2007 and has also been a sensational success at the Modern Drummer Festival and the PASIC Festival.

Veronika Lukesova

As part of the ‘Rock meets Classic’, Lukesova presented rock history in new musical vestments – together with legendary singers such as Alice Cooper, Ian Gillan and Joey Tempest. For fans of melodic metal, she is also the drummer behind the Kiske/Somerville formation.

Entertainment and Education stars of the drum scene

Four top names – Jost Nickel (Jan Delay), Alex Landenburg (Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody), Michael Schack (Netsky) and the independent artist Anika Nilles – had already announced their participation in the Drum Camp. The result is a multi-faceted line-up covering numerous different genres.

Additionally, masterclasses for all drum aficionados will be held at the Drum College, in the immediate vicinity of the Drum Camp. Twice a day, star drum coach Mike Johnston will hold training sessions on sophisticated playing techniques – Johnston is one of the world’s most in-demand drum teachers. Drum Camp artists Jost Nickel and Anika Nilles will also be holding workshops.

Expansion of the success 2016 concept

The first Drum Camp at last year’s Musikmesse was a magnet for drum enthusiasts from all over the world. Unrivalled is the way they could get close to artists in the sound-proof cabin with its state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology. Following the positive reaction in 2016, the ‘Blood, Sweat and Tears Box’ has been enlarged this year so more visitors can experience the musicians’ performances. Additionally, there is an impressive exhibition of the artists’ original touring sets in the immediate vicinity of the Box. Also part of the Camp is a meet-and-greet area for discussions and autographs.

At this year’s Musikmesse, the Drum Camp format has been copied for the guitar sector and the artists taking part in the new ‘Guitar Camp’ will include Jeff Waters (Annihilator), Jen Majura (Evanescence) and internationally renowned blues and rock guitarist Dennis Hormes. Additionally, Billy Idol guitarist and Grammy award winner Steve Stevens will give a special performance on the Saturday of the fair.

The Drum Camp and the Guitar Camp are located in Hall 11.0, which offers a comprehensive overview of the latest product highlights in the worlds of drums and percussion, electric guitars and basses and amps and accessories.

The Drum Camp and Drum College programme

Drum Camp (5 to 8 April 2017)

Drum College (5 to 8 April 2017)

Photo: Will Hunt