Next week’s London Drum Show at Olympia will see showcases and masterclasses from some of the world’s most highly regarded drummers across the two-day event.
Eight acts will take to the Main Stage over the weekend with an eclectic mix of both old and new, from jazz pioneers to out-and-out rock drummers.
First up on Saturday, Harvey Mason will continue in his fourth decade of professional music making, bringing a balance of precision time-keeping and versatility to the stage. Germany’s Anika Nilles follows, coming off the back of producing and recording her debut album earlier this year and there’s also former Mars Volta drummer Thomas Pridgen. Saturday’s headline slot will see Level 42 drummer Pete Ray Biggin take to the stage with the band’s lead singer and bassist extraordinaire Mark King.
The Sunday main stage line-up opens with Peter Erskine, demonstrating why he has been one of the most in-demand drummers of the last forty years. Mike Johnston, founder of the world’s largest educational website for drummers follows, and Lenny Kravitz drummer Franklin Vanderbilt takes up the penultimate main stage slot. Sunday’s headline act comes in the guise of Gregg Bissonette, whose career highlights include performing in Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band since 2008.
London Drum Show regular Mike Dolbear returns with masterclasses hosted by some of the best names in drum tutoring and education. Kaz Rodriguez, Ian Thomas, Robbie Williams drummer Karl Brazil and Young Drummer of the Year 2014 winner Euan Leslie are all on hand throughout the weekend to help visitors improve their technique and style.
The masterclass room will also play host to the LCCM Beefeaters Drumline as well as an audience with Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason with Mike Dolbear himself hosting a one-to-one interview and fielding questions from the crowd.
This year’s Education Zone is set to give a lucky few the chance at some hands-on tuition with a number of free drum lessons courtesy of Trinity College London as well as providing another forum for some of the weekend’s performers to dish out some further tips and tricks of the trade. Harvey Mason, Anika Nilles, Adam Markó, Thunder Duo and Mike Johnston will be on hand to give an insight into how they’ve gained recognition as the top percussionists in their field, whilst Jeff Davenport will host Remo Drumhead tuning with the pros along with Mark Richardson and Neal Wilkinson.
Advance tickets are £20, with student and group discounts also available at www.londondrumshow.com/tickets/ or call 01926 339808.
