Monday, January 30, 2017

THEODORE BROWN-SASKATOON-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--8 X 15.......

As an update to the Latest News from October 20th on my brother Theodore Brown....I just had to add these pics.....

The recent pics from a live gig in Saskatoon, Canada were with a different kit and configuration (top two pics), and as so often these day's, he had his 1.5 Steel--8 x 15 with him. That drum was recently reintroduced as the 7.5 x 15, and Theo has one of the last one's in that size. He is the perfect player to have it, and just instinctively understands it. He sent me a just a rough clip he did in his basement, and he just simply tore it up.

Thank You Theo for everything....Looking forward to staying in touch in 2017.....










TOMMY HARDEN IN SESSION IN NASHVILLE....BEIER 1.5 STEEL--4 X 15......

Nashville legend Tommy Harden was back in session with his 1.5 Steel--4 x 15 recently, and was experimenting with muffling. This has been one of numerous times I have seen him with this drum, and he truly has used it continually for the last year and a half. 

I am hoping to get back to Nashville in 2017. I would have a lengthy list of things I would like to do, but one of them would be to watch him at a session. I asked him if this would be possible, and he said I was welcome anytime. This....Is something I hope I get to do very soon. 

I have had Tommy in my Latest News a number of times, and it is always a thrill for me when these images pop up and he mentions Beier Drums. He told me that the 1.5 Steel--4 x 15 was "a real game changer here." That comment, as always, I deferred to Mark Beckett. He is the one to say Thanks to!

Will be in touch as always Tommy....Thanks man.....





FRANK VILARDI-BACK IN THE STUDIO WITH THE BACON BROTHERS-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--6.5 X 14...

It was fun to chat with Frank Vilardi today. He was back in the studio last Thursday with the Bacon Brothers, and I really was very happy to hear his 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 was on the track that he used a metal drum on. He mentioned to me that for years his go-to was his Ferrone, and that has been replaced by his 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14. His go-to in wood is a Maple Masters Custom.

Frank has had an amazing career, and was the long-time drummer and traveled the world with Jewel. He also held the seat with Donny Osmond for many, many years, and has been with the Bacon Brothers for over a decade. His main touring drum with them has been his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 for a number of years now, and the 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 is as well now. I have seen them a number of times, and it is always a great time. They are an eclectic and diverse band, and are phenomenal live.

Thanks as always Frank. Really looking forward to seeing you guys soon....!















NATHANIEL DOBAS-WARNER STAGE COMPANY-TOMMY-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--6.5 X 14

Nathaniel Dobas has been in orchestral rehearsals with the Warner Stage Company for their production of The Who's "Tommy". The show will be at the Warner Theater in Torrington, CT., and will run from February 4th-12th, He will be using his 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 for this. He also used the same drum for the "Rock of Ages" production last February at the Warner Theater. 

Nathaniel is a choir & music teacher, and also runs Dobas Music Studio where he specializes in drum instruction, recording, and video production. He also holds seats with Billboard artists Leila, and Funkee Boy. 

Positions like this in productions like this are not easily come by, and Nathaniel is back again at Warner Theatre which is a huge endorsement of his skills and dedication to this instrument. He has had his 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 for about a year, and it has seen extensive use live, and in his studio. It is truly wonderful to have the drum included in this production with you Nathaniel.

Thank You for all of your support, and Congratulations Again on yet another big gig!  












SCOTT THOMPSON-LIVE WITH PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE-BEIER 1.5 STEEL-4 X 15~

I finally got to meet Scott Thompson this last weekend at the Capitol Civic Centre in Manitowoc, WI. Scott has been on the road this last year with Pure Prairie League & Colin Raye with his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14. That is his his main live snare drum. I have been looking forward to this show for quite some time, and getting his vibe on his new 1.5 Steel--4 x 15.

To meet Scott Thompson is basically like picking up with an old friend where you left off. He has always stayed in touch with me, kept me updated, and has used his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 non-stop since Day 1. I just had the greatest time with him discussing drums and music, and really appreciate him taking the time out. He is a complete pro from A-Z, a killer player, and is also an absolutely incredible back-up singer, and lead singer on several songs for the band.

He used the 1.5 Steel--4 x 15 for this show, and just cannot wait to hear his extended feedback on this drum after having it out for a while. It will be very interesting to hear what the band has to say as well. These guys are huge fans of the 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14, and it was pretty amazing for them to take the time out to tell me that in several different discussions. 

If you have not seen Pure Prairie League in a while, or at all....Do yourself a favor and do so. They lit everyone up with their performance, and I am not joking...It was flawless, and for that matter...Jaw-dropping. They are on their 48th year of touring, and they are without a doubt are one of the greatest bands ever live. Thank You Scott for taking time out, your use of my gear, for the T-Shirt which I will wear constantly, & your accommodation of a wonderful old friend of mine Teresa Heitzman-Mahsem. She had a great time! Will look forward to seeing you soon and staying in touch....  

   










TRENT ANDERSON-SUSHI ROLL BAND-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--6.5 X 14 & 6.5 x 15...

From the first time I met Trent Anderson, we've been pal's, and are in touch always. I ran into him at a Quiet Riot show when he was working with them, and just had a great time talking drums and music. He also gave me a copy of Bang Tango's latest release, and really went out of his way, like Frankie Banali did, to make me feel welcome.

Trent has been on and off the road for many years, and to talk to him about all of that is simply a blast. One of his main gigs for many years was drumming for Bang Tango, a band I am still a die hard fan of. In recent years he is leading Sushi Roll Band...One of the top show bands on the circuit in this country. They are Chicago based, but spend most of their time on the road, including doing extended gigs at Harrah's in Las Vegas. This band is constantly working with no signs of slowing down. In today's music world with live performance....That is no easy feat. But it is a testament of how awesome they are live, and how entertaining they truly are. 

Trent travels with a 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 as his main, and did 117 shows on the road with it last year. He also spent some time in the studio with the drum and did tracks for 3 songs. I will update this when those come out. In addition, he also was the first person to have a 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 15, & use it live. 

The bands dates are piling up for 2017, and I hope Milwaukee see's all of you soon Trent. Congrats on all of your success, and I am looking forward to seeing you soon my friend...









UPCOMING RECORD FROM SHANE GAMBLE-MIKE DAWSON-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--5.5 & 6.5 X 15....

I have been following Shane Gamble's posts, and am really looking forward to his upcoming record. He has posted snippets of ideas and songs, and there is no doubt that it will be true to form, and a great one.

His last record released in June 2016: "American Heart," I listen to frequently, and just completely love it. It is just one of those records I will always have in rotation here. Him & Mike Dawson went through a large number of snare drums when they were laying tracks for it, and decided to use the 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15. The upcoming record has Mike using the 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15 & 6.5 x 15 on all tracks except for two.  

I have mentioned to these two frequently that it would be great to see this band live, and I really hope sometime soon that happens. Shane posts live clips, and I always make sure to tune into those. This whole band live is a complete replication of their studio work, and it truly is remarkable. One of the best clips was a live post from this last Summer. I was at a show and sound check was done. It was a really hot day so I plopped down in a chair under the stage and was watching them live at "Rally In The Valley" in Frederick, MD. Mike had his 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 15 with him, and in everyday terms...They just blew me away how great they were. My buddy Randy Walker was near so I had to tell him..."You gotta see this!".  Hoping time brings them within range of here...It would be a lot of fun to see them. 

Thank You Mike Dawson for using these drums on this record, and your 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 15 live with Shane as your main. Very much looking forward to the release and picking it up you guy's. If I am not your first customer...I'll be your second. Thank You.... 











Thursday, January 26, 2017

ERIK ELDENIUS-STUDIO SAMPLE.....BEIER 1.5 STEEL--5.5 X 15....

I heard from Erik Eldenius the other day, and when I do, which is consistently, he always has something great to listen to. He has had a 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15 for about a year now. The only downfall to that, is that I wish he would have had one from the minute I started manufacturing them.

Erik is the driving force behind Billy Idol, and as I noted earlier this Summer, and several times after that....He adds a dimension to that band that is huge. Billy Idol has always been great live, but this band is simply his best, and Erik is a major part of that. I saw them live last Summer and watched half of the show behind the stage, then the rest out front. They just are completely in sync as band, and their show is spectacular.

Erik also does solo work with Steve Stevens, and a wide array of incredible and eclectic musicians. "Pushing Boundaries" is something you read often in music news of any sort. He does just that behind his kit, and it is a complete switch from what he does live on the road. That is so often the mark of a great talent, and that he is.

The first link below is a new sample with him and his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15. There is also one in the Audio section of my site. There is no doubt I will be updating this article very soon with some additional News. Erik....Thank You For Everything. Hope to see you in this area soon, and we will for sure talk soon....














STEVEN SWEET IN THE STUDIO-UPCOMING RECORD FROM WARRANT-MARK TRKLA-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--8 X 15~

Steven Sweet has been in the studio with Warrant for their new record, and he recently posted the first pic below of his kit with his 1.5 Steel--8 x 15. As a long-time and forever fan, this is something I am really looking forward to....(Cannot wait actually!) This will be the first record that drum has been included on as well.

Steven of course is a legend in Rock, and basically all Warrant has to do is hit the stage and the first note to show why they are among Rock's most enduring bands. Michael Foster introduced me to him some time ago, and he is someone who has always been incredibly nice to me. Talking drums and music with Steven Sweet is something you will always remember.

I missed them in 2016, and am looking forward to seeing them in 2017. Mark Trkla is Steven's tech and travels with Warrant, and is another guy I want to note. I walked on stage prior to sound check at the last show, and had never met him. The first thing he said to me how they had been travelling with a 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14, and how much he loved that drum and how well it was working in the set. Those types of comments will remain in my head forever. Most day's I have a hard time finding both my shoes, forget where my car key's are, and almost always forget the list for the grocery store and have to go back twice. It is funny though....Drum stuff...The just never goes away, nor do I forget the people involved.

Thanks guy's....See you in the upcoming month's most certainly....






KEVIN KOREMAN-CHICAGO-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--5.5 X 14.....

It has been some time, and it was great to connect again with Kevin Koreman in Chicago recently. He was one of the early players to acquire a 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14, and that drum is in his rotation regularly. That is what I wanted for any of the drums I produce....For them to be used, and considered for whatever a player is doing.

Kevin has been doing a series of clips with the 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 on Instagram, is an independent, studied Instrumental Performance at Columbia College in Chicago, has wide experience in live performance and experience in the studio, and used the drum on three tracks on the debut from the indie folk rock band: The Wild Family.

Link below to one of the clips, and to follow his work. Looking forward to staying in touch Kevin....Many Thanks for everything.....!






  

 

THIS SATURDAY-MARCH 28TH-SCOTT THOMPSON LIVE-PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE-MANITOWOC, WISCONSIN-CAPITOL CIVIC CENTRE-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--4 X 15, 5.5 X 14~

Scott Thompson will be back in Wisconsin with Pure Prairie League this Saturday, March 28th, at the Capitol Civic Centre with Pure Prairie League. He will have his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 with him, and also will have his 1.5 Steel--4 x 15. I will update this story after the show. Firefall will also be on the bill.....Link below for details on what will no doubt be a great time~  




Wednesday, January 25, 2017

WILLIAM DILLA...BEIER 1.5 STEEL--5.5 X 15 & 5.5 X 12..MUSIC CITY ASHEVILLE & FORKS DRUM CLOSET....

I released a new drum later in 2016...The 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 12. That drum I was encouraged to do by David Northrup, and I am really glad I took his advice. It has done extremely well already, and Bill Dilla was one of the players that picked one up from Fork's. He also picked up a 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15 in Gloss White from Music City Asheville. That was upon recommendation from a very good friend who has one as well.

I have had a great time talking concerts and drums with Bill, and recently he told me he plays his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15 every day. I have said this probably 100 times, but let's make it 101: That is the greatest thing for me to hear when players sit down with my drums, and truly enjoy doing it. That is not just important...That Is IT!

He also got to fly out to see Todd Sucherman for a private lesson in his home studio (Pic below),  and David Northrup was gracious enough to reach out to him after he picked up the 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 12. Hope you get to see those two live in 2017....That is always incredible.   

As always Bill....We will chat and stay in touch for sure. Please keep me updated on your drumming....Thanks Again for giving Beier Drums a shot in 2016. It is, & will always be appreciated bud~