PROJECT PITCHFORK-MATTHIAS KONRAD...........

Many Thanks to Matthias Konrad for these excellent pics of Achim Faerber at sound check for last month's Project Pitchfork show at Fortress Konigstein, Germany. Matthias (Matzo) has been a professional Sound Engineer for decades, and works with Dark Electro giants Project Pitchfork, and many other acts. Below is a comment I received from him on the 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 that Achim Faerber uses exclusively live with the band. (Achim recently started using the 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15 & 6.5 x 14 as well live). I really appreciate your input and support Matzo. You have heard a lot in your time, and I value your comments a great deal. Thank You....

"Just want to say that this is the greatest sounding Steel snare I have heard in my life, and I have worked a Sound Tech for more than 20 years. I personally like the regular sound of a Steel snare, but usually I always miss bottom (low mids) frequencies. Your snare has all of that together with the normal Steel sound, and a lot of punch and high end also. We played 7 shows now, and (I can't believe it), my channel EQ is always flat. I EQ nothing, and it sounds amazing....."

Matthias Konrad

http://www.project-pitchfork.eu/

ACHIM FAERBER IN ROMANIA WITH AUTOMAT-NEW VIDEO....

Excellent new video of Achim Faerber (Eisbrecher, Project Pitchfork, Prag, Automat) performing live with Automat at The Sound in Bucharest, Romania. Achim uses a variety of 1.5 Steel Snare Drums with Automat-Live and in the studio, and with Project Pitchfork & Prag. Thanks Achim...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wed5MzTBGzo&list=UU6TfTF-X8YJyl2VfNsTVr8Q

TODD SUCHERMAN & PETE STANBRIDGE-THE EMPYREAN............

I ran across some pictures this evening and had to talk about it. This drum, The Empyrean, is the joint effort between Pete Stanbridge of Stanbridge Drums, and Todd Sucherman of Styx. I remember when Todd sent me the third pic before it's release. I was sitting drinking my tea in the morning, and I pretty much just shook my head. Only two Masters could come create something like this. Todd has referred to Pete as the "Stradivarius Of Drum Makers"...Because he just simply is. He is a true pioneer, and a one of a kind. And Todd, as we all know, is one of the greatest talents that this world has to offer. Only these two together could create something as spectacular as this. Please see the link below for details on The Empyrean.....

http://www.stanbridgedrums.com/Stanbridge_Drum/Welcome.html

PAT McDONALD LIVE AT THE TOBIN CENTER TONIGHT-SAN ANTONIO-CHARLIE DANIELS BAND-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--6.5 X 14~

Great pic behind Pat's kit today at the new venue in San Antonio-The Tobin Center For Performing Arts. He has his Beier 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 on the road with him, and also his Beier 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14. Pictured is his 6.5 x 14. Every drummer I know talks about Pat McDonald. The comments range from the guy is spectacular...To.... He is from another planet. He can play simply anything/any style, in an astonishing fashion. Michael Foster and Bill Leverty from Firehouse know him well from his early years in Florida. Michael told me he told Pat that he was so good, he simply had to go to Nashville. Bill followed with when he did finally go to Nashville, he was working the minute he parked his car. And the rest is history. As an added note: Do not take this man seriously if you meet him. I asked another mutual friend-Jamo Van DeBogert when can you possibly know when he is not joking and serious. His reply: "He is never serious". So-You have my warning. I have to admit though, the guy is a riot, and absolutely everyone smiles when you bring his name up. Check out the links below for his solo's on the 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 & 6.5 x 14. Thank You  Pat McDonald for your support...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsZ1lIt4W-c&list=UU6TfTF-X8YJyl2VfNsTVr8Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLrjjZK9-e4&list=UU6TfTF-X8YJyl2VfNsTVr8Q

FRANK VILARDI-BACON BROTHERS-LATE LATE SHOW~NEW RECORD-36 CENTS~

Frank Vilardi is the long time drummer for the Bacon Brothers, and they appeared on the Late Late Show last night. They did a cut from their new record "36 cents". The song was "Wonderful Day", and they were a knockout. This whole band has been together for a long time, & I have seen them a number of times. They are always diverse, tight, and simply great. Frank has had a long and successful career drumming with numerous artists-Jewel and Donny Osmond to mention a few. When he is travelling with his own gear, he uses a Beier 1.5 Steel Snare--5.5 x 14 live. He also has one of the few Beier 2mm Brass--6 x 14 that are out there. Congrats you guys. Looking forward to picking up this new record which was released today......

http://baconbros.com/index.htm

http://www.cbs.com/shows/late_late_show/video/JzunhZLkfa54uim2V0KuRlRd6ShVZTwA/craig-ferguson-wonderful-day-the-bacon-brothers-/

STEVEN SWEET OF WARRANT......

Long time and original drummer for Warrant, & one of Rock's primary driving forces was kind enough to send me this simply awesome pic of him with his Beier 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14. I really appreciated this Steven. Warrant is as popular as ever these day's which is great. That means we will all be seeing you live soon, and are truly looking forward to it. Thanks Again for this....

http://warrantrocks.com/

TRENT ANDERSON-CHICAGO-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--6.5 X 14 & 6.5 X 15

A long time professional, Trent Anderson is Chicago based and has toured nationally & internationally with many different acts-Tuff & Bang Tango included. His new show band-Sushi Roll Band, plays throughout the Midwest and they simply are incredible, and are a must see. Trent is currently playing his Beier 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 live exclusively, and also has used his Beier 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 15 extensively live. Thank You for everything Trent....

https://www.facebook.com/sushirollband

ANDY PARKER-UFO..

Was delighted to receive this pic from Andy Parker of UFO last week. Andy was tracking in the UK for the new UFO record which is done, and is set for release in the coming months. He plays the Beier 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 live in Europe exclusively, and the Beier 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 & 6.5 x 14 live in the US exclusively. Andy has been a supporter of Beier Drums since the beginning, is a massive talent, a great friend, and an all-around good guy. Really looking forward to the new release. UFO....As we all know...Always delivers.

http://www.ufo-music.info/

RANDY WALKER-22 MEDIA PRODUCTIONS-

Very much enjoyed the recent pic from the multi-talented engineer and drummer Randy Walker--22 Media Productions. Randy has three Beier Snare Drums available in the studio: 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14. 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15, 2mm Brass--6 x 14, and also uses them live. Thank You Randy..

www.22mediaproductions.com

GEOFF TATE'S QUEENSRYCHE-FINAL SHOW...OPERATION MINDCRIME

Had the huge honor to see the final show of Geoff Tate's Queensryche two weeks ago. To see this band play together is an amazing experience in itself. Simon Wright's technique, power, and consistency is a top of the game experience for any drummer to get to watch. Have seen him three times this year. Every single time I do, it reintroduces the common knowledge that he simply is one of the greatest drummers in Rock. This entire band consisting of Randy Gane, Robert & Rudy Sarzo, Kelly Gray, Simon Wright & Geoff Tate are person for person one of the most talented packed groups out there. Special shout out to Randy Gane. Thanks for taking time out...Really enjoyed our conversation on music and sailing. Looking forward to the upcoming trilogy that this band will be starting soon.....

http://operationmindcrime.com/

DAVID NORTHRUP-RECENT SESSION WITH HIS BEIER 1.5 STEEL--6.5 X 14~

David Northrup just dropped me a line, and it is always great to hear from one of Nashville's best. He just finished a session with a Contemporary Christian Project, and used his Beier 1.5 Steel Snare--6.5 x 14 on one of the tracks. These two girls are truly different, and David's track was of course, as always...Phenomenal. Will update this post when the record is released later this Fall. Currently on the road with the Oak Ridge Boys...Check them out when they come through your town. Thank You David...

http://www.oakridgeboys.com/home

BRIAN WHEAT OF TESLA & HIS NEW BEIER 1.5 STEEL SNARE FOR HIS STUDIO-J STREET RECORDERS~

Was really happy to see Tesla in the area several weeks ago. It gave me a chance to deliver Brain Wheat's 1.5 Steel Snare--5.5 x 14 for his studio-J Street Recorders. For him to take notice of the sound of my drums is a massive compliment here. He is without a doubt one of the greatest bass players in Rock. The musical dialogue between him and Troy Luccketta has always been, and still is...Masterful. Check out their new record "Simplicity". It is incredible, huge sounding, and Tesla from start to finish. Thank You Brian....