pros?

[drumgod1]

I have a percussion performance degree and teach 4 nights a week. I also have the day job which keeps me in a house and minivan. I play in 3 original bands and play locally in Kansas & Missouri. I guess I would consider myself semipro.

[WecklsMechanic]

Yes..... I am one of the top pros out there. Been doing this stuff since I was 10 years old. Dropped out of High School to enter this world of technology and greasy grime....... er...... wait a minute?? Are you guys talking about professional auto mechanics or drummers?? [img]wink.gif[/img]

I've been hanging around "The Valley" (San Fernando Valley, just over the hill from Hollywood, Ca.) since I was born. I have no idea why the greatest drummers seem to gravitate to this part of town?? But it's great for any drummer that lives here!!!

Tell me this isn't the profession to be in?? (kidding)

....... here's a story.

Was at the Baked Potato one night checking out Brandon Fields (this was some 18 years ago). Greg Bissonet was playing. Hung out after the gig and talked with Greg for a while, helped him carry his drums out to the car. Eventually the question comes up, "What do you do for a living?". So I say "I'm a car mechanic." (Now mind you.... this is still when Greg lived with his brother Matt in a rented house in North Hollywood, just after getting out of Maynards band, and just getting to L.A.) So Greg starts telling me about the problems with his car...... the rest is history.

I've taken lessons with several great drummers mainly because of what I do professionally. And it has opened alot of doors for me. Funny how musicians need their cars, and most of them (initially) can't afford to fix them (I've never heard the term "starving musician" [img]wink.gif[/img] ). It's a double edged sword. It's given me great joy to help those that, at one time, had trouble paying their rent, but are now some of the most well known musicians around. As far as gigs go, I've played in many, many bands here in Los Angeles. Actually used to be in "Le Pow" with L.A. Danny who is another great drummer.

[Lorenzini]

My parents laughed at me when they realized that it was going to cost them in excess of $100,000 for me to go through the jazz studies program at USC, so I ended up with business and finance degrees... Although I did not go through a traditional music program, I studied privately. It has worked for the best, most of my bread comes from a real estate investment banking gig and secondary income as a professional drummer. I am currently playing with 5 bands, of which 3 are signed professional bands recording and touring the world.

[Groovemeister]

Great story WecklsMechanic!!!

BTW, have you actually fixed Dw's car? Who else's rides have you tuned?!?!?!

Like Randy, this is my job. It's all I'm any good at really, so I'm lucky I get to do it for a living...

MP

[WecklsMechanic]

Hey Groovemeister!!

Know Dave really well. Built his 69 Corvette that he used to own. He used to mention me on his old website with pics of the Vette when he was into the whole muscle car thing.

I've worked on Alex Acuna's BMW and his wifes Aerostar. Weckls Tahoe, then his wife Nino's Jeep (what a piece of crap that was!!) Haven't touched his new BMW X5 yet though, but I'm sure I will eventually. Dave Karisonys Toyota pickup (from the Rippingtons). Hopefully I'll see Vinnie with his Dodge Durango someday.... although ever since he found out I was an atheist, he hasn't e-mailed me back anymore?? Oh well........

At the last Chick gig, me and my drum teacher Tony Pia (plays in Edgar Winters group) went to talk to Dave after the show. As we're walking up to Dave I say to Tony, "I wonder if Rick Fierrabrachi (Chicks bass player) remembers I worked on his Toyota pickup when he was flat broke ( I mean flat broke as in he couldn't pay me for like a month!!). As we walk up we say hi to Dave whose chatting with Rick, and then Rick stops and says..... "John Stevenson", sticks his hand out and shakes mine. I said, "man!! I can't believe you remebered my name!!??".

Gary Meek, a monster sax player is a good customer of mine, so was Daryl Coraco (a local player). Brad Rabuchin, Bob Mair, Pauleen Wilson of the old band "Seawind". Uhhhhh...... I've forgotten more peoples cars that I've worked on than I remember. But thru this affiliation, I've made some really good freinds and great connections over the years.

[Klemme]

Originally posted by WecklsMechanic:
[QB]

I've worked on Alex Acuna's BMW and his wifes Aerostar. Weckls Tahoe, then his wife Nino's Jeep (what a piece of crap that was!!) Haven't touched his new BMW X5 yet though, but I'm sure I will eventually. Dave Karisonys Toyota pickup (from the Rippingtons). Hopefully I'll see Vinnie with his Dodge Durango someday.... although ever since he found out I was an atheist, he hasn't e-mailed me back anymore?? Oh well........

QB]

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Great! Alex is the greatest guy i've ever experienced, i had an opportunity to talk for a few secs with him about Bill Maxwell. It was a great experience, he radiates something, i don't know what it is, it just touches you real deep.

And i'm sure Vinnie is just too busy to use his car at the moment! You can't do that many gigs and be so intolerant at the same time!

Nice to see so many civilized drummers, with established families, full time work (!)...

If i will be granted the opportunity to get a big gig someday and maybe tour for a year or two i'll be very satisfied with my career as a drummer, i mostly love hanging in the studio and record and practice recording theories'n stuff. and the market for Studio Drummers has shrunk so much, that i highly doubt i would ever make a penny of gig'ing studio. So i probably end up shooting for a economy degree or something like that and continue my career in the Record Business working for this Danish record Shop who's in growth at the moment ( Got two new shops on the way, so big things happening! ). and Play as much as i can in the spare time and have a great time with the muscicians i love so much!.