Behind the Beat: John Douglas Powers Aerosmith’s Peace Out Tour And Reveals New Set

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The roar of thousands of excited fans filled the air as the legendary rock band Aerosmith took the stage at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center to kick off their highly anticipated Peace Out tour. The tour, consisting of 40 dates spanning from September to January, is already poised to become one of the most successful music events of the year. However, what many in the audience may not have known is that behind the thunderous beats of the band’s iconic songs was a man whose musical journey is a dream come true for any music lover – John Douglas.

From Drummer to Tech Guru back to Drummer for one of the biggest bands in the world

John Douglas, a name synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll rhythm, has a story that reads like a page from a rock biography. Starting his career as a drummer, he quickly gained recognition not just for his drumming skills but also for his innate understanding of the instrument. This understanding led him to a unique path in the music industry – becoming a drum tech for some of the biggest names in rock, including Alex Van Halen, Frank Beard, and Aerosmith’s very own Joey Kramer.

John’s role as a drum tech goes beyond just tuning and maintaining the drums. It’s about knowing the band’s music and drum parts inside out. “You have to be in sync with the band’s heartbeat,” John explained in an interview we had with him back in July. “It’s not just about the technical aspect; it’s about feeling the music and knowing what each member needs to give their best performance.”

The Unsung Hero

John Douglas has been the unsung hero of many Aerosmith tours. When the band’s original drummer, Joey Kramer, fell ill on several occasions, John stepped in, ensuring that the show went on without a hitch. His dedication and expertise have saved the day for Aerosmith multiple times, earning him the respect and gratitude of the band and their fans.

This Peace Out tour marks John’s third outing with Aerosmith, and he’s more than just a touring tech. He’s become an integral part of the Aerosmith family, and his residency in Las Vegas is a testament to the trust and camaraderie he shares with the band.

The Drum Kit that Drives the Beat

John’s drum kit setup is a carefully crafted masterpiece, reflecting his commitment to delivering the perfect sound. For this tour, his primary setup includes as outlines in our July interview with John HERE:

  • DW stainless steel shells: 11 x 13″ rack tom, 14 x 16″ floor tom, 16 x 18″ floor tom, and a massive 16 x 26″ kick.
  • A 6.5 x 14″ Stainless snare.
  • A range of REMO drumheads.
  • John also employs a couple of E-pads to trigger sounds and samples, ensuring that every note is perfect.
  • Cymbals from 2002: 19″ crash, 20″ power crash, 22″ power ride, and 22″ crash, alongside a 20″ medium ride and an 18″ china.
  • Not forgetting the pair of 15″ Sound Edge hi-hats, adding that unmistakable shimmer to the mix.

John’s meticulously crafted setup is a testament to his dedication to the art of drumming and his pursuit of excellence in every beat.

As Aerosmith’s Peace Out tour unfolds, fans around the world can rest assured that the rhythmic heartbeat of the band is in safe hands with John Douglas. From his humble beginnings as a drummer to becoming the trusted drum tech for rock legends, John’s journey is an inspiration for music lovers everywhere. With his skill, dedication, and the perfect drum kit, he ensures that the show goes on, night after night, leaving audiences awe-struck and inspired by the power of rock ‘n’ roll. So, as the tour continues its journey, let’s give a round of applause to the man behind the beat – John Douglas.

John took to Social Media to disclose his new set. 

John writes:

First show of the Aerosmith Peace Out farewell tour is in the books. Time to reveal my new drum kit…DW stainless steel shells , with a bit of custom paint . The good folks at Paiste printed the iconic Aerosmith logo on my new 2002’s. Remo heads all around including a special kick head I painted for the first show here in Philadelphia. Thanks to all the fans that came out last night and to all the great companies that support me. @dwdrums @paistecymbals @remopercussion @vaterdrumsticks @lpmusicofficial #aerosmith #aerosmithpeaceout #bluearmy #aeroforceone #rockdrummer #custompainteddrums Photos by MaGee and @theaaronperry

Visit John’s website: www.JohnDouglas.com

Get the tour dates for Aerosmith tour: www.aerosmith.com/tour

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