Drumming News :.
Bandy, Greg (March 18, 1951 – May 23, 2025): Renowned jazz drummer Greg Bandy, whose melodic and dynamic playing fueled bands led by Pharoah Sanders, Jackie McLean, Betty Carter, and Gary Bartz, has died at 74 in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Beginning his professional career at age 11, Bandy studied at the Cleveland Music School Settlement and toured nationally before moving to New York at 20, where he earned acclaim performing at legendary clubs including Minton’s Playhouse, Lenox Lounge, and Showman’s Café, earning the nickname “The Mayor of Harlem.” Over a 50-year career, he toured internationally, taught percussion at Oberlin Conservatory and Cuyahoga Community College, and led his own group, Greg Bandy & Friends. Known for his versatility from hard bop to bluesy ballads, Bandy appeared on numerous acclaimed recordings, including Gary Bartz’s Live @ the Jazz Standard Vol. 1, Soprano Tones, and Coltrane Rules: Tao of a Music Warrior, leaving a lasting impact on generations of musicians. He is survived by his children, sister, grandchildren, great-grandson, and many friends.
Binks, Les (August 8, 1951 – March 15, 2025): Les Binks, Northern Irish drummer best known for his influential tenure with Judas Priest, died on March 15, 2025, at age 73. Joining the band in 1977, Binks played a key role in shaping their late-1970s sound, appearing on Stained Class, Killing Machine (Hell Bent for Leather), and the live classic Unleashed in the East. He co-wrote “Beyond the Realms of Death” and helped pioneer faster, more precise heavy metal drumming on tracks like “Exciter.” After leaving Judas Priest in 1979, Binks continued performing with various metal projects and later fronted Les Binks’ Priesthood. He reunited with Judas Priest for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2022, cementing his legacy as a foundational figure in British heavy metal.
Blickle, Allen (March 8, 1983– Sept. 5, 2025): Allen Blickle was the drummer for Baroness from the band’s early days, contributing to albums like Red Album, Blue Record, and Yellow & Green. Tragically, Blickle passed away in September 2012 at the age of 42, just a year after surviving a bus crash that left him and other band members injured. He left Baroness in 2013 due to the aftermath of the crash. Aside from Baroness, Blickle was also involved with other bands, including Romantic Dividends, A Place to Bury Strangers, and Alpaca.
Brown, Rodney (1947 – May 17, 2025): Pioneering Funk Drummer, Rodney Brown, the drummer behind Dyke & the Blazers’ 1967 hit “Funky Broadway,” has died at 78. A lifelong Phoenix resident, Brown’s innovative skipped-beat syncopation helped lay the foundation for funk drumming and influenced generations, including Clyde Stubblefield’s famous beat on James Brown’s “Funky Drummer.” He began drumming as a teenager and joined Dyke & the Blazers after just six months behind the kit, touring nationally and performing at New York’s Apollo Theater, though the band’s momentum was tragically halted when frontman Arlester “Dyke” Christian was shot in 1971. Later in life, Brown played locally and worked in real estate, always proud of his role in funk’s early days. As he once said, “Funk started right here in the desert, and we were part of the group that started it.” His influence continues to resonate across funk, R&B, and hip-hop.
Buckler, Rick (December 6, 1955 – February 17, 2025): Rick Buckler, the iconic drummer of The Jam, passed away on February 17, 2023, at age 69. He was with The Jam from their formation in the late ’70s until their breakup in 1982, contributing to some of the band’s biggest hits, including “A Town Called Malice” and “That’s Entertainment.” After The Jam, Buckler formed Time UK and later worked in music production, carpentry, and art.
Burke, Clem (November 24, 1954 – April 7, 2025): – Clem Burke, the legendary drummer for Blondie and a central figure in the New Wave movement, passed away at 70 after a private battle with cancer. Known for his explosive, genre-spanning rhythms on hits like “Heart of Glass” and “One Way or Another,” Burke’s drumming shaped Blondie’s sound and influenced generations of musicians. Beyond the band, he was a sought-after session and touring drummer, worked on the Clem Burke Drumming Project, and earned an honorary doctorate for his contributions to music and drumming research.
Byrd, David Edward (April 4, 1941 – February 3, 2025): Celebrated poster artist and drummer David Edward Byrd, whose vibrant, psychedelic designs captured the energy of the 1960s and ’70s rock scene, has died at 83 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from pneumonia complicated by COVID-related lung damage. Byrd created iconic posters for Jimi Hendrix, the Who, the Rolling Stones, and Broadway productions including Follies and Godspell, blending kaleidoscopic colors with Art Nouveau-inspired forms. He shared a 1973 Grammy Award for his illustration of the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Tommy, and his work extended to album covers for Lou Reed, Kiss, and tours for Van Halen. Born in Cleveland, Tennessee, Byrd studied at Carnegie Mellon and taught illustration at Pratt Institute, leaving a lasting influence on concert poster design and visual culture of the psychedelic era. He is survived by his husband, Jolino Beserra.
Cronin, Tim (February 1, 1962 – July 8, 2025): Tim Cronin, founding member and drummer of Monster Magnet, passed away in July 2025 at the age of 63 after a battle with ALS. Cronin was initially the band’s drummer before transitioning to bass, playing on their early releases, including Spine of God (1991). After leaving Monster Magnet, Cronin also led the Ribeye Brothers and worked at Jack’s Music Shoppe in Red Bank, New Jersey. His contributions were pivotal in the early years of Monster Magnet’s unique sound.
DeJohnette, Jack (August 9, 1942 – October 27, 2025): The legendary jazz drummer, has died at 83 in Kingston, N.Y., from congestive heart failure. A pianist-turned-drummer, DeJohnette redefined jazz with his work alongside Miles Davis, Charles Lloyd, and Keith Jarrett, including on Bitches Brew and the Standards Trio. As a bandleader, he led projects like Special Edition, Hudson, and Made in Chicago, earning two Grammys and the 2012 NEA Jazz Master title.He is survived by his wife, Lydia, and daughters Farah and Minya. His innovative rhythms and musical vision leave a lasting legacy.
Draper, Terry (September 22, 1951 – May 15, 2025): Terry Draper, Canadian drummer and songwriter, passed away on May 15, 2025, at age 73 after battling leukemia. Known for his work with the 1970s progressive rock band Klaatu, Draper co-wrote their hit “Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft,” which was later covered by The Carpenters. After leaving Klaatu, Draper released 22 solo albums, known for their cinematic sound and storytelling. He continued creating music until his final days, finishing an album just hours before his death. Draper’s legacy lives on in his music, his family, and his influence on Canadian rock.
Fabra, Wayne “Doobie” (October 1, 1966 – January 15, 2025): original drummer of New Orleans band GRAVEYARD RODEO, died on January 15 at the age of 58. A pioneering force in the city’s punk and metal scene, Fabra helped bridge the genres and influenced countless musicians, including Kyle Thomas of EXHORDER, who called him a “friend and mentor” and praised his powerful drumming and presence. Known for his hard-hitting style and occasional vocals, Fabra played a key role in shaping New Orleans’ underground music scene alongside his bandmates, leaving a legacy celebrated by all who knew him.
Float, Catherine (April 29, 1959 – October 28, 2025): The percussion world mourns the loss of Catherine Float, a pioneering percussionist, educator, and composer whose work transformed the marching arts, especially front ensembles. Known for her lifelong partnership with her late husband, Tom Float, she helped shape the sound of the Blue Devils in the 1980s, leading them to multiple championships and four consecutive High Drum titles. Catherine began as a member of the Spirit of Atlanta front ensemble and later worked with the Velvet Knights, school programs, and Tama Drums, influencing generations of performers through her teaching, innovations, and presence at DCI, PASIC, and TMEA. Celebrated for her precision, energy, and vision, she paved the way for women in marching percussion and inspired countless students and colleagues. Catherine and Tom were recently elected to the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame, with their induction scheduled for December 2025. Her legacy of creativity, mentorship, and passion continues to resonate across the marching arts community.
Foster, Al (January 18, 1943 – May 28, 2025): Al Foster, influential jazz drummer, passed away on May 28, 2025, at age 82. Renowned for his expressive style, Foster was best known for his work with Miles Davis, contributing to albums like Big Fun and Agharta. He also collaborated with jazz legends like Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, and McCoy Tyner. Foster led his own projects and remained active until his final performance on his 82nd birthday. His unique groove and innovative drumming left an indelible mark on modern jazz. He is survived by his partner, children, and grandchildren.
Gadd, Duke (July 23rd, 1964 – February 12, 2025): Duke Gadd, drummer for Corey Feldman and son of legendary drummer Steve Gadd, passed away on February 12, 2025, in Las Vegas. At the time of his death, Gadd was actively performing as Feldman’s drummer and was beginning to establish his own presence in the music world while carrying on his family’s renowned musical legacy. Further details surrounding his passing have not been publicly released.
Johnson, Garry “Jellybean” (November 16, 1956 – November 21, 2025): Garry Johnson, legendary drummer of The Time and a key architect of the Minneapolis Sound, passed away on November 21, 2025, at age 69. Born in Chicago and raised in Minneapolis, Johnson co-founded The Time with Morris Day and worked closely with Prince, contributing to hits like “Jungle Love,” “Cool,” and “777-9311,” and appearing in the film Purple Rain. Beyond The Time, he wrote and produced for artists including Patti LaBelle, Janet Jackson, and New Edition. Founder of the Minneapolis Sound Museum, Johnson was celebrated as a devoted family man and mentor. Tributes from Morris Day, Sheila E., and others honored his musical genius and enduring influence on funk, R&B, and pop. His legacy as a drummer, innovator, and cornerstone of the Minneapolis Sound will continue to resonate.
Lavis, Gilson (June 27, 1951 – November 5, 2025): Gilson Lavis, English drummer best known for his work with Squeeze, died at his home in Lincolnshire at age 74. Joining Squeeze in 1976, Lavis helped define the band’s classic sound on hits such as “Cool for Cats,” “Up the Junction,” and “Labelled with Love.” After leaving Squeeze, he became a longtime member of Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, performing until his retirement in 2024. Beyond music, Lavis earned acclaim as a portrait artist, exhibiting works of iconic musicians. Remembered as a soulful performer and generous spirit, his creative legacy spans both rhythm and art.
Mazur, Marilyn (January 18, 1955 – December 12, 2025): Renowned Danish-American jazz percussionist Marilyn Mazur died on December 12, 2025, at age 70, after an illness, leaving behind a legacy of innovative drumming and composition known for her work with Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter. Mazur, born in New York in 1955, became a significant figure in contemporary jazz, celebrated for her unique style and contributions to groups like Miles Davis’s band and Palle Mikkelborg’s Aura project.
Moholo-Moholo, Louis Tebogo (March 10, 1940 – June 13, 2025): Louis Moholo-Moholo, the pioneering South African jazz drummer and bandleader, passed away at 85, leaving a legacy that spanned six decades and bridged continents. As a member of the legendary Blue Notes and later the Brotherhood of Breath, he fused African rhythms with avant-garde jazz, influencing global improvisational music. Known for his explosive energy and delicate touch, Moholo-Moholo collaborated with jazz greats including Chris McGregor, Dudu Pukwana, and Keith Tippett, and led ensembles such as Spirits Rejoice and Viva La Black. After returning to South Africa in 2005, he continued performing, mentoring, and celebrating South African jazz until his later years.
Muir, Jamie (November 30, 1942 – February 17, 2025): Jamie Muir, former percussionist for King Crimson, died on February 17, 2025, at the age of 79. Muir had a brief but influential role in King Crimson, playing on their 1973 album Larks’ Tongues in Aspic before leaving the band shortly after its release. He pursued a monastic lifestyle in Southern Scotland and later returned to music in 1980, though he fully retired from performing by 1990 to focus on painting.
Paa Kow (December 23, 1975 – December 23, 2025): Renowned Ghanaian drummer and composer Paa Kow, celebrated for his virtuosic hand-carved drum performances and fusion of highlife, jazz, and Afro-pop, has died at 50. Born in Enyan Denkyira near Cape Coast, he began performing in his family’s concert band as a child and rose to prominence as a teenager with highlife star Amakye Dede, later collaborating with Kojo Antwi, George Darko, Nat Brew, and gospel artist Yaw Sarpong. Internationally acclaimed, Paa Kow performed across Africa, Europe, and the U.S., releasing acclaimed albums including Hand Go Hand Come, Ask, Cookpot, and Nkwa Na Ehia. Praised by longtime collaborator Brad Goode as a “master drummer, bandleader, and spiritual force,” Paa Kow inspired generations of musicians with his music promoting peace and unity. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Price, Thommy (December 9, 1956 – October 10, 2025): Legendary rock drummer Thommy Price, best known for his nearly 30-year tenure with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, died at 68. Born in Brooklyn, Price also played on Billy Idol’s Rebel Yell and worked with Debbie Harry, Roger Daltrey, and Blue Öyster Cult. Celebrated for his powerful, versatile drumming, he was considered the “heartbeat” of the Blackhearts and a respected session musician. He is survived by his wife, Stefunny, and their daughter, Brooklyn.
Prince, Viv (August 9, 1941 – September 8, 2025): British drummer Viv Prince, dubbed “rock’s original madman,” died at 84 in Portugal. Born in Loughborough, Prince played with early ’60s jazz and skiffle groups before joining Carter-Lewis & the Southerners and later The Pretty Things, where his chaotic energy and outrageous antics left a lasting mark on rock history. Known for inspiring drummers like Keith Moon and influencing the caricature of unhinged rockers in This Is Spinal Tap, Prince’s wild spirit made him a cult legend despite a brief career with the band.
Profus, Chuck (November 2, 1963 – June 6, 2025): Chuck Profus, best known for his drumming with speed metal bands Agent Steel and Obscene Gesture, died on June 4, 2025, at age 61. Profus was a founding member of Agent Steel, where he helped pioneer their thrash sound in the ’80s. After leaving the band in 2002, he formed Obscene Gesture, continuing to create music until his death. Profus was known for his high-energy performances and lasting influence on the metal scene.
de los Reyes, Walfredo Sr. (June 16, 1933 – August 28, 2025): Cuban-born percussionist Walfredo de los Reyes Sr., who fused Afro-Cuban rhythms with modern drumming and shaped the sound of Latin jazz, died at 92. Born in Havana, he performed with legends including Frank Sinatra, Tito Puente, and Tony Bennett, and influenced generations of drummers through his innovative techniques. His musical legacy continues through his sons, Walfredo Jr. and Daniel de los Reyes, and granddaughter Lilliana, ensuring his rhythm and spirit endure worldwide.
Richter, Guido (March 28, 1964 – August 30, 2025): German thrash metal drummer Guido “Atomic Steif” Richter, best known for his work with Sodom in the 1990s, has died. Richter played on the Sodom albums Get What You Deserve (1994) and Masquerade in Blood (1995) and also performed with German thrash acts Living Death and Assassin. Remembered for his aggressive, precise drumming, Richter helped shape the German thrash scene during his career, leaving a lasting mark on metal fans worldwide.
Rossi, Aaron (December 6, 1980 – January 27, 2025): Aaron Rossi, former drummer for the industrial metal band Ministry, passed away on January 27, 2025, from a heart attack at age 44. Rossi was part of Ministry during its Grammy-nominated period, contributing to their live album Adios … Puta Madres and the 2013 album From Beer to Eternity. He had also worked with artists like John 5, Prong, and Ankla, leaving a significant mark in the metal and industrial music scenes.
Simmons, Baba Bradley (November 14, 1951 – May 22, 2025): Durham-based percussion master Baba Bradley Simmons, known for his expertise in West African and Afro-Cuban drumming, died at 73. A fixture at Duke University for nearly 30 years, Simmons taught djembes, congas, and dununs while preserving African musical traditions. Revered as both teacher and spiritual guide, his influence shaped generations of musicians and enriched the local and global percussion community.
Soccoli, Marco (August 11, 1962 – April 12, 2025): Marco Soccoli, drummer for NYC glam rock band ROXX and longtime music industry mentor, passed away at 62. Known for his innovative drumming and pioneering work in artist relations with companies like Vic Firth, Sam Ash, and Drumkeyshop, Marco left a lasting impact on drummers and musicians worldwide. Beyond his stage career, he was celebrated for his generosity, mentorship, and tireless advocacy for the drumming community.
Thomas, Glyn (April 22, 1939 – February 23, 2025): Glyn Thomas, drummer, e-drum pioneer, and key promoter of Simmons electronic drums, passed away on February 23, 2025, at age 85. Born in Newcastle, England, Thomas played with the Bo St. Runners and early Manfred Mann, later backing Motown acts in the 1960s. Transitioning from performance to industry, he became a Pearl drums clinician and then opened Group Centre, Ltd., introducing Simmons’ innovative electronic kits to the UK and later the US. Thomas played a central role in the e-drum revolution, contributing to the development of Simmons SDSV, SDS7, SDS9, and SDX kits, and promoting the instruments to top drummers worldwide. After leaving Group Centre, he returned to England, enjoying retirement with family and friends.
Villeneuve, Norman Marshall (May 29, 1938 – July 9, 2025): Montreal jazz drummer Norman Marshall Villeneuve, celebrated for his bebop mastery and mentorship of young musicians, died at 87 from a brain aneurysm. A self-taught talent who performed with legends like Duke Ellington and Curtis Fuller, Villeneuve was a cornerstone of Canada’s jazz scene. His legacy endures through the Norman Marshall Villeneuve Scholarship and the countless artists he inspired worldwide.
Williams, Daniel (December 12, 1985 – May 22, 2025): Daniel Williams, drummer for the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, tragically died in a plane crash on May 22, 2025. Williams was with the band from its inception in 2005 until 2016. The Devil Wears Prada honored him with an emotional tribute following his untimely passing, with the band writing, “We owe you everything. Love you forever.”
