I started playing drums at the age of 13. My Father was a drummer and he had a set of 1967 Ludwigs in storage. For some reason I set them up and started to bang around on them, I really didn't have a clue what I was doing. That night I watched some drummers on music videos and it started to make sense how the drum kit worked. I listened to an album my brother had called 'Hemispheres' by Rush. It was intense! I heard music differently all of a sudden and I had to learn how to drum like that! I became obsessed with the drums, air drumming in my room all night and playing along to albums all day. I taught myself in the beginning, learning all the licks from John Bonham, Neil Peart, Tim "Herb" Alexander, Lars Ulrich, and many others.

Through my late teenage years I didn't play too much, and it always bothered me that I wasn't pursuing music. I ended up getting a job at a music store, I didn't realize at the time that it was the best networking move I ever made.

I started to put my heart into it again with a renewed passion. My musical tastes started to change, I was listening to jazz fusion with drummers like Dennis Chambers, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl and Virgil Donati.

So I started playing with anybody, anytime, anywhere. I learned so much during those years. I performed with local cover bands in pubs, clubs, and festivals, in the nastiest bars in East Vancouver to 5 star hotels in Whistler. I cut my teeth in the recording studio also with late night sessions, getting little or no sleep just to get the exposure and experience. During this time I started singing lead and backup while playing, a valuable asset for a drummer to posses.

I met a guitarist named David Martone and auditioned for his band. David was and still is the greatest guitarist I've ever worked with. Since then we've created lots of exciting, challenging instrumental fusion music together. David's music helped me push the limit with my playing, and he's been a large influence and inspiration to me. My playing had matured, and I quickly jumped into some great gigs in town. I also started teaching 15 or so students a week, managing a music store full time and juggling 3 or 4 bands!

My big break happened when my good friend, Jane called. She runs the 'Armoury' studios where 3 Doors Down were mixing their latest album. I dropped by the studio and met the guys. Chris Henderson (guitarist) had heard the Martone CD and loved my playing. He played it for the guys and they loved it also. I got invited to stay for dinner and hang with them. They wanted to see me play, so I bashed around on the studio kit for them. They wanted to fly me to Mississippi the next week to audition as the touring drummer, no problem!

Since then it.s been close to 300 shows, every state 3 times and a dozen countries. There.s just too many experiences to tell about! The future looks bright, I'm appearing on many recordings, and 3DD continues to plow ahead successfully. I'm still recording with Martone and a new album should be released by the end of the year. Also, look out for the track "Santa Monica" from the band Theory of a Deadman, I had a chance to guest appear on their album.
 

http://www.daniel-adair.com/