beyer drum up a dynamic storm at Drumfest 2005

This year’s Drumfest was a double header. Due to its success after 8 years at the Birmingham Conservatoire, Drumfest 2005 was expanded to include a second show held in August at the Brentwood Centre, Essex . 

“It was a total sellout,” said Drumfest compere Jason Roper, who was fully decked out and doing his Ozzy Osbourne routine. “We had over 1600 people at Brentwood, with a lot more trying to get in, all to hear some of the world’s best drummers strut their stuff. Both events were a great success, and we have to thank PMT music (Professional Music Technology) and the main sponsor Roland, together with some of the major drum suppliers like Pearl UK, Tama and Yamaha, who all helped to make it the biggest live drum event in the UK to date.” 

It was a fantastic lineup. Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck), Thomas Lang (Robbie Williams, SugaBabes, Ozzy Osbourne), Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth, Joe Satriani), Andy Edwards (Independent), Russel Gilbrook (Independent), Adrian Erlandsson (Cradle of Filth), Kenny Aronoff  (John Cougar Mellencamp) and Jimmy Chamberlain (Smashing Pumpkins).

 “It was a lot to manage in one gig”, explained FOH engineer Rik Elliss, from WorxAudio of Chesterfield. “Altogether there were 8 kits, ranging from a 9 mic setup through to 17 mics on the largest kit.  I used beyerdynamic’s Opus XL and the XXL drumkit sets, because they have such a well-balanced true sound, great for drums”.

Following on from this year’s success, Drumfest 2006 all ready being planned, with the hope of expanding into other locations.

For more information go to www.drumfest.net