Photo by Karen Steains

VIC FIRTH ARTIST
CHAD WACKERMAN

A phenomenally skilled jazz and rock drummer, Chad's professional career began in 1978 with the Bill Watrous band. Since then he has amassed a remarkable body of work including a seven year association with Frank Zappa, with whom he toured the USA and Europe and recorded 26 albums including the London Symphony recordings.

He has also recorded 6 albums and toured with guitar legend Allan Holdsworth, played on the One Voice album and video with Barbra Streisand, and recorded albums and toured with artists as diverse as Steve Vai, Andy Summers, Men At Work, Ed Mann, Albert Lee, Colin Hay, Dweezil Zappa and Tom Grant.

Chad has also toured with James Taylor, John Patitucci, Joe Sample, Banned From Utopia and The World Drummers Ensemble (Bill Bruford, Luis Conte, Dou Dou Ndiaye Rose and Chad Wackerman) and most recently toured the USA with another ex Zappa drummer - Terry Bozzio.

As a band leader and composer Chad has four critically acclaimed CDs titled 'Forty Reasons', 'The View', 'Scream', and his latest release 'Legs Eleven'. Chad has written music for the television show 'The Dennis Miller Show', as well as composing music for Allan Holdsworth's 'Secrets' , 'Wardenclyffe Tower' and 'Sixteen Men of Tain' CDs.

Chad's drumming combines the power and conviction of rock with the sensitivity and finesse of jazz. His playing is remarkably free of predictable patterns and licks, relying instead on invention and interplay with the musicians around him.


VIDEO INTERVIEW:

 Chad on Allan Holdsworth
  Chad talks about his current gig playing with Allan Holdsworth, as well as his influences and his seven-years of work with Frank Zappa.
 Solos and Duets
  Hear how Chad got started on the drums and check out video cuts from Bozzio & Wackerman's Solos and Duets DVD!




See more of Chad in action!
Terry Bozzio and Chad Wackerman: Solos and Duets

Recorded live at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood, CA, “Solos &Duets” features the incredible drumming of two of today’s most exciting drum artists, Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons, Steve Vai) and Chad Wackerman (Men At Work, Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth). Included along with the spectacular individual and duo performances are interviews as well as the drummers’ note-perfect duet of Zappa’s infamous “Black Page #1." Bonus 2-disc Set! Bozzio: Live in Concert included! For more information, visit www.dwdrums.com!


   

Chad's Vic Firth stick of choice:
American Classic® 5B
Tear drop tip. Ideal for rock, band and practice.
L=16", Dia.=.595"


MORE AUDIO INTERVIEW SEGMENTS!

 

 Clip 1: The Early Years
  Learning the basics of technique and reading.
 Clip 2: Early Drumming Experience
  College, gigging, studio work, Bill Watrous and auditioning for Frank Zappa.
Clip 3: Chad's Frank Zappa Stories
  Chad shares a few stories about his seven years working with Frank Zappa.
 Clip 4: Other Projects
  Allan Holdsworth, Andy Summers, The Dennis Miller Show, solo projects, duets with Terry Bozzio.

 

For Chad's current touring and clinic schedule, visit him online!

http://www.chadwackerman.com