Tommy Aldridge
Tommy Aldridge (born August 15, 1950)[1] is an American heavy metal and hard rock drummer. He is noted for his work with numerous bands and artists since the 1970s, such as Black Oak Arkansas, Pat Travers Band, Ozzy Osbourne, Gary Moore, Whitesnake, Ted Nugent, Thin Lizzy, Vinnie Moore and Yngwie Malmsteen.
Tommy Aldridge
Self-taught, Aldridge was initially inspired by the music of Cream, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. Drummers like Joe Morello, Ginger Baker, John Bonham and Mitch Mitchell were particularly influential as Aldridge developed his drumming style. Aldridge himself has become very influential and is regarded as a double bass drum pioneer in rock music.
Equipment[edit]
Aldridge plays Yamaha drums, a company he has been with since 1982. He has favored the Absolute Maple Nouveau series drums from Yamaha.[8] Yamaha has made an Aldridge Signature Snare drum that is a 7x14 stainless steel model with die cast hoops and black chrome hardware. His kick drum pedals are fitted with Danmar 207A Tommy Aldridge pedal beaters.[9] He uses Remo drum heads[10] and Aldridge Signature Pro-Mark drum sticks.[11]
Aldridge also endorses Paiste cymbals, and has been a Paiste Artist since January 2003. His cymbal selection can vary, but he prefers their 2002, Signature and RUDE cymbals.[12]