Gary Says Hello

I was born on 3rd August 1979 and share my birthday with Terry Wogan, CLASS!

I was brought up with music always being played in the house, albeit mostly traditional, through da old wife being able to turn a tune on da box and having a smart ass sister who played piano, fiddle and accordion.

My first venture into music was playing the fiddle around the age of 8. I went to Shetland’s Young Heritage on a Saturday morning for lessons but it was quickly apparent that I was a lame duck! I have to confess though that I was far more into football etc and so the next lesson would come and the fiddle had never been touched from the week before, it was quickly ditched.

My interest in playing the drums came when I was around 12 mainly because I thought it was cool. I started lessons with Dougie Johnstone and progressed fairly well. My first drum kit was bought as a Christmas present and was a ‘Thunder’, certainly sounded like it. I played my first gig shortly after with Stanley Hunter at the Bridge-End hall, it was a memorable experience with a notable Sandwick guitarist coming up for a tune and flaking out!

Since then I’ve played on occasion with most dance bands in Shetland as well as the brass and pipe bands. I’ve always listened to other kinds of music and my tastes are varied, from Red Hot Chili Peppers to James Brown and the JB’s and the Buddy Rich Big Band although you’ll find most genre’s in my collection.

My main drumming influences come from Douglas Johnstone, Buddy Rich, Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta and Chad Smith.

A rare photo of Gary, from John Peel Night at Mooney's.

I had always wanted to play ‘non-traditional’ music with a band with funk/blues being a priority. Having shared a flat with Nicol at university and knowing his musical influences playing music with him came very easy and with Priesty pumping out those funky riffs it didn’t take long for us to gel. In Jamieson you get the best front man since James Brown, well what more can you say?

Feel the funk!

I play:

  • Premier Signia Maple drum kit in cherry red: 22” bass drum, 10, 12, 14 and 16” toms.
  • Various snares: Signia Maple 14×5.5”, Yamaha Vinnie Colaiuta Signature snare, Ludwig 14×5” Black Beauty and a DW 14×5” maple/brass Edge snare.
  • Zildjian cymbals
  • DW double pedal
  • Vic Firth SD4 Combo sticks

Posted:Oct 29, 10:42 AM by David Nicol

  1. So wha wiz the guitarist then Gary?
    — Adam    Nov 3, 11:33 AM    #
  2. Better not mention him by name, all I’ll say is Jazzy sideburns!
    — Tucker    Nov 4, 03:12 PM    #
  3. I allways thought you liked the drums as it ment you could sit on your arse?
    — Ryan    Nov 22, 02:33 PM    #
  4. That too Ryan, much like yourself…
    — Tucker    Nov 22, 03:05 PM    #
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