On 29th May 2004, Drumtech was lucky enough to welcome legendary drummer Dave
Lombardo of Classic Thrash metal band Slayer and experimental pioneers of extreme
music, Fantomas. An eager crowd of drummers had been looking forward to seeing
this master class all week and people got way more than they bargained for – a truly
incredible and enlightening clinic.

Casually sitting behind the drums, Dave gave a brief history of himself and his current
projects and then started to play. Everyone was desperate to hear his legendary double
bass chops, as after all, he was one of the great pioneers - and yes, he delivered. After
thrashing on the kit as only he can, he continued to talk further and effortlessly soloed at will.

When Dave offered the chance for the star-struck audience to question him, there was no
holding back.Dave’s answers were unpretentious, fascinating and shed even more light on
the man himself who still remains a key inspiration to today’s wannabe metal drummers.
Questions concerning his sound, set-up and endurance quickly became the most popular
topics for conversation. Dave’s sound is unique. Even though he was not playing his own kit
the sound behind the music of Slayer and Fantomas was ever-present for all to hear. Not
just because of his technique, but because of his FEEL.

Dave put this down to his years of experience in rehearsal and writing sessions. He’d rather
be out there,playing drums as a musical instrument with other players, than simply practising to a click in isolation. This then encouraged him to invite people up on stage to jam with him on the spot. One guy did just that, and it was most impressive. Heavy metal drummers are always stereotyped as unmusical, devoid of dynamics and lacking in taste, but Dave proved this to be so wrong. The jam started slow and tastefully with a solid groove and rather than play against the music, everything Dave did was a perfect match for the guitarist. There was musical space, there were dynamics, and above all there was great musical taste.

Dave’s drumming is dynamic, powerful, tribal, but most of all, inspiring. Over the past two
years of my attendance at Drumtech, this was one of the most exciting and engaging
masterclasses I have ever seen.

Sam White (Drumtech student)