JOE GILLIES
DRUMMER
B i o g r a p h y
I've been playing the drums since I was 10 years old when given the opportunity to learn an instrument in my hometown's summer music program. I was torn between guitar, piano and drums. Seeing the older kids walking to school carrying instruments looked like a pain in the ass to me. The drummers had sticks in their back pockets. That seemed easy. And besides, it looked really cool. Flash forward nearly 5 decades and that pair of sticks has turned into an obsession that fills my house, and trailer, with road cases , recording gear and multiple kits.
Let me know where and when you want me to play drums and I will be there. I'm interested in all types of music and love getting involved with different musicians in a variety of projects.
Over the years I have played in a variety of cover and original bands, done some recording, made some money and some life long friends but most importantly I've had a lot of fun. Drumming opportunities have taken me to gigs in San Francisco, Colorado, Florida, all over the Northeast, Montreal. and the Dominican Republic. Hey, I even played on a cruise ship once!
Sure I've had my share of those "almost made it" stories that never panned out. A meeting with Chubby Checker, a "sure thing" Atlantic Records deal and various attempts to fill vacated drumming seats for up and coming and established metal acts are just a few of my brushes with fame.
You can find me behind a variety of kits today. The 12 piece Pearl Fiberglass kit I played with Alive! '75 and Dressed To Kill is an exact replica of Peter Criss's kit from the Destroyer tour . It features 6", 8", 10", 12", 13", 14", 15" and 16" rack toms, 16" and 18" floor toms with a 22" kick and a stainless steel free floating snare. (Okay, I took some creative liberties on the snare). This kit is currently resting comfortably waiting for the next opportunity to don the makeup and play some classic KISS.
The 5 piece PDP Concept kit (12", 14", 16", 22" is the current configuration) in a Transparent Cherry Lacquer finish is my go to gigging kit while my DW Classics in Ruby Glass currently take up residence in my home studio.
I round out the stable with a couple of Ludwig kits. My original '72 Classics can be seen on stage with Paradise Rose and Stiff Upper Lip in two different configurations. 13", 20" and 24" for the former and 13", 16", 20" and 24" for the later. I also have a Breakbeats kit (10", 13" 16") in White Sparkle that I am enjoy playing in smaller, lower volume settings.
I use Vic Firth sticks and Zildjian cymbals exclusively. Other gear includes Shure and Audix mics and the Kelly Shu for kick drum miking. And I don't go anywhere without my UE in ear monitors.
Whichever band I'm manning the drum stool for, or kit you find me behind please come up and say hello.
- Joe