My first kit was a pair of new sticks for $1 at the local record store and some cardboard boxes from the Shop Easy grocery store in Haney (now Maple Ridge) B.C. Canada. That was in 1961.

Bought my first real kit in 1965 (MIJ)....and my first Pro kit in 69...a 68/69 Gretsch Round Badge 5pc in Sunset Satin Flame. Played in a variety of bands from 69-76.

I quit playing a kit in 76 until 2007 when I bought my Purewoods. I kept my chops up a bit though in those kit-less 31 years. Got my vintage Gretsch kit in 2009 and joined up here soon after....everything has been downhill since thenDOH....refering to being somewhat hooked on all this vintage stuff. It's great though.

Thanks for starting this thread - its made me reflect on my drumming life = some great memories. By the way - I took up conga/hand drumming in 77 - so I didn't completely get away from drumming in those 31 'kit-less' years.

Cheers!

Gary

Here You have a appearance we did in Colombia

[ame]http://youtu.be/uu3-EZ8Ym4E[/ame]

Started in 1959 at the age of 10. 55 years. I'd rather play drums than do anything else.

I was 10 in 59 also (the year Sandy Nelson's Teen Beat hit the Charts/Airwaves) - you have a 2 year jumpstart on me. Yes - I hear you - sitting behind a kit and making music feels so good!

Thanks C717...excellent! I'm a big fan of Latin rhythm.

Since May 1, 1977 at age 15. There was a period of about 10 years (1989-99) where my job precluded me from playing with others, although I was able to use the drums just about daily, if only for 10 or 15 minutes.

Being able to play with people again was a real eye-opener.

Al

Boy you guys are all very impressive. Its neat to hear how long you guys have hung in there. Fifty plus years of playing, is there anything you cant play or do?

1969 @ 8 years old

going to be 45 years in June, and luckily can say still going.

first kit Ludwig Ruby strata. Had about 5 years then traded in 1976 for an Octoplus black vistalite set. Only set I ever got rid of, wish I had it now.

Jeff - It sounds like you haven't figured it out yet... we -all- suck! LOL

I practice every day to keep my chops up and to struggle with whatever new thing I'm trying to learn. But the learning process is the same for all of us... you feel like a complete spaz when you try something new, and then over time, with lots of repetition, you suck less at it. But you still suck.

I'm sure the other guys will agree, but no matter how long you've been playing, you're -always learning- and you're always trying to 'suck less' than you do now. :p

John

You are so right, my friend! Learning is what it's all about. Musicianship. Relationships. Life in general. Most of us try. Most of us come up short. The important thing for a person is to at least TRY. If one is honest, and gives it his best shot, what else can be expected?

Brian