Tommy Aldridge

[MunsieMan]

The king of double bass...the first time i saw Tommy was at a drum clinic in Oshawa at the time i wasnt really in to drumming but now i wish i had paid more attention. Ive been playing Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights) alot and i cant really copy Aldridges style but its close. Anyone have comments on the king of double bass?

[DogBreath]

I remember him from the song Boom Boom, Out Go The Lights. That song was huge way back when I was in school.

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Tommy_Aldrigde.html

[K Chez]

Next to Bonham, my favorite drummer of all time. Saw kim with Ozzy 4 times, but was never lucky enough to catch a clinic. I've also been on a quest to find his second video-one of the guys over on the Pearl forum made me a DVD of the first one, but I'm still looking for the second. Anyone know if he's still doing clinics and if so, where can you find a schedule? His website hasn't been updated in ages.

[largo61]

Tommy Aldridge is a great drummer. I saw him at a Ted Nugent concert and he was great. It was the last time I will see the Nuge in Ohio because of the noise ordinence. Tommy had a 20 minute drum solo. It was among the best solos I have seen. Half way through the solo he threw his sticks into the crowd and did the solo with his hands. I was amazed that he could generate so much sound out of the drums and cymbals without sticks. When the song kicked back in he was hoding his hands leaning over his snare in pain. They played for three hours strait. I love the sound of his drums. He is the king of double-bass. He has thosed Yamaha bass subkicks. They give his bass such a boom. He is a great drummer.

[MunsieMan]

ya he is an amazing drummer Whitesnake played at the Docks in Toronto to bad you have to be 19 i was pissed when i heard that i got to go see him play live at a drum clinic awhile back it was awsome

[JohnMunsey]

Tommy was a pioneer in double bass drum fills decades ago.

There's an interview with him here!

http://www.drumradio.com/famoustalks.htm

[Sutor]

When i click to view the 'show 1' and 'show 2' it says theres an error and it wont open :(

[harryconway]

I first saw Tommy Aldridge drumming for Black Oak Arkansas. Playing a clear maple Ludwig kit modified with Rogers hardware. He certainly raised the bar on double-bass rock playing. Got to meet him several years ago and what a nice dude also.

[Loge]

Tommy was the first rock drummer I ever saw perform live. Black Oak Arkansas was the opener for Grand Funk at the old (and now gone) Atlanta Stadium around 1970. Was too far up in the stands to see what kit he was playing - just remember it was big. They put on a good show with a lot of humor. Wasn't sure what to think at the time as it was my first concert and a real sensory overload.
A few years later, I really got into his playing on that double B.O.A. live album. Remember there was a good extended drum solo of his that I played over and over again.

Seem to remember he played and endorsed the Premier 'Projector ' line in the late '80s. I've got a soft spot for those drums - they're the ones I play now.

[Hans Freitass]

I saw Tommy yesterday in Lisbon in a Whitsnake concert.
Tommy performed wonderfully.
His solo was great and i enjoyed a lot.
An excellent drummer indeed.
Coverdale still an enormous singer and the whole group in a very good plan. But Tommy?
Just great, unforgettable...
My drum hello for everibody in the Forum!
Hans Freitass

[mikeybbdrummin]

I saw Tommy do a drum clinic in 1991. He was very good. Alot of different hand/foot
patterns. I have his first video. I like his playing on "Speak of the Devil" live album. Also on Whitesnakes "Slip of the toungue" album.

[Pocketman]

I saw Tommy this past NAMM show at the Yamaha Groove Night. He and others like Gadd, Weckl and Keith Carlock did a song with a great band. He played the Whitesnake song "Crying In The Rain" and he absolutely stole the show. He played with such intensity and confidence that he blew the crowd away. He was so good that I heard later backstage both Gadd and Weckl bowed in front in him saying "We're not worthy!" It was all anyone spoke about later.

[Drums558]

I loved Tommys work with Pat Travers, my band played Gettin Betta and we tried to work up Makes No Difference but I couldn't play double kick at that speed. That was back in 1979.
Tommy is a true drumming pioneer.
Mike

[ellenvannin105]

I remember Tommy Aldridge from Cal Jam in 1974.B.O.A were on the bill and Tommy was clearly the best musician in that band.He certainly held his own on a bill that also included the likes of Ian Paice,Carl Palmer and the Santana Percussionists,but the thing I remember most was singer Jim Dandy Mangrum's goofy comments during the drum solo: "alright..play them knuckles..." Huh?

[Laurent]

Tommy is wonderful. Mainly in a live setting. I've seen him twice with Whitesnake and I cannot think of anyone more impressive than Tommy in the hard rock world. Not even Carmine Appice whom I saw live with Ozzy in 1983 opening for Whitesnake with Cozy Powell on drums.

The "hands" section in his solo is a classic and he's been doing it for years. There is a new Whitesnake CD/DVD - "Live In the Still Of The Night" - that features some amazing drumming from Tommy.

A friend of mine was MD and two others played/attended (they're top L.A. cats) for the Yamaha Groove Night at the NAMM 2006 and they all commented how impressive Tommy was. To impress those guys, one must be doing something right ! :-)

Tommy to me is hands down the best hard rock drummer of all time.

[jemhadar]

Tommy is awesome. Saw him on the Whitesnake tour in july, unbeliveable

[photon]

I saw him with BOA some time in the late 70's. What a career he's had...and still going strong...!

[mikeybbdrummin]

I just watched the Whitesnake Live dvd/ In The Still of The Night (2004). Overall very good. Tommy plays like typical Tommy...........double bass everywhere...........most of the songs had it in the originals though. Drum solo; half sticks, half hands. He sounded great on the whole thing. David Coverdale sounded great. Mid fifties ( as Tommy is) and still kicks ass. Surprised to see Reb Beach (Winger) playing guitar.
16 songs plus a drum solo. Worth the 14.95. For 24.95 you get the dvd and a cd of 10 of the songs performed.

[flicky]

I like his playing on "Speak of the Devil" live album

Oh yes! He's awesome on that album! I've learned so much from him by learning that album. Then came his video.... I was in heaven! You can hear it in my playing still.
He is my main influence and so is Mikkey Dee.

Tommy's web site http://www.tommyaldridge.com/

[drummerchick435]

Tommy Aldridge is a great drummer and nice too...I emailed him once and he took the time to email back!!! That is one of my greatest drumming moments!

[flicky]

Tommy Aldridge is a great drummer and nice too...I emailed him once and he took the time to email back!!! That is one of my greatest drumming moments!

Did you email him through his web site?

[mikeybbdrummin]

Tommy is a great drummer and influence to a lot of drummers. A double bass master back in the day and now. The problem is that now w/the likes of, Lang, Minnimen, Donati, and Grant Collins they have taken double bass to a new extreme. And Jordison, Roddy, Adler and many more have extreme speed. So by todays standards, as great as Tommy is he could get looked at as average along w/ Alex Van Halen, Deen Castronova, Gregg Bissonette and others that have used it well but not gone to the extremes.
Still, Tommy is a big influence to many, many drummers. Myself included.

[flicky]

Tommy is a great drummer and influence to a lot of drummers. A double bass master back in the day and now. The problem is that now w/the likes of, Lang, Minnimen, Donati, and Grant Collins they have taken double bass to a new extreme. And Jordison, Roddy, Adler and many more have extreme speed. So by todays standards, as great as Tommy is he could get looked at as average along w/ Alex Van Halen, Deen Castronova, Gregg Bissonette and others that have used it well but not gone to the extremes.
Still, Tommy is a big influence to many, many drummers. Myself included.

Ummm, Speed isn't everything. Where he places patterens and how he places them are awesome! It's his feel I guess.

[mikeybbdrummin]

Ummm, Speed isn't everything. Where he places patterens and how he places them are awesome! It's his feel I guess.

Ummmm, Exactly my point! Im not into the speed and the extreme independence thing. If you have it more power to you. I was making a point that of how extreme drummers have taken things, you rarely hear Tommy's name as an influence anymore.

[voldak]

I've heard a lot of good things about Tommy Aldridge. I actually called a music store about 90 miles away to ask them a question, and they wanted to let me know that Tommy will be coming through on a tour. I'm definitely going to try to be there. Anybody ever been to a clinic with Tommy?

[mikeybbdrummin]

I've heard a lot of good things about Tommy Aldridge. I actually called a music store about 90 miles away to ask them a question, and they wanted to let me know that Tommy will be coming through on a tour. I'm definitely going to try to be there. Anybody ever been to a clinic with Tommy?

Yes I have. In 1991. I was 22. I had been playing for 4 years at that point. He was great. Everyone was blown away. The most interesting thing about it was a kid in the audience (about 11 years old) asked Tommy (cant remember word for word) why he cant or doesnt play like Neil Peart. And I believe why he doesnt play alot of percussion. Tommy went on to say that Neil was not a percussion played like Alex Acuna. And then said, Gregg Bissonette is not John Bonham. Gregg's my favorite drummer and I had a lesson w/him that day, and at first I thought he was ragging on Gregg. Then I realized, he was saying that everyone has something to offer and because one doesnt play like another does not make that drummer a bad drummer. Anyway, alot of great hand/foot patterns and just great hard rock drumming.
Do what you can to make it to the clinic.

[drummerchick435]

Did you email him through his web site?

Yes.

twenty fabulous characters

[voldak]

Yes I have. In 1991. I was 22. I had been playing for 4 years at that point. He was great. Everyone was blown away. The most interesting thing about it was a kid in the audience (about 11 years old) asked Tommy (cant remember word for word) why he cant or doesnt play like Neil Peart. And I believe why he doesnt play alot of percussion. Tommy went on to say that Neil was not a percussion played like Alex Acuna. And then said, Gregg Bissonette is not John Bonham. Gregg's my favorite drummer and I had a lesson w/him that day, and at first I thought he was ragging on Gregg. Then I realized, he was saying that everyone has something to offer and because one doesnt play like another does not make that drummer a bad drummer. Anyway, alot of great hand/foot patterns and just great hard rock drumming.
Do what you can to make it to the clinic.

I am going to try my hardest to make it there. I've never been to a clinic before. I've always wanted to go to one, but never can make it since I basically live in between Oklahoma City and Dallas, Tx. But ya, I checked out some of the albums he's drummed on and read your post. It should be great. I'd like to be able to sit down and play and have him critique :)....but I doubt that will happen. Thanks for the post.

[mikeybbdrummin]

I am going to try my hardest to make it there. I've never been to a clinic before. I've always wanted to go to one, but never can make it since I basically live in between Oklahoma City and Dallas, Tx. But ya, I checked out some of the albums he's drummed on and read your post. It should be great. I'd like to be able to sit down and play and have him critique :)....but I doubt that will happen. Thanks for the post.

First off, I just looked at your kit. No kidding, I am ordering that same kit and color in the next month. I am getting the kit w/out hardware. 8(free) 10, 12, 14 &16 toms and 22 bass. Love the color.
You should enjoy the clinic if you go. He's a heavy rock drummer. Get there early for a good seat. Check out Whitesnake's live dvd "In The Still of The Night". 16 songs and Tommy's solo.

[flicky]

Ummmm, Exactly my point! Im not into the speed and the extreme independence thing. If you have it more power to you. I was making a point that of how extreme drummers have taken things, you rarely hear Tommy's name as an influence anymore.

I didn't get that. That's cool. I guess I don't follow the extreme drummers like others.
I guess that's what happens when you start to get old. LOL

[mikeybbdrummin]

I didn't get that. That's cool. I guess I don't follow the extreme drummers like others.
I guess that's what happens when you start to get old. LOL

Im 38 myself and grew up listening to 80's guys, Peart, Alex V.H., Tommy, Tommy Lee, Gregg Bissonett my favorite, Rod Morgenstein another favorite, Randy Castillo, Deen Castronovo, Nicko and so on. I dont follow the extreme guys either. I do admire some of the stuff, but I like drummers that I can take ideas from. The extreme guys are a little over the top for me. They are incredible. But there are MANY, MANY drummers that arent that Extreme that are incredible.

[sabianhh]

I discovered TA on House of lords` "demons down". I love his style and he´ll inspire me as long as i´m gonna be able to hold a pair of sticks;-)

[iwilliams]

Dear drummers,

I watch a video of Tommy Aldridge playing drums on "the Boys are back in town"
of Thin Lizzy, they way he played was inspiring and motivating. I admire his freelance spirit within drummers.

Thanks & Regards.

[mikeybbdrummin]

I was just on Tommy's website and it showed his gear as being w/Zildjian. Does anyone know if he is back w/Zildjian??? I could have sworn that I didnt realize he switched to Paiste till it was on his site one time. I put his name in the search on Zildjians site and it showed nothing. Anybody know???

[mikeybbdrummin]

I think I just answered my own question. He is on Paiste's sight. Thats enough proof for me.

[kgrubb]

was just on his site and it says hes playing paiste

[mikeybbdrummin]

was just on his site and it says hes playing paiste

I went back to the site I was on..............it was an old site that had not been deleted or changed.

[Jim Penebaker]

Tommy Aldridge is awesome, period. I Think there are so many drummers into the new extreme and speed metal guys that would totally appreciate what Tommy does. I just don't think they've been exposed to him.
The live Pat Travers record is a classic and also the live Ozzy stuff. I feel very lucky that my drum teacher turned me onto players and records like this when I was a kid.

[latzanimal]

Seem to remember he played and endorsed the Premier 'Projector ' line in the late '80s. I've got a soft spot for those drums - they're the ones I play now.

Sorry Loge, Tommy played Sonor, then went to Yamaha and has been with them ever since. The big red ones he used on the Voelker cage were Yamaha Recording Customs. He then switched to the carbon fiber line with the gold "x" rack.

Tommy is one of the nicest guys in music.

Yep, I'm a fan......

From the Whitesnake '87 tour..
20438

Look familiar?...
20437

[mikeybbdrummin]

Actually, the bottom photo (above) logo looks like Ludwig w/the L connecting to the G. Maybe?

[latzanimal]

Actually, the bottom photo (above) logo looks like Ludwig w/the L connecting to the G. Maybe?

It is... my Ludwigs on my cage that used to belong to Tommy.....

[iwilliams]

Hello, colleagues.

Few pictures to share regarding Tommy's drum-set.

All the Best,

[mikeybbdrummin]

It is... my Ludwigs on my cage that used to belong to Tommy.....

Ok. I get it....................

[kgrubb]

anyone have any pics of tommys sonors i'd kinda like to see those

[Jim Penebaker]

Tommy is a great drummer and influence to a lot of drummers. A double bass master back in the day and now. The problem is that now w/the likes of, Lang, Minnimen, Donati, and Grant Collins they have taken double bass to a new extreme. And Jordison, Roddy, Adler and many more have extreme speed. So by todays standards, as great as Tommy is he could get looked at as average along w/ Alex Van Halen, Deen Castronova, Gregg Bissonette and others that have used it well but not gone to the extremes.
Still, Tommy is a big influence to many, many drummers. Myself included.

Please. All the drummers you mentioned are worth listening to. A lot of the "old school" players you listed have so much more going on than sheer speed or crazy independence. Guys like Gregg Bissonette have done such a wide variety of gigs including jazz, latin, big band, pop, ect. I wonder if some of the "extreme" drummers of today could be as diverse and make it sound authentic. A lot of them are mainly doing the freakshow clinic thing, demonstrating things that would be of little use to aspiring drummers.
Tommy Aldrige is clearly influenced by drummers like Bonham, Carmine Appice, ect. He has that rock sound and feel to his playing.
I've seen certain extreme drummers sit in on straight up rock gigs and a couple times I thought it just wasn't working. Like they were out of place, with a need to throw in all the busy crazy fills. In that respect you can say that many of the old school guys are better suited for rock gigs.
Sometimes speed for speeds sake might be to blame for what's killing the art of drumming. Speed is important but not at the expense of everything else like pocket and groove.

[latzanimal]

anyone have any pics of tommys sonors i'd kinda like to see those

Look for Randy Rhoads pics with Ozzy, they have Tommy in the background on one of his Sonors. Also, Bark at the Moon DVD. White Sonors... also a mix of Paiste and Zildjians..

[mikeybbdrummin]

Please. All the drummers you mentioned are worth listening to. A lot of the "old school" players you listed have so much more going on than sheer speed or crazy independence. Guys like Gregg Bissonette have done such a wide variety of gigs including jazz, latin, big band, pop, ect. I wonder if some of the "extreme" drummers of today could be as diverse and make it sound authentic. A lot of them are mainly doing the freakshow clinic thing, demonstrating things that would be of little use to aspiring drummers.
Tommy Aldrige is clearly influenced by drummers like Bonham, Carmine Appice, ect. He has that rock sound and feel to his playing.
I've seen certain extreme drummers sit in on straight up rock gigs and a couple times I thought it just wasn't working. Like they were out of place, with a need to throw in all the busy crazy fills. In that respect you can say that many of the old school guys are better suited for rock gigs.
Sometimes speed for speeds sake might be to blame for what's killing the art of drumming. Speed is important but not at the expense of everything else like pocket and groove.

Ok. Thats exactly my point. Cant tell if your trying to rip me or what. Tommy is a great drummer. An Icon in the Rock world. I was saying he could be considered basic by speed guys that only know about speed. Bissonette is my favorite. A versitle drummer that cant even touch Speed drummers. But thats what appeals to me about Gregg. He can play just about anything that can keep him working and in demand. The "Extreme guys have their place, but guys Like Tommy, Alex, or Neil should not be forgoten for their contribution to the drumming world. Whether today or 20 years ago.

[Jim Penebaker]

Ok. Thats exactly my point. Cant tell if your trying to rip me or what. Tommy is a great drummer. An Icon in the Rock world. I was saying he could be considered basic by speed guys that only know about speed. Bissonette is my favorite. A versitle drummer that cant even touch Speed drummers. But thats what appeals to me about Gregg. He can play just about anything that can keep him working and in demand. The "Extreme guys have their place, but guys Like Tommy, Alex, or Neil should not be forgoten for their contribution to the drumming world. Whether today or 20 years ago.

I just think the whole speed for speeds sake is getting out of hand. It can be frustrating when you have drum students that mostly are into the extreme and speed drummers because they have a lot of trouble learning how to make music with other musicians. I'm not trying to rip anybody, just making sure that the guys that matter get their due, including a guy like Tommy Aldrige.

[iwilliams]

Fellows,
Enjoy Tommy's picture.
Cheers,

[mikeybbdrummin]

I just think the whole speed for speeds sake is getting out of hand. It can be frustrating when you have drum students that mostly are into the extreme and speed drummers because they have a lot of trouble learning how to make music with other musicians. I'm not trying to rip anybody, just making sure that the guys that matter get their due, including a guy like Tommy Aldrige.

I think we are on the same page. I think Van Halen, T.Lee, Castronovo, Peart, Bissonette, Aldridge, R. Castillo and more just solid rock drummers that are good at what THEY do get over looked. Because there are guys taking it to a whole other level. Drummhead mag. is out now and it a Superdrummers issue. There is a cd inside w/ Donati, Minnimen, Lang, G. Collins, Mangini, N. D'Virgilio and a guy I have not heard of. The stuff on the cd is AMAZING............for what it is. To me its not what the average or above average drummer could apply on a regular basic. They are the few out there doing just mind blowing drumming. But at the same token the guys at the top of this list should get recognition for what they have contributed to drums. Even if you (not you personally) don't like the bands they were in.

[slingerland755]

Great point! My sentiments exactly.

[latzanimal]

Fellows,
Enjoy Tommy's picture.
Cheers,

Cool pic.. thanks..........

[Vipercussionist]

Please. All the drummers you mentioned are worth listening to. A lot of the "old school" players you listed have so much more going on than sheer speed or crazy independence. Guys like Gregg Bissonette have done such a wide variety of gigs including jazz, latin, big band, pop, ect. I wonder if some of the "extreme" drummers of today could be as diverse and make it sound authentic. A lot of them are mainly doing the freakshow clinic thing, demonstrating things that would be of little use to aspiring drummers.
Tommy Aldrige is clearly influenced by drummers like Bonham, Carmine Appice, ect. He has that rock sound and feel to his playing.
I've seen certain extreme drummers sit in on straight up rock gigs and a couple times I thought it just wasn't working. Like they were out of place, with a need to throw in all the busy crazy fills. In that respect you can say that many of the old school guys are better suited for rock gigs.
Sometimes speed for speeds sake might be to blame for what's killing the art of drumming. Speed is important but not at the expense of everything else like pocket and groove.

AMEN BRUTHA!! Extreme drumming is cool, no doubt about it and there's plenty I enjoy listening to, but I must say too much it lacks the toe tapping fun and last but not least, MUSICAL approach that makes drumming worthwhile. It seems to be a way to showcase the drummers talents and endurance and doesn't seem to be a vehicle for showcasing songwriting at least that I can hear. There of course are the exceptional talents like Derek and Flo who have time and again showed their abilities to incorporate other styles of music into their playing even though they are well known for extreme drumming.

On to Tommy,
I was quite fortunate to be able to see Tommy Aldridge with Ozzy right after Randy Rhoads passed away, it was bittersweet as it was my first time seeing Tommy in a band situation so I was excited to see that, but was sad to know Randy was gone.

I got to see him in a clinic setting out in New Jersey (a 4+ hour drive one way for me) and luckily I was there early enough to have been hanging at the local drum store there and Tommy was there hanging out too. He is a very nice man, sincerely interested in talking with folks as we found out and he was just havin' fun and cracked a few jokes as we checked out the store and conversed a bit.

I'm having trouble remembering the date and If I can dig it up I'll edit this post and add the date, but it was a clinic with Tommy Aldridge, Joe Franco and a couple of other drummers were there too, but I was so blown away with Tommy and Joe that I paid all my attention to them and I pretty much blocked out the rest! L0L!! Tommy and Joe were just mind bending, I wish I had a video to watch of that clinic.
.

[Jim Penebaker]

AMEN BRUTHA!! Extreme drumming is cool, no doubt about it and there's plenty I enjoy listening to, but I must say too much it lacks the toe tapping fun and last but not least, MUSICAL approach that makes drumming worthwhile. It seems to be a way to showcase the drummers talents and endurance and doesn't seem to be a vehicle for showcasing songwriting at least that I can hear. There of course are the exceptional talents like Derek and Flo who have time and again showed their abilities to incorporate other styles of music into their playing even though they are well known for extreme drumming.

On to Tommy,
I was quite fortunate to be able to see Tommy Aldridge with Ozzy right after Randy Rhoads passed away, it was bittersweet as it was my first time seeing Tommy in a band situation so I was excited to see that, but was sad to know Randy was gone.

I got to see him in a clinic setting out in New Jersey (a 4+ hour drive one way for me) and luckily I was there early enough to have been hanging at the local drum store there and Tommy was there hanging out too. He is a very nice man, sincerely interested in talking with folks as we found out and he was just havin' fun and cracked a few jokes as we checked out the store and conversed a bit.

I'm having trouble remembering the date and If I can dig it up I'll edit this post and add the date, but it was a clinic with Tommy Aldridge, Joe Franco and a couple of other drummers were there too, but I was so blown away with Tommy and Joe that I paid all my attention to them and I pretty much blocked out the rest! L0L!! Tommy and Joe were just mind bending, I wish I had a video to watch of that clinic.
.


There ya go. That's what I'm talking about.

I hadn't seen Tommy Aldridge live in concert till more recently. I saw him play with Whitesnake maybe 4 years ago. I loved it, although he didn't do a drum solo. I think because they were on a double bill with the Scorpions so they had to do an abbreviated set. But it was amazing to see him play. That's what made me really become interested in his playing. My old drum teacher gave me a VHS copy of his instructional video from way back. Not sure if it's on DVD but they should release it that way because it's such a great video. I was also turned on to the Pat Travers record "Live: Go For What You Know" with Tommy. A definite classic.
Joe Franco is another guy I've heard a little about but should do more research on. Any key records with him to look into?

[Vipercussionist]

There ya go. That's what I'm talking about.

I hadn't seen Tommy Aldridge live in concert till more recently. I saw him play with Whitesnake maybe 4 years ago. I loved it, although he didn't do a drum solo. I think because they were on a double bill with the Scorpions so they had to do an abbreviated set. But it was amazing to see him play. That's what made me really become interested in his playing. My old drum teacher gave me a VHS copy of his instructional video from way back. Not sure if it's on DVD but they should release it that way because it's such a great video. I was also turned on to the Pat Travers record "Live: Go For What You Know" with Tommy. A definite classic.
Joe Franco is another guy I've heard a little about but should do more research on. Any key records with him to look into?

I'm not too sure what bands albums he's on, but I know he has a few instructional videos and books, I'm sure they're worth a check out!
.

[Laurent]

I've seen Tommy many times and he is absolutely amazing. In his style, I think he is the best. I saw him last January playing at the Yamaha Groove Night and he played a killer version of Thin Lizzy's "The Boys Are Back In Town".

I don't have many things with Joe Franco. He did some sessions with Henry Lee Summer back in the late 80's. Probably his most famous recording is on Twisted Sister's "Love Is For Suckers". I really like this album. It is a bit more rooted than their other CDs.

[iwilliams]

Tommy Aldridge is an skin-beater supreme! He is action not words.

[Vipercussionist]

anyone have any pics of tommys sonors i'd kinda like to see those
Here's an OLD pic that might bring you some laughs!!
http://www.sonormuseum.com/classicadverts/AldridgeSonorad.jpg

And another:
http://www.offbroadwayusa.com/aldridge1a.jpg
.
.