Dave Abbruzzese

[edit] Mini-Bio

Dave Abbruzzese (born May 17, 1968 in Stamford, Connecticut) was Pearl Jam's drummer from 1991 to 1994. He replaced Dave Krusen in 1991, shortly before the release of the band's first album Ten after being recommended by temporary drummer Matt Chamberlain, and played on the next two records, Vs. and Vitalogy. In 1994, Pearl Jam fired Dave Abbruzzese "due to artistic differences" according to the band.

Some credit him with influencing a new generation of rock drummers in the early 1990s. Abbruzzese's trademarks include heavy use of splash cymbals, the double-stroke roll, and a fast right foot; Abbruzzese refused to use two bass drums or a double-kick pedal, instead concentrating on playing the best he could with a single pedal. Abbruzzese is also known to be a particularly hard hitter, which may be reflected in his suffering carpal tunnel syndrome.

[edit] Additional info

Abbruzzese grew up in Mesquite, TX, where he attended Vanston Jr High.[2] Dave grew up banging on his dad's tackle boxes in the early days. While living at home the only thing in his bedroom (besides a bed) was his drum set. He dropped out of high school at an early age and began to focus on playing more than ever. Along the way he formed a band with his buddies called Dr. Tongue. In 1991 Dave got a call from drummer friend Matt Chamberlain, whom Dave knew through the Texas music scene, in regards to filling in for him in the band Pearl Jam when he left.[3] Chamberlain had his eyes set on G.E. Smith's band on Saturday Night Live. Dave left for Seattle to meet and become acquainted with Pearl Jam. Although his musical tastes were far diverse from Pearl Jam, Dave chose to fill the hot seat behind a DW drum kit on August 23, 1991.

At first Dave was reluctant to join the band full-time. Then after his second show with Pearl Jam, Abbruzzese went straight down to his local tattoo parlor, and in a touching if slightly misguided display of commitment, had Jeff Ament's stick figure drawing from the sleeve of the "Alive" single tattooed onto his left shoulder.[4]

Dave played with Pearl Jam through April 17, 1994, playing on both the Vs. and Vitalogy albums, as well as performing on MTV Unplugged, two Saturday Night Live's, the "Even Flow" video, as well as extensive touring for both the Ten and Vs. albums. Although Dave performed on the album Vitalogy, he was fired before it was released.

On September 30, 1997 Dave's newly formed band, the Green Romance Orchestra, released Play Parts I & V. The album saw Dave bringing his own songs to the drawing board, as well as playing the role of a producer. Play Parts I & V, is a release of Free Association Records, which was formed by Dave in 1996.

Currently Dave is working with HairyApesBMX. He has just finished mixing, producing and engineering their upcoming album, entitled, Insane Dreams. Dave also will be lending them a hand behind his drum kit on their upcoming midwestern tour, as well as a possible European tour to follow.

Abbruzzese currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

[edit] Gear

On his earlier, pre-Vs. Pearl Jam recordings, such as the tracks recorded for the Singles soundtrack and the video version of "Even Flow", Abbruzzese is known to have used Ludwig drums. As of the Vs. record, he endorsed and used Drum Workshop drums, Sabian cymbals, and seemed to favor an 8x12 Brady snare drum. Abbruzzese also has his own line of signature drum sticks, manufactured and marketed by Pro-Mark.

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