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BiographyThe 2nd to last full pargraph about "constant pain" was added 03-30-06 Name: John Martin
Styles/Influences: Ginger Baker, John Bonham, Buddy Rich, and I'm newly influenced by Matt Abts and Jamie Oldaker. History: I started playing drums in the mid 1960's. The main reason I fell in love with drums and the thought of being a drummer was I really connected with Ringo Starr and every thing he did on the drums. I have so many influences starting with Ginger Baker for one, but there are more. The way I actually got started was my friends, who happened to be older than me, had a band and I told them I could play better than current at the time drummer. They all laughed at me and said, and I quote, "Not only do you not play drums, you don't even have any". Well I took care of that rather quickly and yes, I took the drummers spot and became a member of the band. The first paying gig I had was a pool party and we were paid 20 dollars...5 dollars each; hell, I thought I had made it; and the rest became history. I played with many really good musicians and was placed with many bands due to an association with an agent in Atlanta, GA. This all came about in the early seventies. The next move for me through my connection with the agent was to move to Burbank, CA. At the time that seemed to be a hot spot for musicians and recording, etc. For some reason I did not take the offer and stayed in the Carolinas and continued to play for a while longer. I became involved with other avenues and ways to make a living. I have owned businesses and have worked in marketing, business development, etc. over the years and have been fairly successful, however, I never could never get music out of my mind. So, several years ago I started buying equipment and playing around with various musicians of various backgrounds. I have always been an improvisational player and I like to explore and go out on into other deminsions. I don't use charts nor do I take orders from anyone when it comes to my playing. Over the years I have been told by many I have impecable timing and the ability to keep time. I have been told I am easy to play with but when it comes show time look out I sometimes get really crazy. Then, 3 years ago I had to have emergency surgery to save my life and during that I sustained severe nerve damage that left my right leg pretty much useless. Well that was a serious blow physically and mentally. After many months of training and working hard I finally was able to start playing again. It was not at all like it used to be nor will it ever. I use double pedals and when my right can't continue I simply unlock the clutch on the high hat and use my left foot on the bass. Does this sound simple? It does to me because I played double bass drums for years prior to this. You try it; it will show you a lot of difficulties. I don't think this is an easy thing for just anyone. But this is how I get through. I live with constant pain on a daily basis. It is not skeletal or muscular; it is neurological which means that most pain killers will not touch it. It is a burning ache and the drug Tramodol seems to help but taking it on a regular basis is out of the question because of the way it affects me during the day. I have tried various drugs including Neurontin. Also, due to the means of mobility I have developed hip, shoulder, and back problems. My Neurologists prepared me for this in addition to the root problem. Sleep is not a normal thing for me anymore because of the skelatal problems the Plexopathy causes due to mobility. Speaking of mobility, I must use a cane. I finally got away from the walker but at times I use a wheelchair. It just depends on the surroundings. As I often say, I am just glad to be here and glad I can still play. People tell me "Wow, you are getting around better now". My response is and I quote "Hell, even a baby learns how to walk". You just do what you have to do, it is just that simple. I love playing and want to play as long as I am able to do so. It is a total escape for me and quite frankly, I need to escape from the reality of what I have to face on a daily basis. I am soon to be 53 years old and I play as often as I can. I helped form a band called Carolina Risin' that I am however no longer involved in. We were a jam band of sorts; We wrote arranged and performed, and we spent some time in the studio recording and released a cd. I also had a band for years called Traffic Jam and kept up a website for years. Currently, Traffic Jam is back together again with an all star lineup of old pro's under the name "Traffic Jam All Star Band". All I can say is no matter what hits you between the eyes, just keep your eyes on the prize and the prize is the ability to somehow keep playing, no matter what!! Gear
Drums: DW Collectors in White Marine Pearl Finish (except where noted)
Cymbals: Zildjian (except where noted)
Hardware & Misc:
I also use DW tom stands as well as Pearl and Gibraltar hardware. Heads: All Remo Sticks: Zildjian 5B Dipstick Wood Tip |
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