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BiographyUpdated 02-21-06 Name: Richard W. Groce
Styles/Influences: Oldies, R&B, Rock, Soul, Real Country, Metal, Pop, Beach Music, Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy, Scott Rockenfield, Bobby Rock, Stewart Copeland, Carter Beauford, Terry Bozzio, Steve Smith, Alex Van Halen, Charlie Adams, Ed Shaughnessy, Eric Singer, Peter Criss, The Late Eric Carr, Keith Moon, Bonzo, Jeff Pocorro, and many, many others. History: I am a diabetic, taking 2 kinds of insulin; one up to 4 times a day, and the other at bedtime, along with oral medications to help as well. I had a disc surgery in 1994 at the L4 L5 area of my lower spine. It took over a year to get back into much of anything. After a year and a few months went by, I was doing ok, not having many problems at all the past several years. In June of 1996, I developed carpel tunnel in my right wrist. I sustained this from operating a floor buffer that wasn't in the best shape to begin with. It took a long time before I could hold a stick and do any kind of drumming. Everything was going well until October 6, 2003. I was about to get up that morning, and couldn't. The pain was very intense!!! I hadn't felt this kind of pain since 1994. I was scared...
After scans, testing, and two epidurals, I was facing surgery again. My problem now was the same disc and the disc at L5 S1. Both of them had flattened to the point where the lumbar were fusing themselves together. This also caused severe nerve damage to which runs into my right leg. I've been told by my doctor that I've got to stop doing certain things that I've always been able to do and also, learn how NOT to do things. It's been very rough this time around, but, I'm managing to play my drums again (after being told not to play them anymore). But it's not been easy, as I have to depend on others to carry them for me and I have to be very careful how I sit and move. So far, I'm doing ok as long as I wear my back brace and adjust it accordingly. I can't walk very far or very long without my right leg going numb. It hurts after a bit too when trying to walk or do things. My back hurts like hell sometimes too and I'm going to have to be careful, and take things more easily than I ever have. I know through God's help, I'll be able to do more some day. I've had the opportunity to write, record, produce, and perform with many talented people and different groups. So if I never go any further within the music field, then I have already gone further than I ever thought that I would. I believe my style is justified. I don't know if I really have a fit style or not. The way I approach a song is definitely different than most drummers. I always pay attention to what the drummers that I am listening to are doing and when I've had the opportunity to see them in person, I'd watch what they did and how they did it. I study their playing that they may perform in a music video and read as much as I can about them. I try to play a cover song as close to original as possible adding my own flavor to it. As far as the original songs I've played on, I will play to what fits the song and evolve taking in ideas from others as well. I've played drums with and for "Fragile", "Destination Unknown", "The G Men Band", "Black-Ledge", and "Open Fire". I currently play with Tammie Davis and the Big Daddy Band. Please check out my web site below for updates and other information. My goals are to get as good as I possibly can get and to not let the constant pain in my lower spine take control of my life. Sometimes this is difficult to deal with, but I manage. I also want to be able to help others with whatever I can offer them and to let everyone know that whatever bad things life sends your way, there is always a detour to a better way and to get over them hurdles no matter what it takes and to also have a band that has potential to actually make it in this world of music and go somewhere. I would love to be apart of and make a living doing this. It's always been my dream to achieve this and I hope that I can. ArticlesRichard has written the following articles for Handidrummed.com: • Getting Back What Was LostMediaVideos #1 & #2 added 04-26-06 Video #1 (wmv)
Video #2 (wmv)
Audio #1 (mp3)
Audio #2 (mp3)
Audio #3 (mp3)
Visit Hooked's website at hooked29.tripod.com Gear
Drums: Ludwig Rockers in Black Finish (except where noted)
Cymbals: Sabian (except where noted)
Hardware & Misc:
I also use an LP cowbell, Rhythm Tech set tambourine and block, a custom set of agogo bells, and a custom rack with various Gibraltar items. Heads:
Sticks: Easton Ahead & Pro-Mark 5B Nylon Tip |
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