Monthly Archives: October 2010

Placebo’s Steve Forrest takes delivery of Corian-Koenig Snares

Steve Forrest is a Ford Smart Ass Seat and Snare drum Endorser

Steve Forrest is a Ford Smart Ass Seat and Snare drum Endorser

Steve Forrest of Placebo has just taken delivery of these two identical Twin Corian-Koenig Snares. Steve is a Ford Smart Ass Seat and Snare drum Endorser. Steve is seen here performing with Placebo in Tel Aviv playing a Corian Prototype snare and astride his Custom Smart Ass Seat.

These are now Placebos snare of choice for touring and have delivered the goods on a punishing touring Schedule. The Snare holds its tune in all weathers and temperatures and is ideal for outdoor Concerts and Festival gigs.

Single Snare Drum

The Corian Prototype Snare has now returned off Tour and is about to head off globetrotting again soon. Who with this time and where?

Pair of Snare Drums

Richard Rayner Endorses Ford Drums and Smart Ass Seats

Ford Drums are pleased to announce that Richard Rayner (Young Drummer of the Year 2009) has signed an agreement to endorse Ford’s range of Drums and Smart Ass Seats with immediate effect. Richard will be performing throughout the year at clinics and exhibitions and with his various performing ensembles.

Richard will be playing a Ford Maverick 6 piece Fusion Kit for all his engagements and clinics. Showcased at Winter NAMM 2010, the Maverick Series is designed to allow a top quality drum kit to be toured and gigged with confidence, whilst knowing that the exterior is protected by its BTS Elastomer Kevlar finish. This finish can take anything that’s thrown at it on the road whilst protecting a high quality instrument and in no way prejudicing its tonal qualities.

In fact Gerry McDonnell of Mike Dolbear.com has said

“I must reiterate that the Ford Maverick was the best sounding kit at NAMM 2010 ( you can quote me on that!) and I wanted one as soon as I heard it.”

Richard’s year has been full on. After winning the Young Drummer of the Year 2009. He also took the Junior Guildhall Percussionist prize 2009 and the Jam Percussion Award. Richard toured with Thomas Lang and played at a clinic with Mark Schulman, as well as playing at Musiclive at the NEC, The Royal Albert Hall including the BBC Proms, The National Drum Fair, The Royal Opera House Percussion Day, The International Drum Extravaganza, Fairfield Hall & St John’s Smiths Square. He has appeared in Drummer & Rhythm magazines as well as The Beat Book – a new publication.

Richard said”I am absolutely delighted and really excited about working with Ford Drums and Adrian Darby. Knowing Adrian as I do through the Smart Ass Seat endorsement , I am really happy and look forward to a long term working relationship. His belief in me has been consistent & inspiring. I have to say that when I played the Ford set, I was blown away, and feel very fortunate to be playing such a fantastic quality instrument. This year is already looking like it will be a busy one. I am already booked for The Royal Festival Hall, The Royal Albert Hall, Music Live 2010 and many other appearances and clinics, and I will be playing them on the best quality, and the best sounding kit around.”

Adrian Darby, Head of European A+R, Ford Drums said: “I have been monitoring Richard’s development over the last two years, and we have worked together recently as Richard endorsed our Smart Ass Seats. I truly believe he is an International Star in the making. We could well see a new phenomenon, a young British big band star of the future. Whatever direction Richard takes in his musical career, he will do it with style, charisma and humility, and I will make sure that Ford Drums are there to support him.
A class act needs a class kit, and that’s what we are all about.”

Richard also Endorses Zildjian Cymbals, Aquarian Heads, Vic Firth Sticks, Protection Racket Cases, Baskey Accessories, and Quick Stick Holders.

Enquiries about Richard’s availability can be made via his website www.richardrayner.co.uk

 

Paul Stanley-McKenzie loves his Smart Ass Seat

Paul Stanley-McKenzie has been performing recently sitting astride his Ford Smart Ass Seat. Pauli ( Young Drummer of the Year 2005) who plays for Gorillaz Sound System and has been touring extensively this year loves the comfort that the Swedish memory foam gives on a long gig. He was also attracted to the distinctive retro stying.

Suffice to say when Pauli hits the road his Smart Ass goes with him.
The Pinnacle for the Band this year so far has been their Headline gig at the Secret Garden Party in July. For a flavour of the Event and to see Pauli in action go to www.thepsmfilm.com
Paul is currently Touring extensively with the Band catch up with him on www.psmthepsm.com

We welcome Pauli to the Ford Family

Drum Clinic at Live Music Shop, Peterborough

THE LIVE MUSIC SHOP. PETERBOROUGH is proud to present: A Drum Clinic

on Thursday 4th November, with Richard Rayner ( Young Drummer of the Year 2009) at 7:30pm – £2 admission at The Mallard Suite, The Parkway Sports and Social Club, Maskew Avenue , Peterborough, PE1 2AS , tickets from Live Music 01733 555505.

Ford Drums and Soultone Cymbals are pleased to be supporting a Drum Clinic hosted by The Live Music Shop, Peterborough, one of our Ford and Soultone Retailers.

Richard Rayner,Ford Drum Artist who plays a Ford Maverick Touring Kit, will headline the Clinic. He wil be supported by Paul Blant, Live Music Manager, who will showcase the Soultone Cymbals Range. We will have a large range of Soultone Cymbals and Ford Snares and Seats on display on the night.

We look forward to meeting you there with Richard Rayner and Paul Blant and his  Live Music Shop Team.