Enrique „Bugs“ Gonzalez

Gretsch Artist Since: 2012

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: Los Lobos

Current Kit Setup:
Gretsch USA Custom in Silver Glass Sparkle
14x22 BD, 7.5x10 RT, 8x12 RT, 16x16 FT
5x14 Hammered Brass SD

Influences:
Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Gadd, Tony Williams, Buddy Rich

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"Live and in the studio, Gretsch drums are the best sounding drums in the world. My favorite drummers play Gretsch drums. I feel confident, powerful and at peace everytime I'm sitting behind a set of Gretsch drums."

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"Practice, always have fun; be kind, loving, respectful and compassionate to your fellow human beings."

Bio:
Enrique “Bugs” Gonzalez – Drums
Bugs was born and raised in the large metropolitan city of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
In 1997, along with his brother Edy and 3 of his childhood friends, they formed Jumbo, an alternative rock band, which was signed by BMG Mexico. Over the next eight years, Jumbo released three albums and a hits compilation supported by 12 videos, while touring extensively. In 2002, Bugs was invited to perform with many of his drum heroes at the prestigious Groove All-Stars events, as well as Expo Sound:Check in Mexico City. In 2005, he relocated to Los Angeles, CA and performed and recorded with some of Latin America’s most respected and renowned artists while becoming an in-demand session drummer. In 2007, he became the drummer and Musical Director for Latin pop artist, Aleks Syntek, which had him performing non-stop throughout Mexico, Latin America, USA and Canada for the following 5 years. In December of 2011, he was invited to become the drummer/percussionist for Grammy Award winning, legendary East LA rock band: Los Lobos, featuring: David Hidalgo, Cesar Rosas, Louie Perez, Conrad Lozano and Steve Berlin.

Throughout 2013 and 2014, Los Lobos (www.loslobos.org) have been celebrating their 40th Anniversary with a non-stop touring schedule that has included shows and festivals throughout the USA, Canada and Europe. Some of the highlights of these past 2 years include: Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, Neil Young and Crazy Horse’s Canada and Europe Tours, the recording of ‘Disconnected in NYC’, live at The City Winery, and Austin City Limits 40th Anniversary.
In 2015, Los Lobos continue to tour non-stop throughout USA, Canada and Europe in suport of the release of their most recent collection of songs, titled: “Gates Of Gold”. In December 2015 Los Lobos is nominated for the first time to the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame.

From January through March 2016 Los Lobos embarked on a very succesful 40-date tour of the US. Two simultaneous tours that showcase: A) The folkloric side of Los Lobos, alongside the Ballet Folclorico Mexicano dance company; and: B) A stripped down, intimate Disconnected/Unplugged blues&rock show. Throughout the summer of 2016 the band will be touring alongside Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi and Mississipi All-Stars.

Bugs uses: Gretsch drums, Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth drumsticks, REMO drumheads, DW pedals and hardware, Humes & Berg cases, Roland electronic percussion and Cymbag products exclusively.