Neil LaFortune

Gretsch Artist Since: 2021

Country: CA

Band or Affiliations: Abba Revisited, Gretsch Afternoon Drum Break

Current Kit Setup:
Gretsch Broadkaster in White Glass Glitter
7x10 TT, 8x12 TT, 14x16 FT, 16x20 BD
5x14 8 lug Ridgeland Snare Drum in White Glass Glitter

USA Custom in Walnut Gloss
8x12 TT, 14x14 FT, 18x22 BD, 14x5 Snare Drum

Catalina Club in Black Pearl
5.5x8 TT, 6x10 TT, 13x13 FT, 16x16 BD, 5x12 SD

6.5x14 USA Custom Bell Brass
Early 90’s 6.5 x14 USA Custom in Walnut
5x14 COB Brooklyn
6x13 Mark Schulman Signature Snare
4x13 Auxiliary Maple snare drum
6.5x14 Full Range Walnut with Maple inlay snare drum

Influences:
Neil Peart, Dave Weckl, Phil Collins, Jerry Speiser, Larrie Londin, John Molo, Steve Gadd, Liberty DeVitto, Steve Kendry, Andy Newmark, Kenny Aronoff, Steve Ferrone, Manu Katché, Steve Jordan, Bernard Purdie, Vinnie Colaiuta, Portinho, Tom Brechtlein, Phil Gould, Tony Williams, Omar Hakim, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones, Joe Morello, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa.

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"In early 1986 I drove around all of the drum shops in Toronto looking for a drum kit, and I played every brand of drum kit I could find, but when I hit the toms of this little USA Custom kit that was set up in a cymbal testing room, I FINALLY played the drums that made the sound that was in my head!
I fell in love with the sound, the look, and later on, the history and now, the Gretsch Family."

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"Practice and do the work while you are young, have the time, and don’t have as many responsibilities. Set goals, study with people who have what you want. Be self-disciplined and enjoy the process!"

Bio:
Neil began playing the drums in the mid-80’s and has covered the gamut of of gigs and musical styles over the years. Studies at Toronto’s Ontario College of Percussion with Paul Robson, Rod Fogarty and Robin Boers, and later private studies with the legendary Jim Blackley, combined with a lot of on-the-job training, helped prepare Neil for professional settings that required reading, and musical versatility. As of late, he has taken lessons from Tom Brechtlein, Rick Dior and Dave Weckl.

Neil has played with such artists as Country star Meghan Patrick; singer, composer, lyricist, David Pomeranz, Filipino stars Martin Nievera, Morissette, Pops Fernandez, Piolo Pascual, Vice Ganda, Rey Valera and many more.

He has extensive experience in the Tribute world, playing tributes to such artists as The Police, Bee Gees, Elvis, Tom Jones, Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Cher, Adele, Garth Brooks, Neil Diamond, etc, and is a member of Abba Revisited, a premier tribute to the music of Abba that performs worldwide, in such places as Atlantis Bahamas, Redlands Bowl California, the Tuacahn Amphitheater in Ivins Utah, several parts of the Philippines, all across North America playing in soft-seat theatres, outdoor amphitheaters and at corporate events.
He is also one-half of the musical duo, “Sticks ‘N Tones, where he plays drums and sings. Neil is also very active as an educator and teaches from his home studio, does clinics and workshops for drummers of all ages and levels.
In 2020 Neil started the popular livestream series the “Gretsch Afternoon Drum Break,” and to date has 80 episodes featuring Gretsch artists and experts discussing their love for all things Gretsch!