Paul Simmons

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: Independent, Educator

Current Kit Setup:
Kit 1: USA custom
24 x 18 Kick, 13 x 9 Rack, 16 x 16 Floor, 18 x 16 Floor, 14 x 6.5 Chrome over Brass snare

Kit 2: New Classic
2 22 x 20 kicks, 10,12,13,14,16,18 toms and new Classic 14x5 snare

Influences:
Brad Kinney (My first teacher), Peter Criss, Cozy Powell, Ian Paice, Neil Peart, Tommy Aldridge, Buddy Rich, and on and on…

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"The first reason is the sound. Then it’s the heritage. I love all my Gretsch drums! They are made with care, and the quality is excellent. Not to mention being part of a family. That’s how playing Gretsch drums feels."

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"If you can imagine it, you can do it. Practice. Be compassionate to others. Love what you do. Practice. Protect your ears!"

Bio:
I started playing drums in school at 12 years old. I’m so glad I started that way. Learning to read music gave me a great head start into understanding “time” which is my job! My band director Brad Kinney was and will always be my main influence in music. He helped me see and understand the natural gift of music. I’m also very lucky to have grown up with two extremely talented brothers to play music with, Mike on guitar and Jamie on bass. We still write and perform to this day.
My first touring band was Black Oak Arkansas in 1985-1986. Glad I survived. It was awesome. I’ve also toured with Petra, The Reverend Horton Heat, The Legendary Shack Shakers, and now Tom Keifer from Cinderella. Just to name a few!
I still practice everyday, even if it’s only for a little while. I need to hold a pair of drum sticks everyday!