Neil LaFortune | Gretsch Drums
Home » Artists » Neil LaFortune

Neil LaFortune

Gretsch Artist Since: 
2021
Band or Affiliations: 
Abba Revisited/Gretsch Afternoon Drum Break/Freelance
Current Kit Setup: 

Broadkaster in White Glass
16x20 Bass Drum
8x10, 8x12 Rack Toms
14x16 Floor Toms
6.5x14 USA Custom Bronze Snare
5x14 Brooklyn Chrome over Brass Snare
6.5x14 USA Custom Wood Snare

Influences: 

Neil Peart, Jeff Porcaro, Phil Collins, Bernard Purdie, Larrie Londin, Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Ferrone, Kenny Aronoff, Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, Max Roach, Art Blakey.

 

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!

 

 

BIOGRAPHY

 

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 Ontario College of Percussion and later 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.
He 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, etc
He has extensive experience in the Tribute world and is a member of Abba Revisited, a pemier tribute to the music of Abba that has performed worldwide, including Atlantis Bahamas, Redlands Bowl, California, all across North America, in soft-seat theatres 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.

 

RECORDINGS

Drums/percussion and background vox on the following; “Doin’ Alright” EP, and “A Different Kind of Christmas” by Sticks ‘N Tones; “Sucker For Punishment,’ “Waiting EP” by Alex Tobin.

TOURS

2018/2019 tours with Abba Revisited

FEATURED VIDEO

© Copyright 2023 - Gretsch Drums All Rights Reserved.