Singers, Actors, and others who started as drummers

[equipmentdork]

Recently, I read an old MD interview with Paul Shaffer, who reportedly began playing drums before anything else. What I'd like to do is compile a list of people who started out drumming and ended up being known for something else.

For instance, these singers would fit the bill:

Steve Perry
Steven Tyler
Peter Gabriel
Marvin Gaye
Chris Cornell

I know that Charlie Callas, Johnny Carson, and Billy Bob Thornton also played, but I'm not sure if they began drumming, in the way Mel Brooks did, early on.

Anyone else?



Dan

 

[EvEnStEvEn]

Dice Clay for starters.

He was a working drummer in his youth before the comedy thing.

 

[RickP]

Phil Collins started out as an Actor then switched to playing drums.

Madonna started out playing drums supposedly.

 

[TheBeachBoy]

Bob Crane was a drummer, as well as a radio DJ before getting into acting.

 

[Mrtboner]

Bon Scott

 

[hindadoon]

Iggy Pop

 

[JDA]

Chevy Chase (not Maryland)

 

[EvEnStEvEn]

Former talk show host, Jenny Jones, had a drumming career long before her show began.

 

[fxp3]

Mel Torme
Johnny Carson

 

[lazer]

victor feldman

 

[tdcrjeff]

Chevy Chase (not Maryland)

Yeah, Chevy played with Becker and Fagen at Bard College.

 

[hawker]

Singer, actor, dancer....Um, Buddy Rich!

 

[biggator]

Iggy Pop

Wow, really? Didn't know that.

Sully from Godsmack is a heck of a drummer.

 

[Mrtboner]

Joey Ramone

 

[The_Amazin_Bazin]

I can't believe nobody has mentioned Dave Grohl yet. Shame on you

 

[clinker555]

how about Radar on M*A*S*H?

 

[Stretch Riedle]

Iggy Pop

Yeah, Iggy was in a band known as the Iguanas. I have the album.

 

[Chris]

Frankie Vincent

 

[relayer]

Jan Hammer is a very good drummer, in addition to being a brilliant keyboardist. It's a shame that he's known for all of that Miami Vice crap, but back when he was in Mahavishnu and just after he did some incredible music.

Stephen

 

[lazer]

Ringo's done a few films

Craig Ferguson