Chris Johnson - Anastacia

Introducing Chris Johnson, drummer for Anastacia who recently signed to SABIAN in April 2004. SABIAN representatives Christian Koch, Jackie Houlden and Jerome Marcus caught with him during Anastacia's European and UK leg of her world tour.

Anastacia powers up her performance for the German audience

Chris began production rehearsals with Anastacia at The Ahoy, Rotterdam before launching on the 'Live At Last' tour. He is joined by Chris Achzet a reputable drumtech having last assisted Brian Fraser-Moore (Christina Aguilera) on her tour in 2003. His artistic design and the strength and sturdiness of the drume frame earns him his reputable title of ' Mr. Drumframe'.

Left to right - Christopher Johnson (Anastacia), Martin
Stöck (Pur), Chris Achzet (Drum Tech - Anastacia) and
Christian Koch (SABIAN Regional Specialist) backstage

On tour, they first meet backstage with Christian Koch (SABIAN Regional Specialist) at the E-Werk in Colgne, Germany where he also meets Martin Stöck, one of Germany's top drummers with Germany's profile act 'Pur' who have just released their 'live' DVD 'Klassich' recorded with a symphony orchestra.

The crowd love Anastacia's performance
at E-Werk, Cologne, Germany

Martin comments: "It was great meeting Chris before the Cologne show to talk over the cymbals and drums. His musicality and his deep pocked groove is definitely the backbone of the band".

Chris Johnson, Anastacia and Jackie Houlden
(SABIAN Europe) meet up during soundcheck
on the S.E.C.C. stage in Glasgow, Scotland

Onward to the S.E.C.C. in Glasgow, Scotland where Jackie Houlden (SABIAN Europe) and son Craig joined Anastacia and the band during soundcheck.

Young Craig Houlden loves his SABIAN XS20 and is driving
his mum nuts after being inspired by Chris Johnson

Jackie remarks: "My son Craig has just got a set of SABIAN XS20 and since meeting Chris Johnson has been inspired to play daily non-stop - he's driving his Mum absolutely nuts!!!"

Anastacia poses with young Craig Houlden in
front of Chris Johnson's stage kit and we could
be looking at another star in the making

Chris Johnson (Anastacia)

I met up with Chris Johnson during soundcheck at Wembley Arena still looking as fresh as ever after a month of touring. Chris's drumming can only be described as a tasteful fusion of R & B, rock and jazz which fills every corner of Anastacia's material. He is left handed playing on a right handed kit and chooses to have his ride cymbal next to his hi-hats. His open handed technique deals with the rhythmic sensitivities of the material quite effectively - he's another new kid on the block and one to look out for.

Chris Johnson with trusted drum tech
Chris 'Mr Drumframe' Achzet

Chris loves his selection of SABIAN cymbals, and is particularly fond of his 20" HH Leopard Ride and thankful to Neil Peart for the 19" Paragon Chinese. As I sat in the audience during their stage performance, all his cymbals blended and projected through - especially his 17" and 19" HHXplosion crashes.

A mixture of dark sounds from Hand Hammered/HHX
to the brightness of AA to the effects of the Max Stax
and the Paragon Chinese - a great selection!!

Finally, they perform at the MTV European Music Awards in Rome, Italy where their performance of her current single 'Left Outside Alone' wowed the viewing audience.

Another new kid on the block

Catch Chris Johnson and Anastacia in 2005 as they continue their tour and for those who missed them ... yes, they are returning once again to the UK and Europe - don't miss out on a great show!!!



Sabian Cymbal Set-Up:

• 20" HH Leopard Ride
• 18" HHX Evolution Ozone
• 10" AAX Splash
• 18" HHX Evolution Crash
• 14" HHX Evolution Hats
• 10" Sig Max Stax
• 12" HHX Splash
• 19" HHXplosion Crash
• 12" AA Rocktagon
• 19" Paragon Chinese
• 17" HHXplosion Crash