Billy Cobham

One of the most respected world-class drummers Billy Cobham was touring the U.K. with jazz outfit 'The Art Of 5' - this had been funded by the Arts Council England.

A mesmerising performance, stunning his Shrewsbury audience

After a long shot enquiry, Steve Poensgen - proprieter of Drum Korner in Shrewsbury - snapped up the chance for Billy Cobham to host a drum event in Shrewsbury when he had word that Billy would accommodate his request. Steve said: "Billy Cobham is regarded as the God among most drummers and is very well established. When I heard about his tour I jokingly asked if there was a chance of him coming to Shrewsbury and a week later we heard he had a spare date. I never seriously thought we would have a chance of getting him here - normally somebody like him would only play in London or Birmingham."

Billy with prototypes and Radia cymbals
to colour his musical performance

Billy performed to a sold-out 200 strong audience held at Shrewsbury School who had travelled far and wide to see the great master perform. His performance was certainly musical and dynamic and had this audience mesmerised as he pulled tones from his instrument especially from his cymbals.

Left to Right: John Moore (Head Of Percussion, Shrewsbury
School), Caroline Frost (Event Coordinator), Billy Cobham,
Jerome Marcus (SABIAN Artist Relations), Steve Poensgen
(Event Organiser), Craig Peace (Drum Korner)

An expressive performance by Billy Cobham!

His cymbal set-up comprised of a 22" Ride containing a jazz wash with chinese overtones and 14" Hats sharp, crisp and cutting - both of which are prototypes supplied by SABIAN for assessment. His crashes and chinese cymbals were Terry Bozzio 'Radia' cymbals compliment his overall cymbal sound.

Billy Cobham, a grand master at 60 years young

It was also Billy's 60th birthday and at the end of the drum event he was presented with a surprise birthday cake organised by Drum Korner. When I asked him why do a drum clinic on a day when he celebrates a milestone in his life, Billy answers '"......I drum, that's what I do". Hats off to this drumming great who still holds the passion and dedication to his craft.


Billy Cobham's Sabian Cymbal Setup:

• 22" Prototype Ride
• 14" Prototype Hats
• 20" TB Radia Chinese
• 18" TB Radia Crash
• 16" TB Radia Crash
  
  
  

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