Chad Wackerman (b-1960)
I saw and heard Frank Zappa on 2 occasions. The first was at The Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach with Ralph Humphrey playing the drumset. (1973) The second time it was in Orlando with Chad Wackerman. (1986) Chad Wackerman is credited to be part of Frank’s ensemble from 1981 to 1988.
I saw and heard Chad up close at NAMM when he performed daily in the Paiste booth. That was very enjoyable. I saw him from a distance with Allan Holdsworth. It was after-show NAMM Chicago at Buddy Guy’s.
He is an excellent thoughtful musician. I’ve really enjoyed his interviews on Drum Channel --- in discussion with various drummers. The drummer’s of Frank Zappa is special. I also heard Chad play in a bar during Winter NAMM. It was a very casual lounge gig with his band. If lounge music were that creative---maybe they would be more attractive to music listeners. The Paiste sound from Chad was always very organic with Allan Holdsworth’s music. I continue to enjoy the educational videos presented on Drum Channel. The introduction to the Murray Spivack Method is a gem.(chadwackermann.com)-(drumchannel.com)