Press release Tuesday 9 February 2016

LEGENDARY GRETSCH ARTISTS “DRUM UP” SUPPORT FOR ROUNDHOUSE

Drummers Nick Mason, Karl Brazil, Ash Soan and Neal Wilkinson Inspire at Emerging Artists Workshop

Last night, emerging artists enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn from some of the best drummers in the world. Sponsored by Gretsch Drums, the Roundhouse hosted a workshop for aspiring musicians featuring some of the world’s top drummers – including Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason as well as Ash Soan (Adele/Cher/Billy Idol), Karl Brazil () and Neal Wilkinson (Paul McCartney/Van Morrison). The event celebrates Gretsch Drums’ recent donation of three drumsets to the rehearsal spaces in the Paul Hamlyn Roundhouse Studios.

The evening started with a short Q&A with Pink Floyd drummer and Roundhouse Ambassador, Nick Mason. Nick played the first gig at the Roundhouse when it opened as an arts venue 50 years ago and has been a huge supporter of the venue’s work with young people over the last ten years.

Ash, Karl and Neal went on to each give a 30 minute masterclass to the group, including tips and a short performance and offered the aspiring musicians unique insights into their careers in the music industry.

“For over 130 years, Gretsch Drums have inspired artists to create some of the world’s most iconic recordings,” said DW/Gretsch artist relations manager/Europe, Dave Philips. “Our hope is that with the support of the incredible people at Roundhouse, these drumsets will inspire the next Charlie Watts or Phil Collins to reach their full potential.”

Marcus Davey, chief executive and artistic director, Roundhouse said, “Since the Roundhouse reopened following a huge refurbishment ten years ago, young people have been at the heart of everything we’ve done, so it’s fantastic to have the support of organisations like Gretsch and artists at the top of their game to help nurture our emerging artists. Thank you to Gretsch, Nick, Ash, Karl and Neal for helping make this incredible evening possible.”

John Henry said, “John Henrys Ltd are proud to be part of this amazing donation as the Roundhouse is such an incredible organisation - ensuring opportunities for the next generation of artists should always be supported.”

The new drumsets will be housed in the Paul Hamlyn Roundhouse Studios, a state-of-the-art creative centre that offers young people the space to learn and hone their skills to become the artists of tomorrow. Each year, the Roundhouse works with 3,000 young people, 60% of which are facing significant socio-economic disadvantage. Where they may have missed out on experiences growing up the Roundhouse enables them to reach their full potential through creativity.

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For more information please contact Tor Evans, media relations manager at the Roundhouse, on 020 7424 6784 or email [email protected]

Notes to Editors

Roundhouse

Each year, the Roundhouse works with over 3,000 11-25s, enabling them to realise their potential through creativity. The Roundhouse aims to work with young people who have been excluded, marginalised or disadvantaged by society, aiding them to find pathways back into education, work or simply to enjoy a wider cultural life. As well as this the Roundhouse offers audiences of all ages new and extraordinary experiences in live music, circus, theatre and digital. www.roundhouse.org.uk

GRETSCH DRUMS

Gretsch Drums is an iconic American drum brand manufactured in Ridgeland, South Carolina. For more than 130 years, the award-winning company has been providing "That Great Gretsch Sound” to drummers around the globe. Noted artists include Phil Collins, Charlie Watts, Cindy Blackman and Taylor Hawkins among others. For more information, visit www.gretschdrums.com

Ash Soan

Ash has been working professionally as a drummer for over 20 years. His live experience includes tours and performances with many artists including; performing at Woodstock 94, supporting The Rolling Stones, REM, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Oasis and Bryan Adams at Wembley with my first band Del Amitri in 1994-97, to touring and playing with Marianne Faithfull, Sinead O'Connor, Sheryl Crow, Robbie Williams, James Morrison and many more. Ash is also the house drummer on the BBC TV show The Voice. The main part of his career has been in the recording industry and over the past 20 years he has recorded 51 top 20 albums for artists including: Cher, Seal, Robbie Williams and Adele. His discography also includes 21 top 10 singles and to date, 18 number 1 albums and 11 number 1 singles which have featured on various pop and rock charts around the world. www.ashsoan.com

Karl Brazil

Karl Brazil’s precision, power and impeccable feel have established him as one of the UK’s most respected and busiest drummers. Known for his ambidextrous ability of drumming opposite to his own opposing set up - using a right handed drum kit with his left handed and footed style of playing - he is a versatile musician and clinician. Karl has recorded and toured with a long list of high profile artists, most notably, Robbie Williams, , Take That, Jason Mraz, Starsailor, James Morrison, , Leona Lewis, Girls Aloud, Alison Moyet, Natalie Imbruglia, Paloma Faith and Welsh indie-rockers Feeder. karlbrazil.com

Neal Wilkinson

Neal has been a first-call studio session musician since the mid-80s. His feel, sound, and ability to play many different styles of music has led to recording and touring with a hugely diverse group of artists, including Van Morrison, James Morrison, Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, Annie Lennox, Joan Armatrading, Beverley Craven, Barefoot Servants (with Leland Sklar), Gang of Four, Ultravox, Mike and the Mechanics, Everything But the Girl, Gil Evans, Michel Legrand, Elmer Bernstein, TV shows American Idol, Friends, X-Factor, movies Star Wars - Return of the Jedi, Looking for Eric, Man Down (to be released soon), and London shows "Hair" and the Carole King show, "Beautiful".