LEGENDARY GRETSCH ARTISTS “DRUM UP” SUPPORT FOR ROUNDHOUSE

Drummers Nick Mason, Karl Brazil, Ash Soan and Neal Wilkinson Inspire at Emerging Artists Workshop. 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 (Robbie Williams) 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.

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

For more information please contact Tor Evans, media relations manager at the Roundhouse, on 020 7424 6784 or email Tor.Evans@roundhouse.org.uk