Ian Matthews (drummer)
Ian Matthews | |
|---|---|
 Ian Matthews at Nottingham O2 Arena, 2 December 2011, during their Velociraptor! arena tour | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 20 June 1971 |
| Origin | Bristol, England |
| Genres | Indie rock, neo-psychedelia, jazz, funk, electronica |
| Occupation | Drummer |
| Website | kasabian |
Ian Matthews is an English musician, best known as a drummer for rock band Kasabian. Prior to Kasabian he played with a number of local Bristol bands, such as K-Passa, Ilya and Milk. He met Kasabian when they were recording their first single "Processed Beats" in Bristol. He also played on "Butcher Blues", another track from Kasabian's self-titled debut album, and "Beneficial Herbs", a B-side to "Cutt Off" single. He was asked to tour with them shortly and became a permanent member in April 2005.
Matthews started his career as a jazz drummer and when not touring or recording with Kasabian he often plays small jazz/funk gigs in Bristol. Ian has recorded with James Morton's Porkchop on 'Don't You Worry 'Bout That' album.[1]
He cites Mitch Mitchell, Tony Williams and Buddy Rich as his strongest drumming influences.[2]
Drum Kits
Matthews has used various drum kits and cymbals over the years. Currently he's using DW drums, Zildjian cymbals and Natal percussions along with Vic Firth Drumsticks and Remo Drumheads.
His drums and snares are: DW Collectors Series 24"x16" kick drum; 13"x9" tom-tom; 16"x16” floor tom; 18"x16" floor tom; 14"x6.5" snare; 13"x3" side snare. He uses the following Zildjian cymbals: 14" New Beat hi-hats; 12" K splash; 18" K Dark crash; 22" K Custom Dry ride; 19" K crash; 19" K Hybrid china; and a 40" gong [3]
Trivia
Matthews is left-handed. He broke his left hand when touring with Kasabian in Europe in February 2010 and was replaced by his drum technician for a number of gigs and the NME Awards performance of "Vlad the Impaler".
He got his first drum kit when he was four and by the time he was seven he played his first gig in a pub and was capable of laying "a pretty good waltz, quickstep, foxtrot, and tango".[4]