Randy Black
Randy Black (born November 17, 1963) is a Canadian-born rock drummer and recording artist known best for his stints as the drummer for Bif Naked, Annihilator, and Primal Fear. Although Black's actual acoustic drum configuration is not unique to the field of drumming, Randy's playing style is notable for his ability to play ambidextrously with a symmetrical set of cymbals, specifically a dual set of remote hi-hats and ride cymbals to his right and to his left respectively.[1]
Randy Black | |
---|---|
![]() Randy Black performing live in 2009 | |
Background information | |
Born | Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada | November 17, 1963
Genres | Rock, hard rock, heavy metal, power metal, speed metal |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instruments | Drums |
Years active | 1980-present |
Associated acts | Primal Fear DuskMachine Annihilator Bif Naked Rebellion W.A.S.P. Destruction Level 10 |
Website | http://www.randyblack.de/ |
Biography
Black is a native of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada.[2] He got his first professional start in 1980 with a band called "The Edge".[3] He did not start touring to any large degree until he joined the band "The Kaotics" in 1982.[3] He then joined the band Click in 1984, who were known for their covers of material by bands such as Journey and Rush.[4] The four members of Click stayed together and toured for nine years without a personnel change.[5]
In 1993, Black moved to Vancouver, British Columbia and joined Annihilator. Randy’s bandmates were astonished at his technical precision and even dubbed him the “human drum machine".[6]
In 1998, Black did some recording work with Bif Naked on the album I Bificus. It was shortly after this that Randy moved to Germany. He also did some more recording with Annihilator. In 2003, Randy joined the German heavy metal band Primal Fear, replacing original drummer Klaus Sperling.[7]
In June 2011, Randy announced that he would be officially endorsing Pearl Drums.[8]
On August 11, 2014, Primal Fear announced[9] that due to irreconcilable differences between singer Ralf Scheepers and him, Randy leaves the band effective after their performance at Summer Breeze Festival on August 15.
In late 2015, Randy officially joined American heavy metal band W.A.S.P. as their touring drummer after the departure of their previous drummer Mike Dupke. In 2017, Randy left W.A.S.P. Later in 2018 he joined German thrash metalers Destruction.
References
- "Youtube Video - Illustration of Randy's ambidextrous approach to cymbal and hi hat work".
- "Mapex Drums – Profile Randy Black".
- "Mapex Drums – Profile Randy Black".
- "Sabian Cymbals comment on musicianship of the 80's cover band "Click"".
- "Rockeyez.com – Interview with Randy Black".
- "Official Annihilator Site – Comments on Randy Black".
- "Rockeyez.com – Interview with Randy Black".
- "Pearl Drums Welcomes Randy Black".
- http://www.primalfear.de/home/2014/08/primal-fear-parts-ways-with-randy-black/