Rich Carlson behind the drum kit.

Rich CarlsonTwistedDrums

Rich Carlson is an accomplished, self-taught drummer with over forty years of experience. His drumming journey began at the age of 14, drawing inspiration from legendary drummers such as John Bonham, Tommy Aldridge, and Denny Carmassi. By 15, Rich was already performing across the San Francisco Bay Area, honing his skills in various cover bands five nights a week. By the time he turned 20, he had become a proficient drummer, making a name for himself in the Bay Area club scene.

Throughout his career, Rich has been a member of several bands and is currently performing with Romero and Green Foo Pilots. Some of the highlights of his musical journey include auditioning for Ozzy Osbourne and receiving a second callback, as well as opening for renowned acts such as Pat Benatar, Blue Öyster Cult, Great White, Cheap Trick, Lynch Mob, 38 Special, and Bret Michaels of Poison.

Currently residing in Denver, Colorado, Rich has been teaching drum lessons since 1993. His students typically learn to play a song within two to four months of starting lessons. Rich's teaching approach is un-intimidating, focusing on making the learning process enjoyable while helping students improve their skills.

In addition to teaching and performing live, he has contributed to numerous CDs and does studio work. Rich is also the author of the instructional book "TWISTEDDRUMS." With a passion for drumming and a dedication to sharing his knowledge, Rich Carlson continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of drummers.

Releases

  • TwistedDrums (Twisteddrums Publishing, 2016) A Dynamic approach to drumming independence.
  • TwistedDrums II (Twisteddrums Publishing, 2025) An unconventional method for creating drum fills.

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