GenQ - For the not so straight individual

Boasting the biggest drum kit in the southern hemisphere and selling out concerts across the globe, award winning solo drummer Grant Collins is getting ready to perform for a one-off concert in Brisbane at the end of August.

Valued at $75 000 and dubbed 'the Beast', Grant’s 75-plus piece drum kit takes several people and hours to set up, boasting 22 drums, 34 cymbals, 18 different pedals, 11 toms, five bass drums and four snares.

Grant’s mastery of his drum kit has earned him the title of ‘the Octopus’, and has led him to perform with the likes of Terry Bozzio, Dennis Chambers, Gregg Bissonette, Trevor Hart Quartet, James Morrison and charting pop act Aneiki.

Recently performing at Singapore Drum Fest 07, Grant says his hometown concert will give music lovers an insight into his journey as he plays signature material from his ten-year solo drumming career.

"This concert will be a collage of material from the last ten years of my career, and will feature music that many people will hear for the first time."

With two solo drum CD’s and a live concert DVD under his belt, Grant has been a solo drummer for the past ten years and has toured Asia, Australia and the US.

Grant says his solo concerts appeal to a broad audience because the drums are an accessible instrument.

“My concerts are not just for drummers but for music lovers in general; I think drums are appealing to people of all ages and social demographics – you can just play them and everyone gets it."

“The drums are accessible and visual; if I swing my arms I will hit something and make a noise – it’s that simple,� he said.

 

Currently completing his PhD in composition and performance at QUT, Grant began playing drums at age 17 and, while acquiring his skills, practiced 10-12 hours a day.

Performing at the largest art shows in the world, Grant has performed at NAMM (Northern American Music Merchandisers) in Nashville, and Australia’s Pacific Edge Conference with over 1000 delegates.

With the highly acclaimed dance company Raw Metal, Grant completed a regional state tour, Full Metal Racket, in conjunction with Queensland Arts Council in 2006.

Grant’s success at age 26 in the Australian Best Up and Coming Drummer competition in Melbourne led to major sponsorship deals with various drum and percussion companies.

Grant Collins will be performing at the Powerhouse Theatre in Brisbane on Friday 31 August. For further information to book tickets, call (07) 3358 8600 or visit brisbanepowerhouse.org