091 – Pete Parada: Drumming for The Offspring, Working with Legends like Producer Bob Rock and Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Studying at M.I. in L.A.

Shortly after high school, Pete Parada moved to the west coast to study at the Musicians Institute (MI) where he took classes with greats like Joe Porcaro, Ralph Humphrey, Chuck Flores and Efrain Toro. One teacher he clicked the most with happened to be Ray Luzier (drummer for Korn, David Lee Roth, Army of Anyone). They ended up being roommates for a few years and good friends.

Pete’s first big break came in 1998 when he was asked to join the punk rock group Face To Face. Over the next six years, he traveled the world and recorded four studio albums, three EP’s and a live record with the band.

During his tenure with Face To Face, Pete also had a four year run with Saves The Day, a highly influential band from the post-punk and hardcore scene. He spent two years juggling both group’s crazy schedules and at one point played seven shows in three days over one weekend in England. During his time with Saves the Day, Pete recorded two studio albums and an EP.

After Pete’s gig with Face To Face ended, a good friend recommended that he meet with The Offspring. In an instant they clicked both musically and personally. Pete says, “My passion for music was reignited and nearly a decade later I’m still just as excited. It has been a privilege to play the biggest stages in the world with them and record with legendary producer Bob Rock on the album “Days Go By” and the #1 rock single “Coming For You.” In addition to being a multi-platinum act, Dexter, Noodles and Greg K are three of the greatest guys I’ve ever known. I’m lucky to call them friends.”

Over the years, Pete also had the pleasure of working with a few of his all time favorite artists, including recording sessions with Rob Halford from Judas Priest, and Chris Shifflet from Foo Fighters, as well as tours with Devo, My Chemical Romance and Alkaline Trio.

In this podcast, Pete talks about:

Moving to Nashville and discovering the drumming community

The difference between L.A. and Nashville

Pete’s move to L.A. and his experience at M.I.

Touring experiences with The Offspring

Building his resume after M.I.

Getting the Face To Face

Juggling two road gigs

Dealing with aches and pains on the road

Filling in for Josh Freese (SP?) with Devo

Getting the gig with The Offspring

Working with producer Bob Rock in the studio

Pete endorses: Tama Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vater Sticks, Remo Drumheads, Yamaha Electronics, Latin Percussion, Sontronics Microphones

This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums