 | |
| Background information | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Pat Torpey |
| Born | December 13, 1959 |
| Origin | Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Genres | Hard rock Heavy metal |
| Occupations | Drummer, Songwriter, Singer |
| Instruments | Drums, Bass, Vocals |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Associated acts | Mr. Big, Richie Kotzen (solo), David Lee Roth Band, The Knack, The Exile Social Club |
Early years
Pat Torpey was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 13, 1959. At age 7, he found the first seeds of inspiration to play drums. He tells the story: "I was at a family and friends picnic and there was a polka band. I was sitting on a railing behind the drummer and was fascinated at what I saw and heard. I went home and fashioned my own 'signature' drum sticks out of a fallen tree branch from our front yard".In high school, Pat immersed himself in all the available music programs, concert, orchestra, marching and stage bands. About his teenage years, he says: "I wanted to play everything percussion and I convinced my mother to buy me a used drum-kit for my thirteenth birthday.” Pat’s family moved to Phoenix, where he then began honing his skills in local bands. Everything from rock, to Funk, to jazz, to pop helped him gain confidence and versatility.
Beginnings of his career
1983, Torpey moved to Los Angeles. He recounts the beginning of his career: "I'm a pretty good softball player and joined an entertainment league and through that I was able to make some new friends and network my way into a couple of gigs. I became a regular on the American Bandstand and Solid Gold TV shows performing with Benny King, Mike and the Mechanics, Melissa Manchester, Bob Geldof, and a few I can't even remember."[attribution needed]1985, Torpey auditioned for the British pop–rock singer John Parr, who was riding high on his #1 hit "St. Elmo's Fire" and had landed the opening slot for Tina Turner on her Private Dancer Tour. When that tour ended he became the drummer for Belinda Carlisle on her first solo tour opening for Robert Palmer.
Pat narrates further, “1987, I was doing a television show with Roger Daltrey and Bobby Columby from Blood, Sweat and Tears approached me and asked me if I was available to do some studio work. Columby was producing a couple tracks for The Knack and their original drummer had just left the band. I loved their music and what great fun for a drummer. They asked me to join the band."[attribution needed]
