About Terry Bozzio

Terry Bozzio is a solo drum artist who rose to fame initially as the drummer for the early 80's new-wave group Missing Persons. Terry was married to Dale Bozzio who was the lead singer of Missing Persons. (Actually, Missing Persons was after his run with Frank Zappa). Terry gained further notoriety as a drummer after working with Frank Zappa (who composed the famous "Black Page" drum solo specifically for Terry). Through the years Terry has worked with multitudes of other well known jazz and progressive musicians. His recording with the Brecker Brothers "Heavy Metal Be-Bop" is a classic. Jeff Beck featured Terry on his "Guitar Shop" album which is an essential for fans of both Beck and Bozzio. Terry's playing has grown increasingly experimental through the years and he has a large collection of solo drum recordings which feature his trademark ostinato drum solos. Other highly recommended musical recordings of Bozzio include any of his work with The Lonely Bears, Polytown or Bozzio, Levin, Stevens. These recordings are instrumental works that are quite progressive and explore many different musical flavors. Bozzio has frequently cited Igor Stravinsky as a key inspiration for much of his melodic playing style. An interesting note to students of both the drum kit and Bozzio is that at some point in the early 90's Bozzio ceased using a "ride" cymbal in his extensive cymbal collection. As most drummers know a ride cymbal is a highly "standard" cymbal to have in one's set up and considered essential by drummers of almost all genres. Terry replaced the traditional ride cymbal with a variety of new and highly experimental "white noise" sounds which often involved combinations of china cymbals & crash cymbals "sandwiched" together. A quick look at Terry's kit will instantly reveal the unusual cymbal combinations he utilizes to create these highly unique sounds. Fans of progressive music as well as drumming virtuosity would be well advised to seek out any of Bozzio's recorded works to witness this highly unique and innovative musician.