Remembering Dom Famularo | The Drum Department 🥁 (Ep.48)

Dom Famularo was the world’s drumbassador - no matter what style or era drummer you were, Dom wanted you to feel connected to the history of drumming. Equal parts pro drummer, world-class educator, and trailblazing motivational speaker, Dom dedicated his life to inspiring drummers all around the world. On today’s episode, we pay tribute to one of the most important figures in the drumming community. We’ll share stories, show some never-seen clips of Dom, and celebrate the life and legacy of Dom Famularo.
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[@DrumeoOfficial]

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Drumming Global Ambassador, Dom Famularo My first time seeing Dom was watching a VHS tape where he was emceeing and performing at a Larry Londin benefit concert. It’s the first time I saw someone bash away on a vertically mounted china cymbal while his feet were doing blazing single strokes on a double pedal - all with the biggest “Dom” smile that we have all grown to love. Years later, I was attending a Vancouver International Drum Festival and won a drum set in the raffle. I nervously (like an awkward 15-year-old teenager) walked on stage and shook Dom’s hand to accept the prize. The next time we met was at a small group masterclass hosted by Tom Lee Music. I remember waiting in the lobby for Dom to arrive. As he entered the room, you could feel the energy lift. Dom bragged about how he “got a whole two hours of sleep last night” and was ready to teach. Dom was always high-energy and incredibly positive. He famously said that “he gave up negativity twenty years ago.” Dom didn’t see obstacles as “problems” he only saw “challenges.” His first Drumeo appearance was in 2018, and we filmed a bunch of courses and videos. The most popular is The World’s Happiest Drummer Plays “Eye Of The Tiger.” While filming this video, Dom was asking random strangers if they’d like to appear in the video. He had a special gift of always making anyone feel comfortable in his presence. When we were organizing the inaugural Drumeo festival, Dom was my first call. I asked him to emcee, and he accepted without hesitation. He loved the drumming community with his whole heart. Dom taught me so much about drums, but even more about how to live a good life. He taught me how we should collaborate with industry to create more drummers. It was important for Dom to teach drummers the historical drumming lineage that paved the way for what drumming is today. Dom was an amazing drummer, musician, teacher, author, mentor, husband, and father. He will be greatly missed in all of our lives. I am so thankful to know him, and for the amazing body of work he has left for all of us to benefit from. To close, I will quote Dom’s last text message to me, sent on August 30th, 2023. “We are a family bonded by a passion for a united instrument. Everyone is an equal, and we are just messengers of enthusiasm to deliver ways to have more fun doing what we love. Keep going, as you are inspiring people to aspire.” Condolences to the entire Famularo family as they go through this difficult time - Jared Falk

[@thefucrew9865]

R.I.P. Sir. 🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏

[@musicM0VESme]

So sad to hear this. I'll never forget Dom's rendition of Eye Of The Tiger.

[@Suitmyselff]

What how? 😢

[@MrsKelly-pc3sg]

Sorry to hear about your good friend, Don’s passing 😔

[@stivecutbank1079]

WOW this man playing 😢my god he was great I can't believe I never saw or heard of him 😭

[@LD13-d5j]

Way back in the '90's I worked in a drum shop where Dom held a clinic. I picked him up from the airport, had dinner with him, chatted with him, what an extremely nice guy. He signed a drumhead for me which I still have! What a loss, what a legend R.I.P. !

[@MikeMastropierro]

I had one lesson with him in 05. My favorite quote: “Always approach the instrument with the child-like wonder of kid sitting down at a drumset for the very first time.”

[@AirwavesEnglish]

I met Dom once in South Africa where he came to do a clinic at a smallish local music store. Keep in mind we were (and still are) starved for this caliber of musicians/drummers coming to visit us. Anyway, I sat in the second row trying to absorb everything he played and said. I felt like there needed to be three of me to be able to take in all of his passion and infectious persona. After watching a phenomenal performance from him and drooling all over the floor, he was walking around chatting with everybody and eventually my turn came... I really messed it up with my star-struckedness and started babbling incoherently, trying to get everything out all at once. He slapped me on the shoulder and laughed out loud and said, "Relax, friend, I feel the same way watching some other musicians sometimes. It's all good, how are you, what's your name?"' I was instantly disarmed and relaxed. I will NEVER forget how kind he was to me during our short two-minute chat. He was a huge inspiration and is hugely missed. Love you, Dom, and thanks for just being You. 🥰🏆🎼🎵🎶🥁

[@jeremychurch5683]

So sad. The guy just exuded life and positive energy, I’m truly surprised he passed, he always looked so healthy. it looked like like he could have lived until he’s 100. what a legend.

[@elwoodwhite9734]

RIP Dom Famularo thank you never to be forgotten for your playing drums teaching and showing us all how to live drumming music and each other with fun and enjoyment though we never met I feel like I've known you all my life like many others I'm sure RIH our dear friend and instructor and teacher your books are drumming secret must haves for ever

[@walterbanachjr9417]

Man Dom was an amazing drummer and person..and I loved his enthusiasm towards drums and people...what a great guy RIP Dom

[@rnl9520]

I was blessed to see Dom at a drum clinic for Drum Headquarters in St. Louis in 1983 (yep - 40 years ago). Dom truly inspired that 18 year old to aspire to greater drumistic heights. I recorded the clinic on cassette (for those that remember that format - I actually still have it!). That tape was my Playlist for the next 6 months. I learned all Dom's "From Flam to Groove" exercises. I remember Dom telling the audience - "It's Your Move" placing the knowledge and ball in our court and encouraging us to run with it. I was blessed again last May to see Dom at the Chicago Vintage & Custom Drum Show and have a minute to tell him the impact that clinic had on me as a young drummer. I was amazed whe he recalled specific details of the clinic. Dom, thank you for Inspiring me and all drummers to Aspire! May you rest in peace.

[@BradJohnson075]

Oh wow, just seeing this. I saw Dom at the first drum clinic I ever went to in Mobile, AL 30 years ago. His energy, passion for drums, enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge, and kindness were infectious. I remember being utterly blown away by his skills and the sounds he was able to get out of his small set. It was nice to see those cymbal tricks I saw 30 years ago in the intro to this video. I incorporated some of those into my playing. What a legend. He’ll be missed sorely. I’m sure he is playing drums up in heaven.

[@shaivered5741]

Watching this with tears in my eyes. I had the honor to have a lesson with him on my birthday as a gift. It was amazing and inspiring. R.I.P.

[@umpalumpaflea]

I am a classical cello teacher and I am showing to my students the video where Dom is playing Eye of the tiger to make them understand what energy and joy has to unleash from a player and his/her instrument during a performance. His way of playing and teaching drumms can inspire all types of musicians!

[@richfuzzsadlo9049]

I had the wonderful opportunity of studying with Dom in 1985-86 at the LIDC. What an inspirational teacher. Thanks, kind sir, for all you have done for us drummers.

[@PrimalBlue-l6o]

Amen.! Sir I never met you, but you changed my approach to drumming for ever. Thank you and GOD BLESS you.

[@whiskersb5296]

About 30 years ago Dom did a presentation in my high school and then a few months later sat in with our jazz band. It was an amazing experience.

[@RandomlyDrumming]

I was fortunate enough to attend one of his drum clinics, in Belgrade, back in 2005. It was an absolute treat! He was such a nice and approachable person. I chatted with him for a few minutes after and got to ask him all kinds of questions. A great drummer and even greater person. Rest in peace.💐

[@FrankPCarpi]

I just love the way Dom always smiles when he plays. He loved his job.

[@KarlKeesel]

the first time i saw him was in a dvd instruction video that came with the first and only drum kit that i have, i saw his energy and his trademark smile, then years later i remembered him and looked on the dvd to get his name and then search on Internet to know more of him, i was amazed by his talent and good hearted personality, its so sad that we lost him and the drumming community will feel his absence forever, there is no other Dom Fomularo, we all miss you sr rest in peace.

[@dantesbrissia9776]

RIP Dom. You were the best!

[@RandyHanley]

Drumeo is doing such an awesome tribute to Dom. Thank you! Man, I miss him!

[@kushking420]

wish they didn't take it down for a few days :( RIP Dom

[@mexicanmaggot666]

His death is a tremendous loss for the drumming world. I saw him at a clinic back in 2007 and I was blown away. At age 54, he DESTROYED any metal drummer I heard of at that point with how fast he played double bass. Godspeed, Dom. Your love for drums will inspire people for generations.

[@powernpoundersmusicchannel3484]

Sad day in the drumming community. I meant Dom at NAMM January 2020 months before COVID and recently at NAMM 2023 hosting the Jeff Beck tribute. I walked up to him, hugged him, and said, "Welcome back, my friend." "He said Corran wonderful to see you again". Dom encouraged me and mentored me to keep doing what I'm doing in music journalism. A BIG THANK YOU Dom for being my mentor and friend You'll be missed.

[@rhythmicbeast]

RIP legend such a gentleman 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁

[@fortedrummer3026]

Thank you, Drumeo! I had the great fortune to meet Dom in person once, in November 2017 at PASIC in Indianapolis. I was thrilled in that moment. He joked with me and was 100% supportive of my drumming aspirations. He invited me to send him an email anytime, and we exchanged a couple of messages. I first learned of his work as an educator and clinician in the mid- to late 1980s in Modern Drummer magazine, and have been his fan ever since. I remember he once said that he was one of the first, if not the first, drum educators to adopt the internet as a teaching platform. He wanted to reach drummers everywhere, however he could, and always embraced the latest technology to make that happen.

[@ronjon5386]

What a great guy and great drummer. Dom moved people with his fantastic personality

[@coiLz0r911]

Dom was an incredible player and educator. His joy and positive attitude were so contagious. What a brutal loss for the drumming community and the world. Rock in peace Dom ❤

[@carminecaligiuri]

Blessed to have met and hung out with Dom a few times over the years. What an incredible soul. RIP Bello. You are already so very missed.

[@martijnvanbeek4387]

Dom: such a lovely (drummer-)spirit. I am sad to experience he's left us drummers behind here, us all alone. I never met him or followed a lesson but I was always so impressed by his being, his smile and enthusiasm. Hard to believe he has moved to another place, a spiritual world. Thanks Dom for all your smiles, music contributions, glue and all.

[@kushking420]

I met Dom at a vic firth drum clinic, he wasn't there to play but I recognized him after the clinic, and he was so humble, cool, very supportive and always had a smile. I'll miss that smile, Dom you were a legend, R.I.P Dom you were a great influence to the drum community!

[@stanleynich]

He was so full of Life always had a smile on his face and most likely smiling down on us all right now, he was on person I wished I could have met personally

[@PutItAway101]

His obvious joy at playing the drums was infectious.

[@toddliggett4093]

What a great remembrance for a fantastic drummer, educator, and all-around wonderful human being. Well done Drumeo. I will miss Dom's always smiling face and awesome energy.

[@wilftaylor9377]

A light has gone out. What an inspirational human being Dom was.

[@drummerbill5718]

I saw him when Billy Cobham and Dom did a drum clinic years ago. I knew who Billy was but not familiar with Famularo ….. but after that night I was a fan. I just saw him earlier this year at NAMM and had a nice quick chat. Sad to hear of his passing.

[@DrMesogen]

Thank you! I will never forget remarkable drum clinics of Dom in Moscow! It was amazing! A lot of passion, energy, true love of drums. RIP

[@Rythym4god]

As a new, highly impressionable 13 drummer, back in the early 80s, I had the joy to see Dom at a clinic that our local drum shop put on. He was nothing short of amazing. But the one memory that stands out for me was his huge, infectious smile and how much fun he seemed to have on the drums. Because of that, I always tried to intentionally have fun when I played. Thanks Dom!

[@pedrobarahona4092]

Dom is Huge!!!! Blessed to have him as my menthor. ❤️

[@spears104]

Thanks for this amazing tribute to Dom. He was my first drum clinic in Halifax in 98 or 99 at Musicstop. Hip Pickles opened and then Dom wowed the crowd. The first time I saw a drum kit set up sideways. Everybody leaving there was dancing and wanted to play the drums. I again had the fortune to see him at the 2010 Cape Breton International Drum festival, where he was the emcee! It has been a joy to follow him on social media and learn from his material through various drum teachers I have had.

[@JeffTullock-fs4de]

Legend. Teacher. Drum God. He did our drum shop a solid. Flew in. Did lessons 1 day and a clinic the next. I was one of the few that got a private lesson. Everybody loved the guy. He was like the wise old teacher at the temple. Respected.

[@jayson_michael]

❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️ we will miss you, Dom. The "Drumbassador" R.I.P.

[@drumteacher43]

I was very close to Dom and was his student, friend and colleague. For over 16 yrs. There will never be another Dom I loved him like a brother/father. I miss him dearly. I was at his 70th birthday party and sadly that was the last time I saw him as he passed away month later. My son Dom and I had lunch plans worked out at a slightly later date after his party but he passed before we got to see him again. I did speak to Dom shortly before he passed and even though he knew his end was near he was still positive and encouraging to me! He was truly a wonderful drummer and man! I miss him and think of him everyday. I will be attending a memorial that Charmaine his wife is planning in the new year! “ as Dom would say “Onwards and upwards” ❤

[@nbrowser]

I remember the video from this channel with Dom playing Eye Of The Tiger with starts in a house then on to Mill Lake Park then Highstreet Mall...you could tell the man wanted to play and beat the ever loving crap out of the kit smiling wider than anything you did see. His message was inspirational to those who want to play...the world has lost an incredible talent and honestly one hell of a guy. To the people at Drumeo, nicely done tribute.

[@borgullet3376]

Dom Fam was A Prince.. Drumming Royalty... Gone Too Soon but Never, Ever to be Forgotten. Thoughts of solace and condolences to All of his Family and Friends - Rest In Peace Mr. Famularo. The Ambassador.

[@NLPMaster1]

Oh man, how sad , what an awesome man and incredible inspriration to drummers and to all.💜🥁

[@ab72_s]

Rest in Peace, Dom. My deepest condolences to the friends and family of Dom.

[@jubankta1627]

Truly a huge loss for our drumming community!!I met Dom at expos and not only was he an incredible player,But the energy and passion he not only brought to the events and to meeting people created such a rich culture in anything he was a part of!!!RIP DOM!!!

[@Ben-Jamminalot]

H3 Had a grand love the the instrument, as we All do. Total immersion. Dom = Inspirational teacher, "The Tony Robbins of the Drumming and Music World ."

[@alexis.jacobo.drums14]

Thank you Dom and thank you Drumeo. He continues to lift us up, that final speech got in my heart, rest in peace

[@jstinks851]

One of the most inspiring human beings I've ever encountered, Thank you Dom for being an amazing musician and incredible person . This world will miss you !

[@annmarielupo1171]

Dom was.. and will forever be, my brother. Thank you for this. He was my hero and his loss is so profound. Driving Force. That's what he was, with our without a pair of drumsticks in his hand. When he was playing behind myself and my other brothers, he brought the music to a level of exhilaration. And that driving force was directly responsible for leading me on my path to teaching and choreographing dance. I had been performing and touring in the magic community for years,, and when my ex and I were expecting our first child, I was unsure of the direction my work would go. I was singing with my brothers, and Dom knew I could do more. Dom was in a flower store and started up a conversation with a man who's wife owned a dance studio... and the next day he had set up a meeting for me to meet with her. That was in 1985 and I am still choreographing, having branched out in so many areas.. Teaching children to express music, their joy, their pain.. their souls through movement and the art of dance has been my driving force. All because of my incredible, hilarious, outrageous, larger than life, brother Dom. I will forever miss all the laughter you brought, the side splitting laughter, and all the love. I will do my best to carry on your legacy of paying it forward. All you need is love.. love is all you need.

[@Erix77]

Saw him in Norway(Bergen) in the late 90ies I belive. First drumclinic for me. I was a young metal drummer, and damn he blew my mind.... what an experience. He totally killed it❤

[@andymelendez9757]

Enthusiasm!❤ Thinking about him really makes me consider what’s important in life, and where our focus should be. Important for a guy like me when things get shaky. Thanks Dom, your interviews are required material for learning positive life skills.

[@thelmabradley7176]

What a great tribute to a legendary drummer, Dom Famularo.🥰🥰

[@Cmart50]

I still have a really good double bass DVD hosted by Don featuring Portnoy, Lang, Bitter, etc that I still watch from time to time. Guy's passion and enthusiasm for playing the drums is undeniably inspirational.

[@trafalgerdavis7839]

I saw Dom at a clinic years ago here to Toronto. What character! What a drummer. His version of Eye of the Tiger is incredible.

[@Suitmyselff]

😔 an inovator of style! was blessed to watch you teach at drum clinics in Perth Western Australia

[@JosueMartinez-zy6zg]

Thank you for everything Dom I’m gonna miss u. Ur cover of “the eye of the tiger” will always be the best. Thank you so much ❤

[@richp4449]

Always loved watching and listening to Dom. Such passion. Such an advocate for a great musical instrument. We were blessed to have him on this earth with us.

[@JackMcLeodJr]

I remember watching his sit-down interviews with the likes of Ray Luzier, Troy Lucketta and many more and what you could not miss was Dom's incredibly positive aura, man was a true gentleman and always enthusiastic and charming. Some people have that smile that you can just tell they are a joyous person. Very sad to hear he has died. My condolences, rock in peace man 🙏🥁

[@RolfWamFjell]

A true inspiration and a wonderful legacy. Rest in Peace.

[@dmleibo]

Tears at the end. “I believe in you”. Oh man.

[@ronniek7748]

What a great drummer!!

[@adityatyagi4009]

Awesome tribute to the late and forever great Dom Famularo. My only interaction with him was online when I left a comment talking about my struggles with drumming and making some significant breakthroughs which I thought would never happen but did only because I persisted. He responded with a simple "Fantastic!" That made my day.

[@tyasteele]

He was just an amazing teacher and drummer

[@jonathanrichard6881]

Awwh Man!!! GOD Bless you Dom Your Life as the Worlds Drumming Ambassador has touched so many Drummers World wide. You will be greatly missed. Love, Support and Prayers Drummer Jonathan Richard😪🥁🪘

[@PaoloGiovanoli]

Wish I had the opportunity of meeting our beloved Dom. Wait -- I DID! Chances are if it wasn't for Drumeo, probably it'd be a lot harder to see him perform and have access to such a nice masterclass on technique and charisma. This channel is just as gold as his smile. Thank you Jared and all the Drumeo team. You're proving Dom was right. Um grande abraço diretamente do Brasil.

[@yeet_za]

One of the most inspiring drum clinic's i've been to was with Dom. I helped him set up his kit for the Drum Clinic. He was the nicest person i had ever met. It stuck with me how passionate he was about drumming and how much joy it brought him. Dom is one of a kind. He will be dearly missed. My condolences to his family and his friends.

[@Meiyor]

I love Dom, I remember him a lot! a great inspiration for all drummers!

[@yankeesdrums2]

I have heard of Mr Don through the years, but not really until y’all had the specials with him. Thank you for introducing him to another drummer!

[@KinseiSensei]

What a pleasure to watch. True musician,legend.

[@newdmbfan]

That you so much Drumeo for doing this for Dom 🥁 such a great inspiration for drummers and musicians ❤

[@MiUnited]

Dom spread so much positive energy that it still phisically exists and will stay with us for long long time

[@alioryakhil6742]

R.I.P king legend dom famularo 😢💔

[@h.i.5333]

What a beautiful human being. God speed! ✌️

[@chavernac]

Mr. Famularo helped more people than people may think, me included, as he also was the primary impulse for the re-publishing of the Chapin book. I spent years reading his name at the end of the foreword, at the back of the book, not even knowing who he was, not even his face, until his first Drumeo appearence. 🤴

[@henrylitjes5695]

May a say you guys are fantastic i mean hole of Drumeo team top notch in every way. We all going to miss Dom Famularo very much.

[@josefosaurus13]

He's always smiling, what a drummer, what a human been!

[@thehaymaker3660]

Fantastic drummer and human being, he'll be sorely missed in the community.

[@gogogadgetspoon]

That was a lovely tribute. Just cried my eyes out on a bus during Eye of the Tiger

[@martinmees878]

God bless Dom. I feel privileged to have met him and shake his hand. One thing that is often overlooked is the fact that he was an absolute beast on the kit! That cymbal technique is just awesome.

[@rellis3940]

Gotta share this. My wife went to an estate sale in our neighborhood. This guy passed close to my age ., I forgot about that man but this guy who left behind his drums had a practice pad head signed by him. What a great man. So I also purchased a couple snare drums. Thanks for this video.

[@rellis3940]

God needed him for a motivational drum lesson in Heaven, Thanks again.

[@jonashellborg8320]

That was an amazing tribute! I first saw Dom in the Drumeo Method, where his enthusiasm was incredible.

[@oniondidgeridoo9720]

R I P DOM , Cheers guys tears in my eyes

[@fastcars1173]

Incredible tribute to a great! His inspiration will live on for generations!

[@jamesyistheman]

Excellent tribute to Dom. Thank you guys so much for making this video.

[@janzedwicksantos6015]

I love this guy always happy by playing drums and it's nice

[@danielegruppioni1029]

😢! Grande Drummer!!! Grazie di 💚! RIP.

[@shawada40]

Dom Famularo....excellentissime !!!!! 🥲🥲🥲🥲

[@jilips]

Absolute legend and such an inspiration to keep learning and having fun while doing it

[@doco8627]

This was awesome! Dom is one of my favorite percussionists . Love his energy, personality, and talent! Dom definitely missed but his legacy will live on!

[@squamishfish]

Myself and two others back in the 1980S were in the Canadian navy band , We went to the Sabian factory in New Brunswick . Dom just happened to show up the same time ,what a great to down earth human being with a great sense of Humour

[@SopranoPizzaJMFNJ]

I miss him every single day ❤

[@hugolafhugolaf]

His Sessions interviews were amazing. He had a way of putting his guests at ease, get them to open up, and he didn't interrupt them all the time.

[@tofno3780]

He was a great drummer, one of my favorites😥

[@pquin]

Thanks for doing this!! I miss him everyday!

[@GianpaoloGallianOfficial]

Thanks guys, you are the best! ❤

[@webgraphr718]

Wonderful video guys! Thank you for paying tribute to Dom. I never had a chance to meet him, but have been inspired by the videos he made. A true ambassador indeed! Thank you for all you have done for us Dom!

[@GuidoWilden]

Godspeed Dom ... you'll be greatly missed 😔🙏🏻

[@LiquidAudio]

Great tribute guys, really thoughtfully done. RIP Dom.

[@wflkurt]

What a great video! This just made my morning. Dom was such an amazing drummer and one of the most positive people I have ever seen. I actually met him for the first time at the Chicago drum show last May. He was standing alone watching a clinic and I was on the fence about wanting to talk to him as I hate to bother people and I had already known that he had struggles with cancer the first time. Finally I just said screw it and introduced myself. Told him what a great inspiration he was and that there were lots of us that love and respected all that he did. Told him that I was happy to see him out and about again and that he would win the good fight in the end. He could not have been nicer and after a few minutes of chit chat, I let him be and go on his way. Thanks for being such a great guy and inspiration Dom. I have three gigs this weekend starting tonight and I will think of Dom at every one of them. Thanks for posting this. R.I.P. Dom.

[@johnrobinson8323]

Thanks for this awesome video guys! Unfortunately I don't have a Dom story except for that every time I ever saw him on Drumeo or on KZbin I got super excited about the drums! This podcast is no exception. Happy drumming everyone and keep on keepin on! 🥁 ❤