Soundcheck with Mickey Curry (Bryan Adams)

There is always fun, when Mickey Currey is around. When he was 17 Mickey joined the Scratch Band in Connecticut where he first gained recording experience. Next he started to make the two hour train journey into Manhattan and eventually joined a band called Tom Dicky and the Desires. They were managed by music mogul Tommy Mottola who also managed Hall and Oates - big news in the early 1980s!
Impressed by Mickey, Mottola asked him to record Hall and Oates’ new album ‘Private Eyes’. Around the same time Mickey met top producer Bob Clearmountain who’d just found a new singer called Bryan Adams. Within months Mickey had recorded Adams’ second album ‘You Want It You Got It’.
Next thing Mickey’s out on tour with Hall and Oates. All this was in 1981 when Mickey was 25. This was his big-break year and he’s never really looked back. The calls started to come in thick and fast - Tom Waits, Cher, Tina Turner, Los Lobos.
Mickey worked with Hall and Oates through till 1986, since then he’s been Bryan Adams’ regular drummer. He says “I get to sound more like me on Bryan’s records than on anyone else’s”.
He’s also had considerable success recording and touring with The Cult. He played on their 1989 album ‘Sonic Temple’ which sold three million.
Other notable sessions have been with Alice Cooper, Stevie Winwood, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Carly Simon, T-Bone Burnett and Richard Thompson.
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Video courtesy of Marc Ledoux.

[@rhythmista7707]

Let us not forget, Mr. Curry was also the drummer for mega 70s-80s band/duo Hall and Oats. He's been on the list of many hits..Superb drummer.

[@deanrusso1137]

Very good guy, very good family. Mickey was a hero of mine when I was a kid. He grew up across the street from us. He had the most lovely mother, Alice. She was a saint taking care of he and his brothers. Thank you Mickey for making the world a better place, and to Alice for making you the man you are!

[@williamperri3437]

Do you play the drums also or was he just say such a great guy that you looked up to him that much? It's so great having neighbors like that and people that we grew up with that were just so cool that they make an impact on you for the rest of your life.

[@lynp.stella7509]

Alice was my mother in law for a while. She was the strongest woman, I loved her too.

[@lynp.stella7509]

And I loved the boys she raised as well.

[@anthonylove821]

He seems very down to earth and easy going. I have loved Bryan’s music since the early 80s. I remember seeing Mickey when he played for hall and Oates back in the day as well. I’m glad I got to meet bryan at his tour bus when they toured with def Lepp. I think in 05. I wish I had asked if he could have had the rest of the band sign the program for me but he was in the front of the bus eating his Chinese take out lol. Oh well. Maybe one day or somehow I’ll be able to meet them. Great video.

[@NCSavageDrummer2112]

We must've been neighbors because I lived down the street from his parents! I still own a Yamaha cymbal stand he gave me when I was a kid!

[@MrPercussionPete]

Being the drummer in Bryan Adams' band, that must be the greatest gig in the world.

[@YamahaDrumsEurope]

We can't think of many gigs better than that!

[@glengamble526]

Mickey always takes time to see when he comes through town with Bryan-even letting me stand behind him onstage when they soundcheck. Amazing musician and human being. And Michael, his tech is a wonderful human, as well.

[@jonsimon5779]

In 1987 I started working at a company here in Connecticut. After sometime one of my co-workers found out I was a huge Hall & Oates fan. She came up to me one day and said that her neighbor was none other than Mickey Curry's family. I wish I had a video of my face when I heard that. Some weeks later she brought me in an autograph she got from Mickey to me. Sometimes you're just in the right place at the right time. :-))

[@zolfodor4835]

Love seeing any musician happy when they,re playing,but watching a happy drummer is fucking brilliant,can feel the vibes & a happy drummer won't let a band down.

[@CrisRefuse2112]

One of my heroes.... fine drummer better human being!

[@Romans219]

I've enjoyed Mickey Curry since the early 80's. I have been a professional drummer for many moons so it's easy to admire Mickey Curry and his tasteful playing.😊

[@lisascherger9082]

Mickey Currey you and Stewart Copeland inspired me all through the eighties to have this lifelong love of drumming. I still feel your sense of backbeat is the strongest I ever heard from the eighties up to present . Thanks for just being you. Rod Scherger.

[@Goodboy0953]

Me tooooooooo

[@Sctch_Egg]

He has played on some of my most favourite albums, which are my favourites due to the drumming on them.

[@gsmith207]

paraditto that dude! still trying to play cuts like a knife! been hammering that shuffle for 32 years! love it!

[@MXZEric]

Brilliant drummer...Love your work Mickey!

[@brucesimian3743]

I saw him with Hall and Oates on the Big Bam Boom tour in 1984. Great drummer!

[@prezbiterium]

So underrated!

[@TheMICMusicInspirationChannel]

He made the cover of _Modern Drummer._

[@ziko317]

First heard about this guy when I watched Hall & Oates Liberty concert on DVD, he was a beast and a machine back in the day.

[@g0o0r]

His Playing on That one is imho the Best live Drumming ever recorded, especially timing wise

[@eddutorruco]

same!

[@williamperri3437]

@@g0o0r who is that by? I'm like a forty-five-year-old drum fanatic and no practically everybody and I don't know this guy. I like him already though cuz every comment is about how he's even a better human being than drummer!

[@TheMusicalElitist]

Finally! Someone who sets up their kit properly!

[@timothysears2260]

One of the kings of backbeats Micky Curry...

[@kevinloveringofficialpage6465]

Love Mickey curry one of my favourite rock 'n' roll drummers I actually got the drum head that he had up on the wall signed at the original drums only at Main and Kingsway but it's on my wall now keep on ripping it up Mickey🥁

[@odaydrums]

Great feel and some subtle little things on record that as a kid I thought how creative!

[@JoelStevenett]

Love MC's playing!!! Inspiring!! Thank you Mickey and Yamaha! Joel

[@user-yv6fv6bf6x]

SO COOL ! SO NATURAL without any "false glamour" !

[@benalerturk3715]

A super kind person, a legendary drummer...

[@johnfearon6115]

favourite drummer seen Bryan Adams over 10 times live worth the money just for mickeys drumming and his yamaha kit sounds great live ...sure he also did the drums to "La bamba" by Los lobos..

[@proseandflowers5673]

Mickey Curry I am a fan of yours👏👏👏

[@severancemetal]

Great drummer who played on some great albums, not only for bryan Adams, but several albums by The Cult. Sonic temple and Ceremony. Great feel

[@jeshkam]

I thought Matt Sorum was the main drummer on Sonic Temple?

[@packstevewood]

Saw Mickey back in the 80's with Hall and Oates in Seattle. Thought I was standing in the middle of a thunder and lightening storm during his drum solo. KA-BOOM BOOM!!! Amazing. He looks and sounds great here! Beautiful kit. Classic set up and love the silver sparkle wrap. My favorite. At first listen I thought it was a Ludwig maple / poplar shell but then I saw the company badge on the bass drum at the end. Sorry Yamaha! My bad!

[@rhythmista7707]

Not a wrap, but a silver sparkle painted lacquer 😁👍

[@packstevewood]

@@rhythmista7707 🙂👌

[@DavidLightWill]

Saw him with H2O on that Big Bam Boom tour and he was amazing with that St. Louis Blues jersey...

[@tonyvincent9753]

The thump behind the Big Bam Boom!

[@theevildrummingsithlord1492]

Nice beat Mickey! I like how Gary Breit was rockin' out to your beat.

[@sammue6349]

GREAT drummer!!!

[@proseandflowers5673]

You are the greatest drummer ever❤️🙏🏼🌹

[@alstrange6055]

One of the best!👏🏻😀

[@Daehawk]

I can imagine when something goes from fun to a job. Having to do the same beats year after year over and over must be maddening at times.

[@james12erby43]

Yeahhh that's why I hate being in cover bands after 30 + years and 7 bands later geesh. I was in a band called Count - N - Change for 9 years and we played the same damn songs 150 times per year all over Michigan. I'm done with cover bands. I'd rather do my own at home drum covers seriously!

[@damithsanjaya7540]

Mickey curry you are my teacher and the best drummer (according to me).love you 😍😍

[@rob_wade]

Legend.

[@PRAISEDRUM]

LOVE MICKEY........NO WORDS....HALL & OATES DAYS BABY.....LIBERTY CONCERT KILLED ME!!!!!!

[@lynp.stella7509]

You look great Mickey, especially the hair!! Love Lyn

[@HAMMERFOOT1]

Love Yamaha drums! I owned a set of Power Your Customs. In the Red/Orangish finish. Birch/ Mahogany. Wish I still had them.

[@DavidOakesMusic]

That snare angle ! Thats like Nicko McBrain but with 45 fewer tom toms.

[@anidamsa4396]

The bass player plays with The Feeling. Fabulous band. Love this buy the way.

[@goalieking3378]

You're my drummer/Idol Mickey!!!! Hope to see you in Summerside PEI, Canada!!! Cheers from NB, Canada

[@evankar1144]

Mickey é um cara maravilhoso....muito simpático.

[@gsmith207]

my fav drummer of all times I swear. Wish I had that feel. always trying to copy him. I know I'm 54 and Bonham rules, but he is our Gen'Xer drummer.

[@africkinamerican]

Those snares sound fantastic especially with the rim shots

[@DavidOakesMusic]

Im surprised he can do rim shots at that angle

[@toddvandell85]

Loved Mickey with The Cult and the awesome Colin James on his Bad Habits CD. Nice primary snare. Looks like 8" deep?

[@dmgsoultogetherness6667]

Funny guy ,very good drummer,things he does in this clip seem like nothing but they really arent......and the hidden "fill language" love it

[@golf4ubacknine768]

Solid as they come 👍👍

[@maybelooking]

I had no idea Mickey played on "Sonic Temple" until just now. Wow. Good stuff!!!!

[@srikanthsharma786]

Everyone from the Bryan Adams band are funny with good sense of humor. Love you all !

[@EricCohen-so5zs]

Mickey Curry is the Coolest guy in the world.

[@shanegriffin2215]

I love the stuff that he did with the Cult. Fire Woman and Sun King are my favorites. Great player.

[@zyskman78]

Wow. I always thought that was Matt Sorum?

[@gsmith207]

One would think it was some monster of a man behind the drums on those tunes! Love MC on those! His back beat is as thunderous as Tommy Lee. Makes me go out and beat my drums!

[@CutiePie-hh3gg]

He also played on Alice Cooper's Hey Stoopid

[@jimmypaxson3980]

Still my #1

[@MattOBuck]

The dude from New England Road. Mickey Rocks!

[@stillianos]

the toms and snare sound amazing

[@robpearson108]

Dont how any drummer can play with their snare elevated that high and angled like that.

[@jimmypaxson3980]

Such a hero to me. 🙏🏻

[@EricCohen-so5zs]

And Pat Steward is also AWESOME as HELL !! It has to be a PREREQUISITE ago be in Bryan’s Band you have to be an AWESOME human and be nice as SHIT !!!!

[@adamklein9320]

Nice kit 👍

[@stevericardo_drummer]

Awesome Sauce

[@Clash_CT_Rocker69]

His Zildjian Avedis Sweet Ride 21" is so powerful, so Mickey Curry signature because distinctive cymbal bell for fantastic intro of The Cult song Sun King from Sonic Temple album.. His cymbal setup is fantastic, so cutting but not in a bad way, more midle tones on such stage and after mixing. In a small room it would be more clanging sound of cymbals. And his drums are quite huge; bass drum no smaller than 24", rack tom seems to me that is 14", and floor toms are 16"&18". Just like dimensions of Pearl wood&fiberglass drums of my teenage hero and first playing role model, Topper Headon used to play with The Clash on all tours and studio albums, except on the "Combat Rock". Their last album to me.

[@brihal1]

Phenomenal "beyond-this-close" drumming. I just found your group, I am subscribing, and I would love to apply for a tech position with your group.. I'm a "Good, Old Time Theatre Tech, based in L. A. and L.V. ~~ Brian H.. I'll look at your vids more, and I have the audacity to send you my CV when I find where-to ''

[@shanegriffin2215]

His stuff on the Cults Sonic Temple were incredible.

[@derrickwilson7467]

The Pocket King.

[@elroyblackbean]

VERY interesting placement and angling of everything. That rack tom is up fairly high, and both the rack and snare are close to 45 degrees. Would love to hear why he prefers it that way. Looks like he's been hanging out with Nicko McBrain!

[@jefersonalunoolimpio]

olá !!!! tudo bem ? sou muito teu fã, Gosto muito de sua técnica de tocar .... sou fã de Bryan Adams .. abraços !!!!!!

[@ELIAHOficial]

The best

[@timsears951]

I have seen this a few times of Micky and I just noticed something that I cant believe I never noticed before....just what kind of cymbal tilters are those?? have ever seen cymbal tilters like these ...does anybody know??

[@GordoFreakmanFail-Life]

I want to see a drum solo of Mickey!!

[@lhprimate69]

Mickey played on Moby Dick with Jason Bonham and Jon Bon Jovi's drummer whose name escapes me at the moment. They took turns, and Mickey played the 3rd drum solo. They definitely saved the best for last. His solo was amazing and very fluid. Check it out.

[@getalife7947]

Thought the proclaimed “meat behind the behind” left for good?

[@soeffingwhat]

Is that Richard Jones (the Feeling, Sophie Ellis Bextor) on Bass?

[@fireyourrocketts]

Are those in ears monitors Westone custom shaped to the ears?

[@GordoFreakmanFail-Life]

Hey +Yamaha Drums Official, can you please tell me what are the Zildjian cymbal set of Mickey?? Thanks!!

[@YamahaDrumsEurope]

Sorry, I don´t have the exact specs. Maybe best to check with Zildjian directly. All the best!

[@greghiggins9635]

I went to high school in Connecticut. my Name is Gregory Lee Higginbotham. He WENT IS ONE OF THE BEST DRUMMER EVER. I moved to the west coast.

[@ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz]

I worked on a small tour for Bryan Adams in the early 2000s, very tight unit. Not my cup of tea their kind of pop MOTR music but, hey!

[@benalerturk3715]

That would have been “the best days of my life” man, you were very lucky

[@student702]

Tempo settings on the setlist @2:33!

[@pal4597]

Come on Bryan, bring back Mickey. No disrespect to Pat Steward, but Mickey is special. The band does not sound the same without Mick.

[@danjones7927]

I thought he played on The Cults Ceremony album and Matt Sorum played on Sonic Temple

[@irvan36mm]

Mickey played on both albums. Matt Sorum did the Sonic Temple tour

[@scsdrummer]

Which drum set is he using here?

[@YamahaDrumsEurope]

These are Yamaha Absolute Maple shells. Have a closer look in this interview: facebook.com/notes/yamaha-drums/back-to-the-feature-with-mickey-curry-of-bryan-adams-there-are-so-many-great-stu/1454875097856836

[@damithsanjaya7540]

That's Yamaha maple custom absolute

[@ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz]

he should stand next to Chad Smith and Will Ferrell...

[@phlhoran12396]

My thoughts too. Ha

[@ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz]

He should join Will Farrell and Chad Smith for a drum battle.

[@drummerjms]

I can drum to alot of his drumparts.. .Everything from Cuts like a knife to Summer of '69 to Everything I Do ( I do it for you) and many more

[@matthewmyerscough417]

If I rememeber correctly, Mickey didn't play on Summer of 69. It was Pat Steward.

[@rolandoflores7626]

He did played in the Andy Taylor(duran2) debut álbum in 1987.Sonic Temple it's a great album too,saludos from México Rock city.

[@bigmouthdubai]

Is that Sophie Ellis Bexters husband on bass (the guy from the Feeling?)

[@johnfearon6115]

Yes it is

[@johnfearon6115]

Yes it is

[@phlhoran12396]

I knew I recognised him.

[@butuh13]

He plays on a Richard Thompson song called The Reckless Kind. Check it out. Very simple...and super deep.

[@ThomasMetal75]

I didn't know Art Garfunkel played the drums, lol!

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

When i saw this video, I instantly thought it was Dr. Cox from Scrubs.

[@PaulMarangoni]

24" bass drum?

[@michaelanderson2881]

Wow he sits low.

[@shannonbiggers3312]

Felling good?

[@troyelliott390]

✔

[@jaimemontano1558]

Jajajajajajaj is a. Secret

[@bamamoondog9039]

Met Mickey Curry back in the 90's after a show... A total jerk with an attitude. Then I met Mickey Curry in 2006 after a show... More of a total jerk with an attitude. I've seen Mickey Curry in concert several times over the years and his drums always sounded like crap. Great Drums and Great Cymbals, but his sound totally sucks. The guy just got lucky.. not impressive at all. He's lucky Yamaha Drums even considered him as an artist.

[@nietbepalen]

Someone jealous 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Toado2]

Hey, we are all entitled to an opinion. Thank you for yours. Best

[@bamamoondog9039]

@@Toado2 Thanks for your acknowledgement. Maybe since me and Curry have both gotten older since 2006, maybe, we've both became nicer ?? I can understand how, after a high energy concert, in front of 7,500 to 10,000 people, it would make a drummer cop an attitude, but he should always remember that a fan, that enjoyed what they had to offer to the show, should be appreciated. However, attitude can ruin that fan's perception of that person. Yes, I was disappointed with Curry's drumming, and I think that he could have added more chops and tasteful licks, but I guess Hall and Oates liked his simple, lazy drumming, and it worked for them. Just disappointing to watch and listen, thinking about what else could have been added. As far as his drum sound, it could have possibly been the venues.. one was outside in an ampitheater, and one was indoors, however, the sound engineer should have been much more drum sound aware, and had a better ear. Perhaps he might not have liked Curry's attitude also ?? lol It was really sad to see those nice Yamaha's not being used to their full potential. Anyway.. Curry had years of success. Maybe in his older age, he will remember to be nice to people that try to compliment what your during.

[@bamamoondog9039]

@Larry Niles Sorry my friend. Been a drummer for over 30 plus years, and made a nice living at it. What I said is that the (2) shows that I saw him perform at, his drums sounded like shit. Probably the sound engineer's fault, because he probably didn't like Curry's "smart ass attitude" either, and decided to make him sound like shit... who knows. I still say that back then, Curry was a total Jerk with an attitude toward his fans after concerts. Just sharing what I witnessed twice, several years apart.... Keep on Drumming !!....

[@John-zt6yw]

I have a friend who sold some vintage guitars to Adam’s guitar player. He brought the guitars to the sound check, and he said they were not very nice people. So , I think you’re right .

[@droverarden]

Preferred him when he sang with Paul Simon

[@erockscott1184]

Great drummer....but never cared for that bullfrogging drum tone....glung glung.

[@alstrange6055]

😳 Seriously?! His drums always sound incredible!🤔

[@woolymantis4246]

Weird tunings

[@raymondward8758]

Great drummer, but who tuned that drum kit - terrible indeed

[@theTruthLifeNWay]

Did you tune it? Why make such an ill informed statement when the footage was shot on a phone, Give Apple a call and tell them to put Drum Receptive Mics inside their next iPhone just for you. Have seen Mickey Curry 28 times live, HIs kit's never been out of tune.

[@theTruthLifeNWay]

@@raywardrayward My claim to fame? About 1000 Gigs in 13 years. And the Drummer in my Band also has FOH Engineered at just about every major Outdoor Festival in the UK and Europe for around 7 years before Corona showed up in town. I bet you, if the Audio was taken from the desk, you couldn't tell in a month of a million Sundays if the skins were badly or properly tuned

[@theTruthLifeNWay]

@@raywardrayward Are you from NZ Sound?

[@africkinamerican]

@@theTruthLifeNWay As a musician, big fan of good drumming, and an experienced air drummer, they sound fantastic to me.

[@jagerking7020]

Can we stop with the on obnoxious overbearing overtight snare?

[@davidgsneath]

Fun? I've never seen anyone look so bored.

[@gogo2957]

BAD SOUND FOR ME!