Chris Williams

I was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania and lived in PA until I was seven. My years there proved quite influential because I was surrounded by musicians and exposed to a variety of music genres. My dad, an elementary school teacher, was a keyboardist and singer on weekends. Our home was always filled music, and my parents were cool enough to allow me to be a part of their interest and his talent. Some of my greatest memories are watching my mom and dad with their friends jamming on weekends at our home. I distinctly remember my first time behind a drum set during one of these jams. I was six years old and I was never the same after that experience. I spent the next eight years trying to figure out how to get myself behind the kit again.



We moved to Richmond, VA when I was seven and I've called it home ever since. After years of watching my dad play, I thought my music career was really going to pick up when I entered fourth grade. I thought it would be a super idea to pick the violin as my passion---well for those of you who know me, the violin just wasn't my bag. The next phase in my music dream occurred in sixth grade when I thought I finally had the chance to play drums in school. I was elated to be enrolled in band class and was excited

to tell everyone that I was a drummer. Well, Mr. Fahrney had different plans for me. He told everyone to stand in the line next to the sign that had the name of the instrument you wished to play. Faster than Carl Lewis, I rushed over to the sign that said "DRUMS". Sadly, I didn't make it over fast enough because I was at the end of the line. You know I wasn't happy about that realization. The band director walked over and said, "Chris, you look like a trombone player" and I replied, " Oh no, I'm a drummer". You can guess who won. With my head hung low, I shuffled over to the TROMBONE sign. I took it on the chin and ended up playing trombone until my junior year in high school.



I became a "real" drummer in eighth grade after meeting some fellow musicians in the marching band. I played in my first band called "Pik and Tap" and began my career as a drummer. I finally felt at home. I did the typical things for the next few years: playing for high school parties and battle of the bands. I met John Small and we played in a band together for a time in high school as well. You should see the pictures from those days!



I went into the military for a while and met the man who proved to be my drumming mentor. I learned so much from him and began envisioning myself as a professional drummer after my tour in Germany. During this time, I had a pretty pivotal life moment. My dad passed away and although as obviously devastating as that is, I now realize that losing him put so much of my life in perspective and catapulted me to make the decision that I needed to pursue what I loved most in life-drums. I put convention to the wind, came back stateside and re-enrolled in college and joined several local bands. I met Fechino and toured with him in a band called "The King Pins". The VCU School of Music was unbelievable. I focused on jazz and classical percussion and still daily use what I learned in that program. It was such a cool time because my professors were amazing and the vibe in the school was supportive and challenging. I also met Chardy while I was there.



I've had a lot of influences that led me down this path. Some of my music ancestors are: John Bonham, all classic rock drummers, Kenny Aronoff, Tony Williams, Philly Joe Jones, Baby Dodds, Changuito, Russ Miller, Hal Darling, Zigaboo, Steve Gadd, J.D. Blair and Steve Smith. I've also developed a simple philosophy of drumming and music through the years: Practice long, groove hard, and have lots of fun. Drumming is my passion and the essence of who I am. I think it is a privilege to be behind a set whether I'm playing for a huge crowd or in my garage next to the tool bench.



In the late 90's John Small told me he had just joined a band called "Pat McGee Band" and suggested I go for an audition. I did and joined the band. It was a tough decision but the best one I ever made. These guys are my second family and I'm so fortunate to be able to pursue my dream with such talented musicians and good friends. I'm living the life I have dreamed about since I was six years old.



I'm thankful I took the chance to pursue this as a career and thank you for coming out nightly and watching us do what we love best. Your enthusiasm and energy make it worth all the sacrifices it has taken to get here.



See you on the road, Chris