Jerome Flood II wins Guitar Center Drum-Off finals
From his opening drum roll of the "20th Century Fox Fanfare" to the end of his re-creation of the entire composition -- including ALL the orchestra parts -- on only his drum kit, Jerome Flood II was the man to beat in the Guitar Center Drum-Off finals. All six finalists at Saturday night's competition were impressive, but Flood wasn't just another drummer with amazing chops who knew how to string together a funky groove. Here's a drummer who's willing to go so far off-book, he's out of the library.(See for yourself by checking out this video of his set.)
Wearing a bright orange shirt* that spelled out Jesus in the Reese's peanut butter cup logo, Flood looked like he was having the time of his life during his five-minute set. The man had flair and originality, and the pros on the judging panel appreciated it.
Now in its 20th year, the Guitar Center Drum-Offs is the final showdown after months of regional contests held at Guitar Center stores around the country. Flood, a 22-year-old Rochester, N.Y., native who now lives in Atlanta, has been playing drums since he was 2 years old. But even after all those years of practice, Flood didn't win until his fifth year in the Drum-Offs. That should give hope to all the drummers picked off in the earlier rounds of this year's contest.
Aside from the contest itself, the evening's show-stopper was a 20-minute percussion set by Austrian drummer Thomas Lang and Mars Volta drummer Thomas Pridgen, who in 1993 at age 9 was the youngest person to ever win the Drum-Offs. He was the ultimate bad-ass on Saturday night -- playing shirtless, sucking a lollipop and flailing like Animal from the Muppets. And that's exactly what you want in a drummer.
-- Elina Shatkin
Photo: Jerome Flood II competing at the Guitar Center Drum-Off finals at the Henry Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles. Credit: Guitar Center.
He's fantastic!
Posted by: John MacLean | January 15, 2009 at 02:14 AM
He was always sick!!!!!!! That dude has his own style......... keep on keepin on.....
Posted by: Chris English | January 17, 2009 at 08:12 AM
Jerome is an awesome example that TRUE Christians are not wimps. God's kids are champs and lights in our sick,sad and beyond lost world. Take note,carnal drummer's.
look up 2 live and live ready. Eternity is only a breath away! JOHN 3:3=HAPPY ETERNITY
REVELATION 20:15=THE ETERNAL BURN.
The Burger King life will come to an end one day and after that,the Judgment. I hope and pray that all who read this will be going to banquet and not the barbeque.
Peace out ! GREAT JOB JEROME! God is proud of you!
Dwight/drummer 4 Jesus 365
Posted by: Dwight Hasbrouck | January 28, 2009 at 02:35 AM
Thomas Lang is the BEST drummer in the World!!!!
Posted by: Drummerboy | January 31, 2009 at 01:38 PM
Man in that video jerome flood is a monster God had blessing in stored for him since he's been playing since he's 2yr's old. hopefully one day i'll meet him
Posted by: Jaleel Washington | November 17, 2009 at 07:47 AM
how can i get lessons im 14 and he's one of my favorite drummers
Posted by: Jakhari Williams | September 07, 2010 at 10:58 AM