The Bobby Rock Newsletter #108 (11-8-23) - Remembering Dom: Drumming's Global Ambassador
The Bobby Rock Newsletter #108 (11-8-23) - Remembering Dom: Drumming's Global Ambassador
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Hey Everybody -
Greetings, and welcome back! Getting this party started from yet another Delta Lounge on the road...  I know it's been a minute since we had a full edition of the BR Newsletter, but the wait is over: I've got a full edition for you today. (I hope those "BR Quick Hits" have held you over in the interim.) Feels like this thing continues to reinvent itself. But for now... Let's rock it! In This Issue:
_______________ An Unlikely Path to Perfection  “Perfection is not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to remove.” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Oh man, can creative folks ever relate to this one? Generosity of “content” is not something you typically have to coax out of a creative person. We want to give it all, play it all, write it all. Every time. And as we are evaluating our current "masterpiece"—whether that be a long-term project like a book or record, or a short-term expression like a live performance—one question lingers: What else can I squeeze in there that they will love … that will set this thing over-the-top …that will cover more of the scope of my capabilities …and that will even better represent who I am as an artist?" More is always more! But to the point of this quote, our masterpiece is seldom in need of more from us. In fact, it typically needs less from us. This is why authors have editors, musicians have producers, and actors have directors. We need to be reeled in. Often. And the net result of less is, indeed, more: more impact, more clarity, and more substance. This is a lesson I personally continue to struggle with. However, all of this said, I don't think there's anything wrong with going apeshit as we do and exploring any and all possibilities in our creative process. When we are free to create, without restraint, we can indeed stumble across some inspired ideas. We just have to remember that, at some point, it will be time to trim away some fat if we want to put our best work forward. And when there's nothing more to cut... we just might be "perfect!" (I could rattle off other examples and pontificate further. Instead, I'll heed the advice of the quote and call it good here!) _______________ Remembering Dom Famularo: Drumming's Global Ambassador Dom Famularo was a beloved and exceptional drummer, teacher, human, businessman, and friend, who lived an exemplary life doing things his way—and inspiring thousands in the process. It's been nearly six weeks since Dom has passed and, frankly, I've dreaded writing about it... mainly because his life and essence are so difficult to justly embody in a brief tribute like this. And yet, I gotta give it a shot...  In reflecting on my friend, the thing that stands out the most to me about Dom is the constant, never-wavering amount of enthusiasm that poured forth from this guy, day-after-day, decade-after-decade—reliably, consistently, and genuinely. He was always so on, that I would often wonder when he ever had a chance to recover and recharge. And I don’t mean “on“ in any kind of unauthentic way. This was clearly his natural state: High vibrational. Relentlessly optimistic. And pure to the core in his love for drums, drumming, and mostly... drummers. In my next memoir, Will Drum For Food, I zero in on the 90s and that crazy decade-plus when my focus shifted to solo artist and touring clinician. Naturally, I had already written an initial segment about Dom long before his passing. I'd like to share that here, picking up from around '89 or '90: + + + + + + + Renowned clinician, Dom Famularo, had recently been hired by Sabian in a new Director of Education role. As such, he was coming to LA to meet up with some of Sabian’s west coast clinicians… including yours truly. Everyone knew Dom. He was a staple in the drumming community: an experienced clinician who had a thriving teaching practice in New York, with an encyclopedic knowledge of timeless drumming techniques and the classic drummers who perpetuated them, from Buddy Rich to famed teacher, Jim Chapin. As a clinician, Dom had his own unique and effective trip happening, with an almost vaudevillian craftiness to his presentations that radiated equal parts motivation, real-deal drumming knowledge, life wisdom, and humor. And perhaps best of all, the guy could really play. His feet, at that time, were something of an anomaly: super fast and accurate, in an era that predated all of the scorching double-bass blast-beat stylings that have become so prevalent today. And now, he was wisely expanding his offerings to the corporate level, hiring out his expertise in the educational realm to key drum, cymbal, and accessories companies. When my appointment with Dom was locked down, I’ll be honest: I was concerned. I was just getting into a good groove with my new “on the ground” way of doing clinics, and I was thinking Dom might have other ideas about how I should proceed moving forward. But as it turned out, there was no need for concern. Dom was already familiar with what I was up to and was all for it. He simply offered a few of his personal insights into what has worked for him as a clinician, and we had a great ol’ time comparing notes, brainstorming new ideas and, as always... laughing it up. (You always laughed a lot around Dom.) Dom would become a good friend and trusted advisor in the years ahead, walking that perfect line between corporate ally and fellow clinician. Specifically, over the next decade, he was an indispensable confidant for running things by and discussing various challenges I might have with the colorful cast of characters in my ever-expanding orbit of drum companies, drum shops, and music stores. He would also run reconnaissance and do clinics in burgeoning new markets around the world—from China to New Zealand to the Canary Islands(!)—and get things up and running for the rest of us. Through the years, he would truly earn his trade title of “Drumming’s Global Ambassador.” + + + + + + + Dom Famularo may not have been a household name, as he was never linked to any specific artist or band. That wasn’t his thing. And yet, virtually every drummer knew who he was, not only because he could play his ass off, but because he carved a singularly unusual niche in the industry and owned it.  In his own words: “I have studied with the Masters, and what they passed on to me was an enthusiasm for self-expression. The fun in my life has been in challenging myself to be the best I can be. But rather than limit myself to just playing in a band, I wanted to share my talent to pass on the musical and philosophical values I’ve developed, so others can find and enjoy themselves the way I have.” With this inspired ethos, Dom stepped into the portal between the drumming world’s ever-evolving present, and its sacrosanct past, holding those mystical keys to all of the master’s secrets: From Stone to Reed, from Chapin to Gladstone, from Moeller to Morello, from Papa Joe to Philly Joe, from Krupa, Rich, and Bellson, to Max, Elvin, and Tony—with stories galore on one and all, and insights, tips, and tricks on what made every master who they were. And this lineage would extend onward... from Cobham, Garibaldi and Gadd, to Phillips, Smith and Weckl… along with countless other contemporary masters, most of whom Dom shared the stage with at one point or another. This knowledge, coupled with his engaging communication skills, massive personality, generous acknowledgment of others, and fiery soloing chops, made him the industry's go-to guy for so many important roles. He emceed countless international drum festivals, spearheaded and/or supported endless educational programs, and was a returning favorite for clinics and master classes at stores and schools around the planet. These activities would grow in tandem with his various company affiliations, publishing ventures, and expanding lecture markets. His was an active, adventurous life... and a soul-stirring example for creative folks of all stripes on how to maximize and optimize your talents. He literally created his own category of "brand," then thrived within it for years... without competition! It was an awesome thing to observe, and something I feel we would all do well to consider in our own journeys, by simply asking ourselves: If I were to become the best possible version of myself, what new category of distinction might I solely be able to thrive in? It's a heavy notion. But "Fam"—as many of his compadres addressed him—was first and foremost a teacher. This never changed, even as he logged hundreds of thousands of miles in air travel through the years. He always managed to carve out time for teaching at his studio in Long Island, where his assistant booked students weeks in advance, from around the world, blocking out eight-plus hour teaching days on an already blackened calendar. He never lost the fire for straight-up one-on-one teaching... and a kajillion students through the years were grateful for this. Hell, even his teaching studio was legendary: a stand-alone, climate controlled, and soundproofed structure he built behind his house, featuring four exacting work stations, each video-ready so the student could leave with a compilation of each lesson's highlights. He called it his Wizdom Drum Shed, and I believe he even franchised out the design and concept to other teachers.  From the Wizdom Drum Shed... No surprise there. Dom was always ahead of the curve with biz and technology, and among the first to teach remotely via video lessons. When COVID hit and so many musicians were scrambling to get their Zoom game together for lessons or sessions, I'm sure Dom was laughing: this had been business as usual for him for over a decade by that point! ____________ Mostly, I will remember Dom's friendship. I will remember our annual meetings in Anaheim throughout the glory years of N.A.M.M., getting caught up on everything, as we set hopeful sights on the year ahead. And I will remember his constant encouragement and genuine well-wishes. In fact, on both occasions that I happened to win Drum Magazine's Clinician of the Year award, I literally found out the same way: from a glowing, congratulatory voice mail from Dom. Both times! But that was Dom... always the first to jump quickly at the opportunity to acknowledge and support another. Also... Dom was a regular reader of this very Newsletter. How do I know? Because, although a newsletter is not an interactive format, and I never really expect to hear from anyone after I press the send button on a new issue, Dom would regularly reply with a quick line... "These are great!" "This is fantastic..." "Incredible edition... keep going!" Etc. That was Dom. +++++++  Just a few months back, I had a nice email exchange with Dom about my recent foray into fatherhood. He has three older sons, so he was able to pass along some sage wisdom and warm words of encouragement about being a dad and the importance of family. Again, no surprise there. I always kinda knew that, above all else, his world began and ended with his wife, Charmaine, and "the boys." Thing is, though, I had no idea how tough his struggle had remained with his cancer battle. I knew it was rough for awhile, as we had a few exchanges along the way. But, true to his essence, he was always so optimistic about everything, I got the impression that he was recovering. And then... boom: I was stunned to hear that he had transitioned. I simply wasn’t prepared. But as Fam would always say, "Onward and Upward." That was his mantra. And that is exactly what we will have to tell ourselves, in his memory, moving forward. And I think I speak for all of us in the global drumming community when I say: “Dom, you have left us quite a legacy. We will attempt to keep it growing, and honor it with our own continual evolution, as we remain kind-hearted and supportive of one another. We love you, brother…” BR _______________ Cruising the Gulf with Lita and Co.  This was essentially a biker rally on the sea, with only a handful of bands performing. Unusual... but cool. We had a blast. We kicked things off out of Tampa, caught a stop in Key West, then cruised further into the Gulf with stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, before heading back to Tampa. Here are a few highlights... several of which I shared on social last week. +++++  From Social: Running around in circles on a boat, somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico, it turns out. Can only mean one thing: I am on another cruise with Lita Ford and company! High Seas Rally, it is. Lookin’ forward to hittin’ for these fine folks this week. For today, it’s an early morning run, followed by a weight room workout this afternoon… with plenty of in-room practice pad work in between. Gotta keep that conditioning UP so I can give that drum kit a respectable thrashing come showtime. Let’s rock it! +++++  From Social: Lifting some weights on a cruise ship headed to Cozumel… and missing my kid’s first Halloween. FUCK! I know his momma got him a bat costume, so I’m waiting to see some pictures soon. But this is rough! I’ve watched many of my fellow musicians who were parents go through this kind of shit over the years, but I had no point of relation to their pain. I never thought I was gonna be a dad in this lifetime. Nonetheless, when I hit the stage tomorrow night with my Lita Ford family, I will know I am supposed to be here, as well, and thus, this appears to be an ongoing plight that I will have to navigate moving forward. Happy Halloween, everyone… +++++  The best thing about cruises? Mediating on the deck outside your room! It's like bringing the Calm app to life... :-) +++++  Hydration is key! Here is a couple day's accumulation of water bottles in my cabin. Was it enough to fend off dehydration on showday? +++++  From Social: A little taste from show #2 on the High Seas Rally cruise with Lita Ford. We wound up doing two of our usual headlining sets, back-to-back, for two different audiences, with just a one-hour break in between. It was quite the endurance test! But this is precisely what all of the training and dietary considerations are for. Gotta be prepared for almost anything, I say…  PS. So after a 5-mile run around the ship at noon (probably not my best decision that day), followed by these two shows that eve, did I manage to evade dehydration? No. I got dehydrated like a motherfucker, started cramping a bit in the middle of the second show, then had a rough go of things post-midnight. Honestly, I was surprised, given how conscientious I was about hammering the water all day. But in extreme cases like a full run and two shows in one day... it's difficult not to lose water faster than you can chug it.
+++++  Beauty abounds on a cruise like this. I took a few snaps along the way whenever a shot caught my eye...  +++++ Although I didn't see too much of the gang outside of showday, I did manage to make a "last supper" in the dining hall. Everyone but Lita was able to make it.  +++++ Like casinos, cruises have become part of the "new way" of touring... and I'm cool with that! _______________ To sign up for this Newsletter and/or to scope back issues, click HERE. _______________ Thanks again, everybody. Connect soon!
Until then, BR
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