Thomas Nack's innermost wish to be a drummer emerged when he was 11 years old. Influenced by hard rock, metal and thrash metal of the 80’s, Thomas started playing, self-taught, spending hours every day in the basement of his parents' house, practicing to the music of his idols. He would commit entire albums note for note to memory. His early approach to drum as if playing to an imaginary symphony influenced his later professional career, making him a versatile drummer who picks up quickly on the essences of various genres and sound designs.  

At the age of 22, Thomas successfully auditioned for German metal band Gamma Ray. Touring around the world from 1992 to 1996 pushed his playing to an impressive level. Crowned by the recordings of their legendary album “Land of the Free”, this experience opened the way to Thomas’ career as a professional drummer.  

At the same time his hunger for exploring diverse musical styles led to a deep passion for funk, soul and crossover pop music. As a founding member of northern Germany’s hottest new funkadelic/acidjazz act in the 90s, Soularia, Thomas shaped their trademark grooves live and in recordings over many years culminating in opening slots for music legends such as Al Jarreau, Incognito and The Temptations.  

In 1998 he joined metal band Iron Savior for eight albums and numerous world tours.    

Highly sought after for his exact timing, fascinating flexibility and skill, his athletic performance and top-notch comprehension of diverse musical styles, Thomas is a top session and live player in his native Hamburg. An invitation to audition for The Lion King in Hamburg in 2002, kicked off his career in Musical Theater, adding another dimension to his playing and knowledge. Productions include "The Lion King“, "Mamma Mia“, "Tarzan“, "Rocky“, "Kinky Boots“, "Dance of the Vampires“, "Cirque De Soleil’s Paramour“ and "Tina“. He's currently principal drummer for "Pretty Woman“ in Hamburg.  

As a freelance drummer, Thomas is currently involved in constant live and studio activities for artists such as: Orange Blue, Dirty Royals Orchestra, Nervling, Lotto King Karl, Mannschaft, Nathalie Tineo, and many more.    

He is also a freelance lecturer at the University for Music and Theater, Hamburg, Germany.

Thomas Nack cannot be pinned down to a particular style of music. The Hamburger feels at home in metal, pop, funk, hip hop and soul.

Thomas about PEARL: "Pearl drums make me perfectly express my emotions on the drums. A Pearl wood/fiberglass double bass drum set and a maple free floating snare had been my first kit and chosen object of desire at the age of 12. I played it for a good 10 years, my two single foot pedals even longer! I am absolutely fascinated by Pearl‘s solid hardware construction. I always appreciate whenever I am provided a Pearl set on festival stages. Easy to tune, solid construction and always delivering a great sound, no matter what series. The two sets I currently play are a Pearl Reference and a Pearl Masters Custom Maple. They inspire me every day anew!“ Thomas Nack, official endorser since 2007

Pearl met the all-rounder and talked to him about home ports, highlights and increased heart rates.

Thomas, how come you haven't really been able to commit yourself to any kind of music when it comes to drumming?

It's easy to answer. But this is less a question of ability than a question of willing. I get my energy from the variety of musical possibilities. I like this variety and I need it, it promotes my creativity and the feeling for the respective situation. I think my timing is appreciated across styles.

Like most musicians, you are probably constantly on the move. Where do you really feel at home, where do you fill up?

So, my home port is clearly Hamburg. The Elbe, the maritime atmosphere, the shitty weather and colorful dirty corners like the Karo- or the Schanzenviertel make this city exciting. As far as my equipment goes, of course I dropped anchor at "Pearl" ... (laughs)

Thank you, that honors us! Surely there are reasons for this?

When you play with so many different artists, the material has to be perfect, the hardware reliable. The tuning just has to work and everything has to be exactly right. And the sound just proves you right.

Thomas, what has been a real highlight in your musician life so far?

Some time ago I was allowed to record with MANNSCHAFT, a band from Hamburg, in the Abbey Road studios in London, which made my heart beat a few beats faster. You sit in the ring corner, sticks in hand, the Pearl set surrounds you and you inhale the atmosphere of the studio 2. Then you count the song ... - blatant!

(Thomas Nack also worked with bands and musicians such as SAVAGE CIRCUS, the BO, LACRIMOSA, ANGRA or LOTTO KING KARL. For VINCE BAHRDT you worked in the MORDBALLADEN orchestra.)

Which current projects are on your agenda?

There are currently two other Hamburg bands for which I am active. This is ORANGE BLUE, also with and Vince and Volkan Baydar. With Vince there is also the "Murder Ballads II" project. And then I also drum for the guys from IRON SAVIOR.

Thomas Nack teaches at the University of Music and Theater in Hamburg and at the Hamburg School of Music. In addition, he is active for all successful musical productions between the Elbe and the Alster, such as "The Lion King", "Sister Act" or "Tarzan".