I officially started playing drums at the age of 4, but even before that, around 1994–95, I was already hitting my uncle’s old black Pearl Export kit. SO PEARL WERE THE FIRST DRUMS I EVER PLAYED IN MY LIFE. I still remember when my parents used to take me to his place… I always wanted to go straight to his studio and spend the whole day playing. Then, at the age of 6, I went to my first music school and did my first live performance. The drum kit was another Pearl Export, this time in maroon. The toms were bigger than me (12”, 13”, 16”), and you could barely see me behind the kit, BUT I REMEMBER BEING THE HAPPIEST KID IN THE WHOLE WORLD.   I also remember watching VHS tapes of Dennis Chambers playing those amazing big Pearl kits. Then the yellow kit came out, and it completely blew me away. The beauty and the sound of those drums, man! At school, I barely paid attention to the teacher because I was always dreaming about that kit and drawing it in my maths books… I OFFICIALLY SIGNED WITH PEARL IN 2015, and my first performance as a Pearl endorser was at TamTam DrumFest in Seville, Spain. I was doing my performance, enjoying a beautiful red Reference Series kit, and when I came off stage, Dennis Chambers was there! He was also playing at the festival, but I hadn’t even realized it until that moment. We spent the whole night talking about life and drums, and I still remember it as one of the best moments of my life. Today, I have the joy and privilege of playing Pearl every single day, and I still enjoy it just as much as I did when I was a kid. WHEN YOU GO TO A CONCERT AND SEE A PEARL KIT ON STAGE, YOU JUST KNOW EVERYTHING IS GOING TO WORK!   Nowadays, I use different Pearl series, and every one of them works perfectly across all kinds of styles and situations. One of my favorite things is traveling around the world and getting the chance to play different Pearl kits that have been exposed to all kinds of weather conditions, humidity, temperatures… and somehow, they always sound great and have something special about them!IT’S BEEN A LONG JOURNEY TOGETHER WITH THE BEST BRAND IN THE WORLD, AND WE STILL HAVE A LOT OF PAGES LEFT TO WRITE TOGETHER.HAPPY 80TH ANNIVERSARY, PEARL!THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME BE PART OF YOUR HISTORY.   

WHY PEARL?WHEN I WAS A YOUNG KID, I DIDN’T OWN A DRUMKIT.At that time, the Guitar Center’s drum departments were like a dream. There was a Pearl Drumkit on a riser, sitting in the window.  At night when they’d close, you could drive past that store, and the see the drums all lit up through the glass window. I dreamed and dreamed about playing those drums. I got a chance to play that kit - it was an MMX. I always said whenever I get a big gig,I’M GONNA SAVE MY MONEY AND BUY MYSELF A PEARL MMX.   FIRST PEARL KIT?As fate would have it, my parents went to that same Guitar Center, when they decided to purchase me a kit. It was 1986, and i was 8yrs old. My dad knew I loved that Pearl kit in the window, so he decided on the Pearl Export. I played that kit everyday, for years.I RECORDED MY FIRST ALBUM ON THAT KIT AS WELL. FAVORITE PEARL GEAR?I love EVERYTHING Pearl makes…I love the fact that I don’t have to seek out different brands for snares, and hardware, and percussion...That being said, if i had to say there was one piece of gear that was my favorite, I’d probably have to say the SENSITONE HERITAGE ALLOY BLACK/BRASS SNARE DRUM.  

To celebrate Pearl’s 80th anniversary, we’re launching our special giveaway campaign, “My Pearl Story.” Share your story with Pearl—whether it’s a special memory, an unforgettable performance, or a story about the Pearl drums that have been part of your musical journey. Special prizes and Pearl 80th anniversary items are waiting for selected participants. For full campaign details and how to enter, please visit the campaign page below.▶ Learn More About “My Pearl Story”https://pearldrum.com/en/80th-stories

Pearl Artist El Estepario Siberiano is hosting a special giveaway campaign! Four lucky winners will each receive a Primal Snare Collective Copper snare drum personally signed by El Estepario Siberiano.For full giveaway details and entry instructions, check out the video on Estepario's YouTube channel. Don’t miss your chance to enter! Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW4fNgeevAAEntry Form:https://pearlprimalsweeps.com/

These Pearl products won the Slagwerkkrant Readers Award 2019 The votes have been counted and we couldn't be happier to announce that these three Pearl products won the hearts of the Slagwerkkrant magazine readers in 2019. Best Snare Drum: Pearl Modern Utility Floor Snare Best Hardware: Pearl ICON Rack System Best Percussion: Pearl Primero Guiro Cowbell Moreover, these incredible Pearl Artists from Benelux were awarded too! Best Drummer Benelux: Cesar Zuiderwijk Best Fusion/Crossover: Lucas van Merwijk Best Percussion Group: Slagerij van Kampen Best Drum Event of the Year: 2000 drummers aan zee by Cesar Zuiderwijk Thank you very much for your support and for all your votes!