Bam Bamm Shibley

Bam Bamm Shibley

Bam Bamm Shibley
Background information
Birth name	David Bam Bamm Shibley
Born	December 5, 1958
Origin	Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Genres	Hard rock, heavy metal, Glam metal
Occupations	Drummer, Songwriter, Vocals
Instruments	Drums, percussion,
Years active	1974—present
Labels	Enigma Records, EMI

Bam Bamm Shibley' is an American hard rock drummer, vocalist and songwriter of Italian descent who was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. He played with various local bands during high school and college. And was inspired by bands such as Led Zeppelin, Cream, The Beatles, and Grand Funk. He was influenced by drummers such as Keith Moon, Cozy Powell, Buddy Rich, Ian Paice and John Bonham. It was one of his influences, Buddy Rich a long time family friend, who gave Bam Bamm the advice and even drum lessons that help him become the adept and skillful drummer he is today. Paul O’Neal, who produced Dancer’s "Its Against The Law", once referred to Shibley as "one of the most inventive drummers I've ever worked with". He isn't satisfied with simply adding a beat; his drum parts are an integral part of the orchestration of the record. He's also a great live drummer who is lots of fun to watch, with a presence and energy level that are mesmerizing" His first experience playing in front of large audiences, came with the help of Buddy Rich who in 1976 help get Shibley an appearance on "The Gong Show". He would attempt to do a drum solo in 45 seconds without being stopped. His solo was complete with 2 electronic, 6-foot tall toy solders that were programmed to interact with Shibley through out his solo. Shibley's solo earned him a standing ovation from the audiences and a score of 30 points (the highest possible score) from the judges. This was good enough for him to win first place, winning $712.05 and a "Golden Gong" trophy

Band Years

Shibley joined up and coming rockers Faith in 1977, replacing drummer Dave Barnes. This was his first national touring gig plus he would participate in recording of the bands second album, “Faith Lives". It was in the recording studio that Terry Knight leaned that Bam Bamm had an excellent singing voice. This would led to Shibley becoming Faith's lead singer, as well as the drummer. Both albums were released on Brown Bag Records and were produced by Terry Knight His next chance to tour came in 1979 when Bam Bamm was hired as the drummer for Steppenwolf. His next tour in 1982 was with former Grand Funk's front man Mark Farner. Then in 1983 he auditioned and was hired on the spot as the drummer for Dokken's new tour. Shibley in 1985 join the British pop–rock singer John Parr, who had a #1 hit song" St. Elmo's Fire" and had just landed the opening slot for Tina Turner's Private Dancer Tour. When that tour ended he became the drummer for Belinda Carlisle, on her first solo tour opening for Robert Palmer. In 1986 Lita Ford hired Bam Bamm for her Metal Rulz Tour . He also appeared in her her video "Kiss Me Deadly". In the spring of 1987 Jeff Pilson, a friend and former Dokken bandmate told Bam Bamm a new band, Dancer, was forming in Los Angeles and needed a drummer with his wild man playing style. A few phone calls later Bam Bamm was Dancer’s new drummer. A few years later knowing Dancer was on the brink of disbanding Shibley left the band and went on to tour with Kingdom Come. in 1991. Following the Kingdom Come tour, Shibley became the new drummer for Stairway To Heaven in 1992, replacing original drummer Danny Carei. He has also toured with Billy Squier and did back-up vocals for Mike & The Mechanics. In 1999 Shibley was the drummer who recorded an EP with the band “High N Mighty”, for Warner Bros. Records, but it was never released nationally.

Songwriter Years

Bam Bamm Shibley was also a popular songwriter having written Dancer's hit song, "Ladie". In fact, he wrote most of the lyrics on Dancer's, "It's Against The Law" album. In 2007 Sony Pictures considered using Shibley's song "It's All Your Love" , as the film's theme song, for a new movie entitled, "Its All Your Love". The movie was set to star actor Brad Pit and was to be directed by Donald Petrie. ". However, the movie never made it to production and the project was dropped.

Discography (studio bands)

With Faith

With Dancer

With Mike & The Mechanics (1986)

With Stairway To Heaven (1992)

With High N’ Mighty (1999)

Discography (tours)

References

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