Mangini, Mike (USA)

ADAMS DRUMMERS FESTIVAL - September 19, 2004
ADAMS DRUMMERS FESTIVAL - March 16, 2008
ADAMS DRUM CLINIC - October 31, 2013

Mike Mangini (born 1963 in Newton, USA) began playing drums at age five. After high school he earned a degree in computer science from Bentley College. In 1987 he scored his first major performance with the Rick Berlin Band. In 1991 he began playing with the thrash metal band Annihilator, which accelerated his career.

After the “Set the World on Fire” tour in 1994, he was asked to play with Extreme. After playing with other bands, he accepted a full-time position at Berklee College of Music in 2005. In 1996 he became the drummer for Steve Vai’s band.

Mike Mangini is known for his speed, and he is the proud holder of the title “world’s fastest drummer”, which means 1247 single strokes in one minute. He is also extremely fast with his feet, recording 5222 beats in five minutes.

He has written two books on his technique, titled Rhythm Knowledge. These practice methods cover not only speed but also polyrhythms and timing in depth.

Mike plays Pearl drums, Zildjian cymbals and Remo drumheads. He first performed at the Adams Drummers Festival in 2004.