After a ten-year hiatus, the Guitar Center Drum-Off made its triumphant return at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood on Thursday night to crown a new champion.
Six contestants from all over the U.S. competed before a panel of celebrity drummer judges including Tré Cool (Green Day), Jay Weinberg (Slipknot, Bruce Springsteen, Suicidal Tendencies), Josh Freese (The Vandals, Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle), and many more.
Each contestant first jammed on a one-minute groove with an all-star house band featuring Robert Trujillo (Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Suicidal Tendencies) on bass before launching into a four-minute long drum solo. The competitors were judged on criteria including stage presence, technique, dynamics, and overall performance.
Hosted by Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction) and comedian Bill Burr, the evening featured a performance by Grammy-nominated rock band Rival Sons, who played several original songs along with a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Electric Funeral.” The night also included a supergroup featuring Michael Anthony (Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, Chickenfoot), Phil X (Bon Jovi, Triumph, Phil X & The Drills), and Kenny Aronoff (Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Chickenfoot), who joined forces to perform several Van Halen hits.
At the end of the night, Jonathan Fortson of Hamilton, AL, was crowned the winner, taking home a $25,000 prize along with numerous drum brand sponsorships and gear packages. Overcome with emotion, Fortson fell to the ground in tears upon hearing the news. After thanking God and his wife, he closed out the evening with a tasteful final drum solo as the crowd cheered him on.
Guitar Center also shared a short recap video from the event on social media here and promised more coverage from the Drum-Off to follow soon.
