Minnemann’s unusual drum kit set up, which includes an array of multiple foot pedals, Gong drum, electronics and unique cymbal configurations, combined with his amazing, extreme interdependence skills has propelled him to superstar status among today’s elite drumming royalty. His total command of four-way independence is unequaled, and his over-the-top drumming creations are simply mind-boggling. He is a total drumming Super-Freak!
Marco’s “Extreme Interdependence” drum instructional book was voted the #1 educational book in several drumming magazines. His “Extreme Drumming” DVD also won several Readers Poll awards and earned Marco the prestigious Telly Award.
Not only is Minnemann a world-class drumming innovator, having brought stunned audiences to their feet at most every major drum festival in the world, but he is also a musical Renaissance man. His eclectic musical skills include composing, producing, and engineering, as well as being a multi-instrumentalist on guitar, bass, keyboards, and vocals. Minnemann has seven multi-faceted solo recordings to his name, along with several outstanding recordings with his former band, Illegal Aliens, and numerous recordings as a sideman and producer, working with such artists as Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big), Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa) and European superstar, Nina Hagen.
In 2006, Minnemann was invited to perform on a rare world clinic tour with legendary drummer Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons, Brecker Bros.) and drumming great, Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth). His top-selling instructional book, “Maximum Minnemann” was recently voted in the Top Five Best Educational Books in the Modern Drummer 2007 Readers Poll and his most recent DVD, The Marco Show (DW DVD) features riveting performances with artists Mike Keneally (guitar), Bryan Beller (bass) and the legendary Buddy Rich Big Band.
Marco Minnemann continues to redefine drumming and solidify his place in music history with a truly unique voice, and an undisputed talent, as one of the greatest drummers and innovative composers the world has ever witnessed.
Minnemann moved to the States and currently resides in San Diego, CA. In April 2007 Marco joined the German metal band, Necrophagist who will headline the 2007 Summer Slaughter tour. He is scheduled to record Necrophagist’s new album set for 2008 release.
Marco Minnemann proudly endorses DW Drums and Hardware, Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, ProMark Drumsticks, Audix Microphones, and Roland Electronic Percussion.
Marco Minnemann started playing organ at the age of 6, and then switched to drums and guitar at the same time at the age of 11. Marco’s fame as one of the extraordinarily talented drummers and composers, reached him at the age of 19 all the way to Munich. The first ‘cross-over’ band “Freaky Fukin’ Weirdoz” offered him a position as drummer in 1992, in connection with a major deal with BMG-Ariola. The “Weirdoz” were the originators of so-called ‘cross-over’ music which today, various bands unjustifiably claim as their own.
The “Weirdoz” had a gig with European cult diva, Nina Hagen on the album “Mao Mak Maa” where a fantastic cover version of Ian Dury’s hit “Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick” was created. Marco was immediately booked to play the following Nina Hagen tour. The successful collaboration with the “Weirdoz” ended in 1997 after Marco’s having worked together on four albums: “Senseless Wonder”, “Mao Mak Maa”, Culture Shock” and “Hula”.
Almost simultaneously, an engagement with the Top Ten ‘cross-over’ band “H-Blockx” came up on the album “Fly Eyes”. During 1997-1999, they played over 200 gigs together. Meanwhile, Marco’s reputation as a talented drummer reached out worldwide. Prominent were solo workshops, for example, at the Frankfurt Music Fair, PASIC in Dallas, and a solo performance at the prestigious “Modern Drummer Festival” where Marco had the honor of being the first German drummer to perform at this high-profile event. This performance, in the eyes of professionals and music trade magazines, catapulted him into the Top Ten of the drumming world. Following the Modern Drummer Festival were the Australian TUDW ‘fest and the Montreal Drum festival in Canada.
While working with the “Weirdoz”, Marco also produced four albums with his own band “Illegal Aliens”, which included “Thickness”, “Red Alibis”, “Time” and “International Telephone”. Since then, Marco has recorded six solo albums: “The Green Mindbomb” “Comfortably Homeless”, “Orchids”, “Broken Orange”, “Mieze” and the 2CD set “Contraire de la chanson”, which are more on par with his talents as a multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer. “Motor” and “Normalizer” came out in 2003 in collaboration with the sound designer, Mario Brinkmann, and “Disarmed” along with Italian Bass Player, Fabio Trentini followed in 2005.
Moreover, Marco followed his passion for Jazz and Funk by playing with the “Wolfgang Schmid’s Kick” band. Schmid was ex-bassist in Dolinger’s “Passport” and composer of numerous film soundtracks.
Marco also co-produced and played instruments on Paddy Kellys (Kelly family) solo CD, which entered the charts in 2004. He also played on the double-platinum CD “Nena feat. Nena.” Marco has performed and recorded with such varied artists as: Paul Gilbert, Nena, Udo Lindenberg, H-Blockx, Mike Keneally, FFW, Gianna Nannini, Garry Willis, The Kelly Family and many more.
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