Contests

Once Again we were overwhelmed with the creative, heartfelt, and unique entries for this contest. Choosing only 12 winners from the hundreds of entries was a very tough decesion but here they are...

Grand Prize Winners:

Robin Burger

Beth Ann O'Toole

Runner Up Winners:

Jamie Sass

David Karstadt

Tara Lemieux

Nicole Tardiff

Patti Swayka

Sarah Tomek

Steve Weber

Sean Gerraughty

Mike Bailey

Ben Russell

Meeting Joey would be a chance in a life time for me.  I love the whole band but Joey has always had a sweet spot in my heart.   There's so much that I identify with when it comes to Joey.   I suffer from depression and seeing the strenght he had with his depression helped give me strenght to deal better with mine.    When I've had a chance to see Aerosmith in concert my main focus would be on Joey.  Watching him on the drums giving everything he has.  And when he puts his head down and really gets into the grove of the song.  Plus one of my favorites is when he laughs and jokes with the guys.   He's the strong arm of the band and there wouldn't be an Aerosmith without him.
 
The other reason I would love to meet Joey is I found out a few months back that I have MS.  The doctor said it's progressing pretty fast and I can't take any of the treatments that they have because it makes my depression that much worse.  So has far as my chance to see Joey and the band again well I don't know how much longer I'll be able to.
 
If I don't win this I would be just as thrilled to be able to have an autographed picture of Joey.
 
Travel would be hard for me so a picture would be wonderful.  I hope you will consider me and I thank you for reading my letter.
 
All the best
 
Robin Burger
Kramer's girl   (this says it all)

Dear AF1,
 
I would love to have the chance to surprise my son with a trip to Boston to meet Joey "the Krame Dog" Kramer and attend the DW Drums photo shoot. What a thrill it would be for us both.
 
I have been an Aerosmith fan since the 70's and my son since he was 14. He is 24 now. All I can say is that I don't know what I would do without him. He knows how hard the music business is, as he is an accomplished guitar player and song writer. He is in a band, praticing all the time and trying to break into the club circut while holding down a 40 hr. a week job.
 
On top of that, the last 3 years he has gone above and beyond to help me take care of his Nana and Pop Pop. It has been tough on us both. He would visit his pop-pop in the nursing home, telling him about his music, which he is so proud of, or our Aerosmith Adventures. He always loved his visits. Unfortunetly he passed away in March, but Kevin is still continues to help me with his nana.
 
Whether it is clearing the table for me after dinner, or listening to his nana remember the "good old days", he is one special kid. I would love to tell him he has to skip band practice on Tuesday because we are going to  Boston to meet Joey Kramer. To be able to talk to one of the best in the business about the business, musician to musician,  would be a dream come true for him.
 
This would be one of our ultimate Aerosmith adventures. So, if we are fortunate enough to win, our information is:
 
Beth Ann O'Toole
Kevin O'Toole
 
And if I don't win, I still consider myself a winner, as I have one great son, one great band, and a great family of Aero friends!!
 
Regards,
Beth Ann O'Toole

Name: Jamie Sass
 
 
Why do I deserve to win this amazing chance of a lifetime contest?
 
I am about to write me a letter to explain to you why I have what it takes to hang with the one and only Kramedog ( I hope I have the magic touch!).  When the judges have taken their time to think about it and come together, they will realize that they would be crazy to not invite me to walk on down to the winners circle.
 
Winning this means everything to me.  I would put on my gypsy boots, line up, take the subway, walk on water, or the ride the back back train down a one way street in order for this dream to come true.
 
Not convinced yet?....I don't want to sound jaded, but dream on if you think I there is somebody else that fits the perfect fan better than myself.
 
As a drummer in a local rock band myself, I love to lay it down, and let the music do the talking.  It really is brings me sweet emotion when I look back at how Joey and Aerosmith inspired my life.  I still remember hearing Dude Looks Like A Lady for the first time back in 1987 and knew that my life had changed forever.  I have not missed one single Aerosmith show in my area since 1989.  I own every single CD and many other rare collectibles.  In fact, I have an entire room dedicated to the boys.
 
The single biggest visual that I can prove to you my dedication to not only Aerosmith, but the drums as well is by looking at my tattoo (see attachment).  You will even notice (unless you are a blind man) that the drum lugs are exactly the same as Joey's DW drums.
 
I am also quite familiar with the DW legacy and their kits are truly drop dead gorgeous.  It is a shame shame shame if you are a fellow drummer and have not had the chance to get a grip on these beyond beautiful works of art.  It is no coincidence that a very large percentage of high profile drummers have fell head first for the DW sound.
 
Please put a three mile smile on my face and give me the chance to meet my idol and see the other side of my favorite drummer and drum company.  I'm ready, and my temperature is turning to a fever as I wait in the darkness for your decision and I feel as though I am living on the edge waiting for the decision to be made.  If I don't win, I will try to not and let it get under my skin, and I will do my best to let it slide.  (Hopefully nobody will see me cryin'!!!!)
 
I am your man, this is my lick and a promise to you!
 
Cheers,
Jamie Sass (proud member of the Blue Army)
 
 
Aeroforce-One fan Club ALWAYS ROCKS
You guys are awesome… and I am ready to GO!
 First of all NOBODY plays drums like Joey Kramer… NO ONE !
I started listening to Aerosmith in 1974… and have never stopped. 
Joey inspired me to start drumming at the age of 11 and I have never stopped! 
I always have 2 CD’s in my car stereo that are Aerosmith at all times….
usually PUMP and GREATEST HITS.  I have an entire row in my closet devoted
to Aerosmith clothing and gear.  I wake up every Sunday morning and put the traditional
Aero T-shirt and Aero Ball cap on to start my day. 
I teach martial arts and fitness.  Aerosmith is a part of my personal daily
warm up for my training and competitions and demonstrations.
 
Here it is my top 10 reasons to be there at the photo shoot next week!.
 
1.   I named my son after Joey, he’s 20 now and an awesome drummer.
2.   My initials are DW… and they are by far THE best kick-ass professional Drum Set made.
3.   I tried to hock my girlfriends Beamer to by Joeys DW Set on E Bay
4.   I kissed my first rockin’ girlfriend Jodi xxxxxxxx, at our favorite hangout the “Pinball Palace” in Phoenix, AZ listening to Dream On playing on the juke box .
5.   I have been to 13 Aerosmith concerts in 5 different states… backstage  whenever possible.
6.   I refuse to play in a band that won’t play Aerosmith.
7.   I’ve been a drummer 35 years of my life and Joey Kramer has been my strongest influence and mentor.
8.   I own 37 pieces of autographed Aerosmith albums, pics, drum heads, cd’s and I gotta have this personal pic for my wall!!
9.   I have a list of 5 things to do in my lifetime and a drum lesson with Joey Kramer is on that list.  NOBODY rocks like Joey Kramer… this is as close as I can vision getting!
10. I already bought my plane ticket to get there!
 
AeroForce One member ready for launch!
 
David Karstadt
Hey y'all -
 Greetings from south of the Mason Dixon line ... the land of muscle cars, tractor pulls, and beer in a CAN.. 
Well, first off -  you don't leave us much time to write up something sweet - not to mention COMPELLING, as well. Especially, when we spend most of our time grilling and the sort..
 So why do I deserve this more than anyone else..? What makes *my* story stand out over the edge..above and beyond everyone one else..  to gain the attention.. the admiration... and the respect of the fine AeroForceOne staff and associates..such to invoke a most wonderful reward which includes a once in a lifetime meeting with Mr. Joey Kramer..?
 Well -- shoot, I don't really *have* a story...
 But, I *will* say this -
 I'm a fine and fun person - I love to go on road trips and add yet another amazing experience to that book of memories.
 And really, that's why most of us fans go to these shows years after year - and sit mesmerized at the energy coming back to us. We save up our cash in the quarter jar... make our plans for time off... all months in advance. All that preparation.. all that planning.. all that looking forward... all for a couple of hours sitting in the dark looking back.
So why do I want to be part of this whole contest..? Well - the best part of the show really.. is when the drums kick in to that 'just right' beat... and the sound begins to resonate through to your bones... because for that brief second or two, you feel so close to the music.. it sucks you right in.. and for those moments, you feel part of that song. If you're lucky.. it's that 'one song' that's gotten you through a tough time.. or added to a really great night.. It's the beat that keeps us all coming back year after year.. through hurricanes.. the power outages.. all all the other crazy stuff that can crop up on the road to cancel a show. I'm one of those folks - one of the fans.. one of the diehards.. and though, I can't really put into words, the very reason *why* I feel the way I do... I can and will say this...
 As one of those loyal fans...stomping the pavement, jumping planes.. and rearranging madly an already quite chaotic schedule..
I believe with all that fan support 'work' - in addition to my day job... and the complexities of living in the land of tractor pulls and canned beer... that I'm just a bit tired right now, and I am greatly in need of some time off. It's not easy being a fan these days... there's a lot of responsibility, and a crazy amount of planning..
 And well - having been such a loyal fan all of these years.. wouldn't it be nice, to give a little something back..? It wouldn't cost much - I do have the ability to pay my own way.. I *always* buy my own food and drinks... AND... having served in the Army during the first Iraq war.. I can tell you, I'm really good and 'keepin' quiet'. So I could promise you in advance not to become overly giddy with excitement.. nor will I become so intoxicated with the excitement of the event that I would stumble over (I'm quite sure.. AWFULLY expensive photography equipment)... and as much as I would love to.. I wouldn't dare touch the drums unless *specifically* instructed to do so.. you know, as part of some photo opp.
I would also refrain from shouting such uncool things as 'say cheese' .. and not that I have to mention the absolute obvious, but no bunny ears either. I'm a very well behaved, nice gal.. who's been doing a darned fine job at being "one helluva fan". It's time to give back..
 Plus (drum roll back at ya)..
 Well... I know it's not much.. but it's *my* birthday.. and well, I happen to believe that everyone should have a little fun on their birthday. PARTICULARLY when one is in such drastic need of a little time off. What would make for a better 'how did you spend your birthday story'..? I'm getting older..and I believe I may be running low on birthdays that would generate some in office water cooler banter.
 Plus.. I'm already OFF that day... so I wouldn't dare say 'yes' and then call last minute with a sobby "I can't go"..
 and.. then finally..
 well, at one of these last shows... Joey threw me one of his sticks.. not to appear ungrateful.. but now, just how in the heck am I supposed to drum with just one stick..? *sigh* I would love the other stick... nay.. I 'need' the other stick.. the one now sits very lonely on my dressing table.. and what with it being my birthday and all.. and having such an awfully tiring year... and having weathered the storm we shall call "Aerosmith cancelled show".. I'd sure like to come in and get that dose of drum beat to carry me through the summer... and maybe pick up that second stick...
 I know it's not much of a story - but it's all true, every bit of it.
 Well - maybe not the 'behaved' part.. Oh HELL .. mostly true..
 Please pick me.. it's my birthday, I need a break, and that second stick.. that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.. !!
 Y'all take care..
 Tara Lemieux

Hi Aeroforce One,
 
 
I am a gold member right in the fan club. My name is Nicole Tardif. I am not actually writing to win the photo shoot for myself, it is for my brother, who is also a member of the fan club. I believe he is also a gold member. His name is Jake Gagnon and he lives in Connecticut. He is 15 years old and lives and breathes drums. The whole reason he began drumming is because of Joey Kramer. He has been a fan since he was old enough to know who Aerosmith was. His walls are covered with Aerosmith posters and pictures that he has collected over the years. Joey is by far his idol over any other drummers. He looks at him in admiration because of the things he has accomplished in his life. He even told me once that Joey was a hero because he is not only an amazing drummer, but he helped the entire group overcome an addiction to drugs. While I do not know much about drumming, Jake does. He thinks DW is the greatest and frequently wears their logo'd hat and shirt. He also chooses DW drum equipment over all other brands though he often has to wait longer to buy them and save for the pieces. I really feel that he has a tremendous future in drumming. Yes, I may be biased because he is my brother, but I think he sounds more amazing every time I hear him. Joey is the inspiration behind all of that and continues to be a driving force in Jake's passion for drumming. Jake is a kind hear ted person and I truly feel he deserves this meeting with Joey. In my mind there could be no bigger fan of Joey or more dedicated drummer. I thank you deeply for your consideration of my brother for this contest.
 
Sincerely,
Nicole Tardif

Hi Aeroforceone-
I'm actually writing this on behalf of my 16 year-old daughter who has been an Aerosmith fan since she was 7 years-old!  Patti Swayka is a sophomore at Andrew High School in Tinley Park, IL who plays drums, bass, clarinet and tenor sax.  Her love of Aerosmith began in 1997 when we had an exchange student from Sao Paulo, Brazil live with us for a school year.  He played bass guitar and brought it with him for his year tenure in the USA.  Fabio Rebelo (yep, really his name is Fabio although he does not look like him) was extremely good at bass and ended up playing in a local band too during his year in an american high school  Patti looked up to Fabio as a big brother and he taught her how to play bass.  Not only that but Fabio brought her to practice with him and she would goof around with the drums too.  Fabio love of music was only the best and Aerosmith was his favorite.  Well, his favorite also became our family favorite band to o.  Fabio went home in 1999 but Patti continued on her love of music.  She joined band in 4th grade and played clarinet so our house was always filled with loud noises from either the bass amp or a clarinet.  We added on a snare drum at the end of the school year for her since no one at school could quite get rolling down except her.  Her sister, Sarah, who liked other music would always crank her stuff up and I'd come home from work with my house blaring from different musical tastes of my girls.  My husband, their father, could never get them to compromise!!  In 5th grade, Patti went onto to grow in her musical interests and performed "Just push play" with words changed to fit her DARE program and the performance earned her and her little band of 10 year-old friends a spot to perform the same thing at the DARE fest at the Tweeter Center in Tinley Park, IL.  Patti still to this day has not tried drugs or drinking and she credits her little obsession with Aerosmith and their trials with drug abuse as her reason for not wanting to try.  (Kudos to Aerosmith for being a positive influence on my daughter!!!)  Patti continued her musical interests throughout junior high school, adding drums and a drum set to our wonderful home in 7th grade.  Her love of drums, Joey Kramer and music is well known in our hometown as she is an outstanding athlete in cross country and track, honors student and a very positively influencial person in her high school.  Patti has put together several bands, has started writing her own songs and still to this day holds Joey Kramer as her favorite drummer that I really think the chick can sit in for him if he needed a break!!  And go figure, her sister Sarah has a friend who's boyfriend has been opening up for Hawthorne Heights in the Midwest area called Fourth Gear so Patti hangs out with those guys now too.  There is sooooo much more that can be said of Patti 's love for Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton and the boys and she would be totally shocked, overwhelmed with excitement and in her totally proudest moment if she had the opportunity to meet Joey Kramer up close and personal with a bunch of drums around!!  How surprised would she be if she won this prize and this contest!!!  I totally credit Aerosmith with being a positive influence in Patti's musical aspirations and her personal choices of staying away from drugs!!  And Patti has been to 8 Aerosmith concerts since 1997!!  If it weren't for Aerosmith I don't think Patti would have turned out being a positive teenager that people look up to.  Nor would she want to play drums or bass or anything else for that matter.  Patti's room is smothered in Aerosmith garb and pics!!  And thanks to other Aeroforceone fans, she has been given great things from pictures, to guitar pics, to the original program from a high school gig that Aerosmith did back in thei r early days (which totally floored me because I'm guessing that's worth some money)!!  Each and everything Patti has been given she cherishes and will probably put in her will one day when she is old and gray!!  But in the interim, Patti would be the best person to give this opportunity to because she loves drumming, drums and Joey Kramer and has a musical interest that goes beyond just saying "hi" to Joey.  He'll actually probably be tickled pink by having a 16 year-old girl show him that she can drum with the best of them.  Here's her address, phone and stuff to get ahold of her.  But of course if she wins, I'd much rather just tell her we are going to Boston and make her think she is just going for a trip to see where Aerosmith hails from and just surprise her with the prize of getting to meet her favorite drummer of all time!!! 
SHe is Patti, Swayka,

why i should win... 11 reasons..

1). I've been a crazed fan since i was 11 in 93'. Have seen them 24 x's
since, (by the lint o' my pockets)

2). i'm a 23 yr old hard working female drummer for Days Awake (address
above). We're a very classic sounding hard rock band that i KNOW joey would
appreciate. (note: i ve won 2 NJ "best drummer" awards. i am a serious
musician.)

3). I gig with a yamaha kit, but own a 3pc DW

4). I would LOOOOOOOOVE to go to the DW factory. (HA! if only i could afford
them!!)

5). Joeys got the hottest DWs around! Each tour they are better than the
last. My favs are the blue w/ white hardware.

6). Our band is getting major label interest as the biznes is getting down
to the wire. i have some q's for joey being he a long time ago!went through
the same mess as i am now.

7). I have soo many drummer to drummer q's.

8).Joey as the rest of them are near to impossible to meet! I'm dying to
meet my hero!!!!

9). ^^A^^ was the only thing i played and listened to growing up into a
musician. My pocket was based around Kramer. I would love to tell him just
how much he touched 1 musicians life.

10). I live in NJ and LOOOVE Boston!! its a no problem commute.

11). REally...What is cooler than giving a 23yr old female drummer, Kramers'
#1 fan her dream come true??? Hey... maybe i can show him a few licks!! HA
HAA!!!!

thanks alot!!
i have my fingers crossed!
p.s. been an aeroforceone member since 96. throw me a bone!! I'm dying !!!!

Sarah Tomek

Why I should be there for the Joey Kramer photo shoot:
1. I whistle while I work
2. I sleep underwater
3. I help old ladies cross the street
4. I juggle cats
5. I know the average airspeed of a European swallow
6. I don’t bowl
7. I put catsup on my eggs
8. I make my kids carry giant rocks up hills
9. I teach wild animals how to cook French Toast
10. I once met the man on the moon
And…
11. I started listening to Aerosmith when I was 12 in 1976 (Walk this way, toys in the attic)
12. I saw led Zeppelin when I was 13
13. I took my son to Aerosmith for the first time when he was 3 (he has now seen you 4 times and he is 8)
a. (We got backstage and he had a chocolate milk and a lemonade from the spread)
14. My sons (5 and 8) own a camouflaged drum set
15. I was front row at Woodstock 94 during Aerosmith at 2am
16. I taught Keith Allen how to sell (Cutco 1988) Ask Joey about Keith
17. I am excited to catch a red eye to Boston from Lake Tahoe Monday night after 3 straight Sammy Hager shows this weekend (Fri Sat Sun)
18. I am building a night club in my new house and could use the picture with Joey on the wall
19. Enter the best possible answer here: ___________________________________
20. I would be into it and really appreciate it.
 I’ll be in Tahoe for the Sammy shows so call me on my cell and I’ll book the red eye.I am looking forward to it!
 Steve Weber
San Diego, CA

Dear Aeroforce,
                      Writing this email, I have to ask myself where and how do I start an email that could possibly result in me meeting one of my heroes and getting photos taken with him?? Well, I'll start off with and introduction with what I think. I'm not gonna bullshit you and tell you, what some people might think, you would want to hear. I'm going to be 100% honest and tell you about myself and how Aerosmith, Joey Kramer and drums have affected my life.
                      My name is Sean Gerraughty. I'm 24years old and I live in a small town called Hanson,Ma. (Hanson is about 20min south of Boston and about 10 minutes west of Marshfield) Hanson is also home to a great,unknown to some, recording studio, Courtlen Recordings which is run by Fred Danner. Courtlen has been used by Aerosmith for, I know of at least, the Get a Grip disc. I also recorded my first 11 song cd there in 1999. I currently work as a firefighter/EMT in the town of Hanson and an EMT in the city of Quincy,Ma.
                      I picked up my first real pair of drumsticks (7A Sonor, nylon tip) drumsticks when I was 9. I inherited the sticks from my grandfather who had played drums for, probably, 60+ years at that point. For a couple years after that I taught myself the basics of drums by listening to Cd's and tapes and watching music videos and comparing what drum the drummer was hitting and the sound on the CD. I practiced on practice pads for a couple of years and began taking lessons from a great jazz drummer from the south shore of Massachusetts. My teacher went by the name Kenny Hadley. From day 1 he knew I had a talent that not all drummers had.
                    A year or two later I got my first real drumset from my grandfather, a 4 piece Gretsch set from the 1960's. At the age of 10 I joined my first band and have been in many bands since then, each one progressing professionally as each one comes and goes. I joined the high school band when i was 14 and was drum captain my senior year and won many individual awards in marching, concert and jazz band. Drums have always been there for me no matter what's going on in my life. Drums have brought me many friends in my life and have brought me many many experiences people twice my age haven't yet been able to experience, such as playing different venues and meeting many and famous people.
                   Now, Aerosmith came into the picture long before drums ever did. The first time I can remember first hearing about Aerosmith was around the Permanent Vacation/Pump era. Although I was young, (prob 8 or so at the time), I knew this band had something no other band did and that this isn't the last time I'm going to be hearing from these guys. As I got older and more and more albums came out, I started playing along to all the Aerosmith Cd's i could. Mostly Get a Grip, Aerosmith's Greatest Hits, Pump. When I started playing drums the main style of music I was listening to was Metallica and other heavy metal bands, but I always had an ear for Aerosmith and whatever they produced whether it be an album or a song on a soundtrack.
                       My taste in music has changed just about 180degrees in the past 10 years. I've expanded to all different types such as James Taylor, Carly Simon, blues, jazz more classic rock,etc. One things for certain, the reason why I've expanded my horizons is because I see these bands for being amazing lyricists and songwriters for a passion about what they do and that's what they were put on this planet for. Considering all that, that is why I'd, without hesitation, call Aerosmith my favorite band. And being a drummer call Joey Kramer my favorite drummer.
                        Living on the south shore of Massachusetts, once in a while I'll see the members of Aerosmith driving along side of me, or in the local mall or pass them while driving or their houses, etc. It's an honor to call Aerosmith the "Bad Boys of Boston" and to share such a small area of living with them.
                       Now when I'm not working, I play in a local cover band called 57Deep. We play local bars and clubs on the south shore of Boston. Our bands main influence is without a doubt Aerosmith. Our singer, Tommy, believes he is Steven Tyler, esp. with his Aerosmith tattoos, and his stage presence. We cover MANY Aerosmith songs in our set.Well, as many as we can. Steven doesn't really have the easiest voice to mimic.  As a matter of fact when I tried out, I played the intro to "Walk this Way" and that was all they needed to hear and gave me the job. Now if I can get the other guys to learn Lord of the Thighs and Nobody's Fault...
              Bottom line is Joey Kramer is the drummer for the best Rock group to EVER come out of Boston, Massachusetts, America, Northern Hemisphere, and definitely the world. There is no band and will never be another band like Aerosmith. And to be able to thank Joey Kramer for some of the best music to ever be heard by an international standpoint, would be an honor for me personally. And being able to do it in the greatest city in the world (Boston)while being photographed for a drum company that has aided so many musicians in making beautiful sounds both locally and internationally, would honestly be a moment I would NEVER forget.
                    Sincerely,
                              Sean Gerraughty

dear aeroforce
I should be your guy to hang with joey and DW  I am a life long resident of new england  and even once narrowly missed meeting Joey in the late 70's when a dry cleaner that I was working for had a leather coat stolen from them that Joey had sent in for cleaning . I brought the check to new london cleaners (NH) for them to get to Joey for the jacket  WHEN I WENT IN THE STORE AND TOLD THE GAL AT THE COUNTER WHAT I HAD ! she said gee you must have walked right by him he just walked out the door ...............he must have left quick as I did not see a trace of him anywhere ...........so I thought to myself well I live around sunapee I am bound to see him some other time ...........never have had the chance though (bummer) the closest I came was when the book  (walk this way) came out my brother and I stood in line for 4 hours the get the boys to sign it was well worth the wait we were told going in not to ask to sign anything but the books ...but I had just picked up a copy of modern drummer with joey on the back cover /zildjian add when I got close enough to him I held up the mag and said hey joey would ya!! he said sure handed it back to me and gave me I quick nod...........I love the entire band but just getting joey to sign that was an amazing thrill ...........I have the mag on my wall in a frame over my DW drums where it has been since the time I got  home
  every time a new tour comes out I cant wait to see what joey is going to  have for a kit it does not matter to me if he is wrapped from east to west in toms or in a simple 4 piece kit its all good!!!!!
 DW makes the most beautiful drums in the world every kit is a work of art john goode is the grand marshal of wood before dw I don’t think  there was much different from one drum company to the next .........then I watched dw's american dream 1 and 2 the things that john and don teach in those films are priceless !!!
I have talked to dw drummers like Zak Starkey, Jason Bonham, Billy Ward as well as others and they cant say enough good things about DW drums  If you look at even other drum companies have adapted to DW's way of thinking in tom mounting bass drum and bass mounts that don’t go through the shell . just to name a few .This is what made it easy for me to invest in DW myself  and guys I do music with are really amazed at the tones the dw's produce   very happy customer here!!   I feel this contest is taylor made for me because there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about drums who is going on tour when ,what kinda  kit is he or she using how close to boston are they coming , is work almost over so I can go down stairs through on some head phones get behind my kit start jamming with -south of sanity- with joey and the boys and then everything is good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
thank you  Joey Kramer ,aerosmith, DW  and rock n roll
 
mike bailey

Hello my name is Ben Russell of Newburyport Mass

Here is why I should be there at the Joey Kramer/DW photo shoot.......

How long have I been a fan ????...since the beginning....

some highlights

September  1973..Boston College....I was there.. general admission $3.00
they opened with "Make it"....girls aplenty running on stage

December 6th 1974...Boston Music Hall (don't look for it, it's not there
anymore) 2 shows 7 and 10pm  Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush opened the
show....I was backstage, Joey was wearing lime green shoes...do believe they
opened with Helter Skelter....incredible show.

March 1978, again at the Boston Music hall, a group called Streets opened up
for them, was a special concert to promote a charity called summerthing in
Boston.....rare songs played off Draw the Line that night.....opened with
theme from "psycho"...into "Rats in the  cellar" Awesome.

June 1980 at Mr.  Cs Rock Palace....a "mystery club tour show"...killer

and on thru the 80s 90s till now....I am the number one fan...been there
thru it all

What do I know about, drumming, drummers and drums  ?? LOTS, 1st off my
Father was a professional drummer, in fact his band played 2 inaguaral balls
for Presidents Nixon and George Bush, and I have been playing
drums...forever.....rock, swing and whatever I can do.....I am a member of
the Not so modern Drummer magazine and have played, set up and tuned well
over 50 sets including, vintage Gretch, Ludwig, Slingerland, Trixon
etc....Cymbals, owned and played them all
also have owned bought and sold newer gear, Ludwig, Yamaha, Pearl and yes DW

My own personal drum collection consists of....

THE drum set used on John Cougar's 'American Fool" album, owned by Kenny
Aronoff, with documentation and letter from Kenny

A 70s Ludwig kit owned and played by Mike Derosier of Heart

A 60s Trixon kit owned and played by Marky Ramone of the Ramones

a 60s Mod Orange Ludwig kit owned and played by Bun e Carlos of Cheap trick

a 20s Premier snare owned again by Kenny Aronoff, used on many recordings

a 20s Ludwig Black Beauty

I also caught a Joey Kramer drumstick at a show at the Worcester Centrum in
the mid 80s at that time he taped the head and used the but end of the
stick, reversed it to play them.

As for Drummers we all have our own opinions but Joey is nestled up there
with the greats...why? because he is what I call a "signature drummer"
meaning his playing and sound is crucial to the overall sound the band
gets......very few fall into this category, John Bohnam, Keith Moon, Jeff
Procaro...to name a few....in fact when Joey was on the cover of Modern
Drummer awhile back, I sent a letter to the editor....describing him as
such, they published it.

thru thick, thin and everything in between, I have been there.....my goal is
to own a Joey Kramer drumset....and to meet him...would just
welll.......AWESOME !!!!!!!!!

                                                                            
     Thank You

                                                                            
     Ben Russell