Pearl Drums has welcomed a stellar new member to its famed artist roster, drummer Joe Rickard. Joe was voted one of the up-and-coming drummers and one of the rising stars of the past few years and was just announced as the new timekeeper for Swedish metal titans IN FLAMES. From February to April of 2016, IN FLAMES recorded its newest album, "Battles", with legendary producer Howard Benson, who introduced them to one of his trusted and extremely talented studio drummers, Joe Rickard. Joe had formerly been a member of Grammy-nominated RED, toured with numerous bands such as ISLANDER and RED, and has played drums on many successful albums for artists such as RED, VAMPS, STARSET, Brian "Head" Welch and IN FLAMES' upcoming album, "Battles". Performing and recording with RED gave Joe the opportunity to play some of his dream shows like "The Conan OʼBrien Show" and "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno". Most importantly, it gave him a creative freedom that went far beyond being "just the drummer." Encounter Joe off the stage, and you're probably going to run into someone who's either just come from practicing, studying or writing, or is on his way there now. He's that into it. "I love watching really great drummers and trying to figure out what they do", Joe explains. "I also spend a lot of time recording, writing and working on parts. Being consistent every show is what I strive for. "I asked for a drum kit when I was 13 and I was absolutely hooked; obsessed, even," Joe remembers. Joe currently lives in Los Angeles and is in and out of the studio doing sessions for major producers. You might have seen him out on the road also though, playing for many different artists. Joe says: "I love being able to play for so many different artists. From hip-hop, singer/songwriter, pop, rock, and, of course, metal. It's really keeping me on my toes going from gig to gig. Always pushing myself to get better. I love drums, it's what I enjoy the most. I am so grateful to be doing what I love to do and working with amazing people and I am extremely honored that Pearl is welcoming me to the Pearl family. It's definitely an exciting time in my life and I can't wait to get all of this started!" Joe will be playing the highly acclaimed Pearl Reference series. Sonically, it's looks, plus the fact the gear needs to endure IN FLAMES' heavy touring schedule still making sure it performs each and every gig, the Reference series will fit the high Swedish standards of IN FLAMES just perfectly — together with Joe it will be the solid backbone of the band. Joe continues: "I'm a huge fan of Pearl Reference series — the sound, the look. It's exactly what I'm wanting to play on stage and be part of the look and sound of IN FLAMES."
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