311 - Chad Sexton (Pearl)

For most, 311’s Summer Unity Tour means exactly what the title suggests; the coming together of fans from all different backgrounds to celebrate the summer, and the love of music, all throughout the country. This year’s Summer Unity Tour proved, once again, to be the epitome of the perfect summer night, with 311 continuing where they left off during last year’s trek, making an unforgettable night for all. This year, 311’s annual summer tour seemed especially magical, with the band touring the states for the first time in support of their latest studio album, Universal Pulse, which hit the shelves just last month. Universal Pulse includes the hit song, “Sunset in July”, which instantly climbed to the top of the charts and became the song of the season for the millions of 311 fans around the world. This album, along with the 9 previous albums, have molded 311 into one of the biggest bands of today, in part to their endless series of hits, multi-platinum selling albums, and their unbelievable live concerts.

Pearl artist, Chad Sexton, is revered and idolized greatly in the drumming world. Having stormed onto the drumming scene with 311 over 20 years ago, Chad has continued to build up his reputation as one of the world’s finest drummers through his rock-solid playing and beautiful use of his well-versed rudiments. Chad’s clean and tasteful playing continue to be a major factor in the band’s success, with Chad always concentrating on the overall outcome of the song, putting the right drum parts to the right sections, and only displaying his chops when the musical piece allows enough space for it. This style of patient playing has become Chad’s signature technique, and has influenced thousands upon thousands of drummers who have grown alongside with 311’s remarkable career.

With the new, hot album, chart climbing single, and the quintessential summer tour on the docket, Chad unveiled his gorgeous new Pearl Reference Series kit, to keep up with 311’s theme of new and amazing. Chad’s new Reference Series kit has already made a big splash and stirred up a huge amount of interest, and compliments, throughout the drumming world, and for a very good reason. The custom finish, which was designed by Chad and perfected in Pearl’s Factory, serves as the perfect centerpiece to 311’s stage, with the stunning teal and white burst capturing the audience’s attention and adding a whole new visual factor to the band’s performance. The specs on Chad’s new kit are as follow:

Reference Series: Custom teal/white burst

6x6- rack tom
8x7- rack tom
10x8- rack tom
12x9- rack tom
13x10- rack tom
14x14- floor tom
16x16- floor tom
20x14- gong drum
22x18- kick drum
14x5- Free Floating Snare Drum (maple)

Along with the noted special order drums, like the 6x6 rack tom and the 20x14 gong drum, Chad also uses a set of Pearl Rocket Toms, which serve as a major part to 311’s signature drum solo, and also throughout various sections of the band’s set. Both the Rocket Toms and the Gong drums were custom painted to match the rest of the kit. For his snare, Chad went back to his old ways with a 14x5 maple Free Floating Snare Drum, which has been his go-to snare drum throughout his lengthy career. Between the free floating maple shell, and his technique, Chad is able to pull a varied amount of full-bodied tones and a large amount of crack from the shallow snare, along with, and including, the high-pitched ringing tone that he is often recognized by.

The Pearl name is proudly displayed throughout the aforementioned drum solo, which serves as the highlight to any and every 311 concert. Composed and designed by Chad himself, this year’s solo included a set of Surdo drums, from Pearl’s Brazilian Percussion line, along with multiple 12x5 Firecracker snare drums, and a gorgeous 36x16 PBE Concert Bass Drum.

Although 311’s Summer Unity Tour is sadly coming to a close, the band will be back in a big way soon, with plans for their second Caribbean Cruise in the works, along with their biyearly 311 Day, which will be held in Las Vegas. For more information on 311 and Chad Sexton, please be sure to visit the band’s website at www.311.com. Also be sure to pick up a copy of 311’s new album, Universal Pulse, which is available wherever music is sold.

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