Funky beats

"I started playing drums when I was only eight, on my home-made drum kit, made up of empty tea boxes and plates (which acted as cymbals)…" says Tyronne Silva, the internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan drummer, now resident in Germany. He's currently dropped by Sri Lankan shores to conduct a drum workshop on January 30, at 4 pm at Clancy's Irish Pub and Restaurant.

Having being deemed "Sri Lankan Superstar" in the leading magazine for drummers throughout Europe, Drums and Percussion, (January issue), Tyronne seems to have earned quite a name for himself across the globe. Having also played at the famous drum event 'Brandenburg Trommelt' in Germany last year, he got the chance to play alongside the likes of Manfred Von Bohr and Harold Wenzek, some of Germany's best drummers.

"This workshop at Clancy's is meant for any musician/drummer, amateur or advanced level, keen on whatever style of drumming. I'll be showcasing the varied drum styles, be it pop, rock, reggae, Latin, jazz, hard rock, death metal etc., and will give out basic tips. I'll also be open to questions from the forum all throughout the workshop," he added.

Born in Naathandiya, Tyronne moved to Germany when he was just 18 and has been living there since. His first drum guru Andreas Reiche taught him most of what he needed to know about drumming, whilst he also got many other vital insights from Lutz Reizeihausen and Manni Von Bohr, all masters at the drum, he said. He also toured with 'Kamikaze 52' a popular Industrial Metal band in Germany and also 'Tangent Plane' a Progressive Metal band, said Tyronne.

"When I first arrived in Germany I didn't have my own drum set, so I banged a weight on a chair to keep fit. I would also play my teacher – Andreas Reiche's set in his rehearsal room. Some time later, my second teacher Marcus helped me a lot, and I used his drums as well for live gigs etc.,

Now of course I own three drum sets; two Tama Rockstar (two sets in one) and an Ayotte Custom…but I still keep the weight, just in case," he said laughingly. Tyronne would put in a grueling 10-15 hours of practice daily during the initial four years at least and still practices a minimum of fives hours a day, he says.

Two things Tyronne feels very strongly about is putting an end to the vicious cycle of poverty most kids from impoverished neighbourhoods are faced with and ensuring equal rights and opportunities for men and women alike.

"I want to do something against these injustices, as I want everybody to have the chance to be happy; children, women, men and elders alike. There are many good, caring people out there who establish organizations and get involved with the lives of humans, animals and the environment.

I want to be one of them. Give my best to a cause and motivate others at the same time," said Tyronne passionately."Playing drums is my way of delivering this message, as I learned the meaning of life through drumming.

It helped me meet a lot of great people and I'm more than happy to finally make my dreams come true and be able to help! Positive feedback at concerts, where I always explain my philosophy, spurs me on to give, organize, and help more," added Tyronne.

Tyronne is an endorser of RMV drums, Kit Tools drum sticks, Anatolian Cymbals and Beyerdynamic microphones. For more on Tyronne Silva visit www.tyronnesilva.com or www.myspace.com/tyronnesilva