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Shannon LarkinHe is best known as the drummer for the American bands Ugly Kid Joe and Godsmack.
Date of Birth: 24.04.1967
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Shannon Larkin
Early Life and Musical InfluenceShannon Larkin, best known as the drummer for American bands Ugly Kid Joe and Godsmack, was born on April 24, 1967, in Hagerstown, Maryland. Even though his parents were not musicians, they were music enthusiasts and exposed Shannon to artists such as The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Credence, Joplin, Hendrix, and The Who. However, it was Shannon's sister who ignited his passion for music by repeatedly making him listen to her favorite album, Rush's "Hemispheres." He then became fascinated with Led Zeppelin's "Zeppelin-2" album and convinced his parents to buy him a drum set. On his tenth birthday, Shannon received the cheapest 4-piece drum kit with one cymbal and a promise that once he learned a solo, he would receive hi-hat cymbals and a stand. Two weeks later, Shannon received both of them.
Musical Career
Shannon began studying drumming techniques and started playing in clubs with his first band, Wrathchild, at the age of 14. By the time he was 16, he toured along the coast, performing covers of Black Sabbath, Zeppelin, The Stray Cats, and GBH. After five years of constant touring, the band signed a contract with Atlantic Records, but under the new name Wrathchild America. The band released the album "Climbing the Walls" in 1989 and their second album titled "3-D" in 1991. After that, the band changed their name to Souls at Zero and released two more albums. Shannon then left the band and moved to California, where he joined Ugly Kid Joe. Over the course of five years, Ugly Kid Joe released two albums and embarked on a world tour. At the same time, Shannon started working extensively as a session musician with various artists, including Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest, Doug Pinnick of King's X, and Vanilla Ice. In addition to his session work, he continued performing live with Candlebox, Black Sabbath, Snot, and Ozzy Osbourne. Around the same time, he was invited to join the punk band Amen. Shannon played with Amen for four years, recording two albums and going on a tour, all while continuing his studio session work.
Godsmack and Continued Success
By this time, Shannon's internal conflicts within Amen were not something he wanted to deal with. As a fan of creating music, Shannon left Amen, relying on his instincts and fate. After leaving the band, his friend Sully Erna offered him the position of the new drummer for Godsmack, replacing the departed drummer Tommy Stewart. Since joining Godsmack, Shannon has contributed to the band's success, participating in the recording of their albums and touring worldwide.
Conclusion
Shannon Larkin's journey in the music industry has seen him become a renowned drummer for Ugly Kid Joe, Godsmack, and other notable artists. His passion for music, dedication to his craft, and versatility as a session musician have solidified his place in the rock and metal music scenes.
