Mills - Drummer Wanted :-)

Hi Racketeers, if you looking for a new job then you just have to check out the link below; Richie from Mills has informed me that Mills are looking for a drummer...check out the incredible Remember Me from the awesome debut album Decader and if you think you have the chops and it´s your "Thang" get in contact and I´ll put you in contact with Richie...ENJOY!!! Deano X here´s the link, ENJOY!! :- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut99iMR0HoQ

This News Update: 09/07/2010

Ray Luzier Korn News

This just in from the amazing Ray Luzier of Korn; Here´s our new DVD promo:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB3aC01KW0M&feature=player_embedded

KoRn III "Remember Who You Are" is coming out on July 13th on Roadrunner Records, produced by Ross Robinson. Headlining the Rockstar Mayhem Festival starting July 10th.. tour dates on korn.com and kornspace.com.

Way to go Ray...cheers Deano

This News Update: 06/07/2010

Nick Mason Pink Floyd

Dean is just back from a trip up to London to deliver Nicks Custom cases. We made 2 sets for Nick in our custom AAA rigid case range. 1 set in Ferrari Red with the Ferrari logo, and another set screen printed up with the Dark Side of the Moon logo. Have a look at the Protection Racket Facebook page to see the cases in all their glory with the great man himself. It is said you shouldn´t meet your heroes? Well I met one of mine and he is an absolute gentleman! I can’t ell you how proud I am to have Nick case his drums in our humble cases :-)

This News Update: 18/06/2010

Kate Wilkinson KillaK site

This in from Team Protection Rackets Kate Wilkinson AKA Killa K:- Hello everyone, If you have time then please check out my new website: www.katewilkinson.info or www.killakdrums.co.uk More pages to be added shortly..including a links page..Peace, Killa K! xx

This News Update: 18/05/2010

The Buzzcocks Danny Farrant

One of our, Danny Farrant, was caught up in a bomb scare with his band, the Buzzcocks last week. This is taken from an article in Time Out New York: "Last night, a roadie came out onto the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza stage and interrupted the Buzzcocks midway through the band’s performance of “E.S.P.” Pete Shelley, the frontman of the massively influential British punk band—credit/blame them for American Idiot, folks!—stopped the song; this could not wait. “Is there an owner of a 1991 blue Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera in the house?” he asked in his thick Bolton accent. Soon after, an ominous message appeared on the venue’s video screens, telling us… “There is a police investigation in front of the building. NYPD says no one can leave the building until the police give the go ahead [sic]. So please remain and enjoy yourselves until further notice.” Followed by the plea to whoever owns that damn car to “talk to management.” Almost immediately, the band resumed playing their first two albums in their entirety—Another Music in a Different Kitchen and Love Bites, both from 1978, and both crammed with the band’s Beatles-tunes-at-a-million-miles-an-hour punk nuggets—then did an encore of other greatest hits (I bet someone $10,000 that they’d do “Orgasm Addict,” and I really should try to collect). I’ve since discovered that that Olds had gas canisters in the back seat and was parked outside ConEd headquarters, and a bunch of nearby buildings were evacuated. It was nothing—a classic punk fan mows lawns for a living—but in this day and age, the New York Police Department can never be too careful. We live in strange times, and as Shelley declared in one of his few shreds of between-song banter, “You know what isn’t what it used to be? Nostalgia.” " In terms of the performance, it was apparently a fantastic show. The author was pretty taken with Danny in particular as you can see from this quote from the same article. "They’re such great songs, and the band was having so much fun—and the current drummer, Danny Farrant, inspired swoons from my fellow TONY staffer Heather Moore, both for playing like a motherf****r and for having great hair—that it was impossible not to revel in the pop-punk perfection, even 32 years later." We couldn´t agree more!

This News Update: 17/05/2010

Billy Cobham Joins Team PR

We are ecstatic to welcome Billy Cobham to the Protection Racket family. Billy is quite simply one of the most accomplished musicians in the universe. Universally acclaimed as fusion´s greatest drummer, Billy’s explosive technique powered some of the genre´s most important recordings. A true innovator & continually groundbreaking, Billy is a bona fide legend among musicians and we are truly honoured to have him use our humble drum cases. Check out all things Billy at www.billycobham.com

This News Update: 06/05/2010

Alex Alexander Update

This just in from Team Protection Racket´s Alex Alexander: Hello Everyone, greetings from sunny Singapore! Just a note to keep you all abreast of what i´ve been up to: I have been touring with Bebel Gilberto the famous Brazilian jazz singer since the first of April. So far we have performed at the UN in NYC, then hit Australia, (Brisbane, Byron Blues festival, Melbourne & Sydney). All great shows with crowds of 3,000-7,000. We then hit Seoul, Korea, Singapore, Bali- indonesia and now we are back in Singapore again. The band sounds great. I´m playing a hybrid drumkit/perc kit. Having lots of fun doing both at the same time. We will continue to tour thru-out the year. Next stops will be Argentina and Brazil as well as a show at the New Museum in NYC on the 22nd. Keep up with Alex´s progress on the tour at www.alex-alexander.com

This News Update: 19/04/2010

James Hester - Cars On Fire

Protection Racket artist James Hester has joined forces with Bristol band Cars On Fire (Undergroove Records) and can be seen out on the Atticus Black tour throughout most of May. The bands debut album ‘Dig Your Own Grave’ received critical acclaim with KKKK’s in Kerrang and have won new fans UK wide touring with Fightstar. ‘I’ve known the guys for years so when they needed a dep for a show in Dublin last month to release the Kerbdog tribute album, I jumped at the chance, so I guess I was ready to go when the drum chair came up’. Along with working his own project with Damon Minchella (Ocean Colour Scene, The Who, Paul Weller) and Kieron Pepper (Prodigy, Dead Kids) in the studio throughout May, James will also be performing a clinic alongside his friend, teacher and Mentor Steve White at Cardiff Percussion House as well as keeping up his duties as Head of Drums at BIMM Bristol and editing the tuition section of Drummer Magazine.

Tour dates:

29th April - Tour warm up with Freeze The Atlantic - The Bar Fly London
2 May - Exeter Cavern
4 May - Manchester Roadhouse
5 May - Nottingham Rock City
6 May - Southampton Joiners
7 May -The Park, Lancaster
8 May - Birmingham Academy
10 May - Steve White Clinic Cardiff
12 May - The Box, Crewe
13 May - Sheffield Academy


Check out myspace.com/carsonfireband and jameshester.co.uk for more details

This News Update: 12/04/2010

Pro Racket New Artists March

Some absolutely wicked drummers have joined the Protection Racket family this last month, and it seems to be all about the ladies, be it an incredible artist or amazing drummer, Hoorah!! We are stoked to welcome to the family :-) Laura Fares (Sam Sparro) Gemma Hill (Robots in Disguise) Chaun Horton USA (Natasha Bedingfield) Blair McMillan (Pearl & The Puppets) Joe Clegg (Ellie Goulding) Ben Jones (Pixie Lott) James Turner (Priscilla Queen of the Desert West End Show) OK, so James is playing for men dressed up as women, but that’s still super cool!!! We are also proud to welcome Dave Elitch (Mars Volta) no ladies involved but still one incredible band and stunning drummer! Thanks for choosing to use and abuse Protection Racket Girls n Guys – Deano X

This News Update: 12/03/2010

Brooks Wackerman - Kidneys!!

In 2003, Team Protection Racket’s Brooks Wackerman of Bad Religion & Tenacious D formed his own band named "Kidneys", in which he not only plays the guitar and sings but also writes, produces, and plays drums for all of the in studio recordings. Kidneys will see their debut album go live to the world on Tuesday November 24th. This Porterhouse 101 release will be available for purchase exclusively through iTunes and Rhapsody. The Porterhouse 101 website will be streaming three songs from the record on the Kidneys artist page so fans can get a taste of what this awesome slab is all about, so be sure to check it out. The Kidneys 101 artist page also contains links so you can download the record, read news updates from the band, look at photos, or jump to the bands social networking sites and befriend them. Go and take a look around to see what Kidneys are up to! The members of Kidneys invite you to a FREE SHOW!!! At The Viper Room where the band will be playing live and celebrating the worldwide release of their debut record on iTunes Worldwide. Jump to myspace.com/kidneys to get on the list for the show!

This News Update: 24/11/2009

Mike Hall (Rubylux) Update

Had this in from Team protection Rackets Mike Hall of the awesome Rubylux; "I´m currently in the studio in France, with Rubylux, working on our Debut album with producer James Sanger (Keane, Dido, U2) I´ve been here for the past 2 months, and we´re hoping to have the album wrapped up in the new year. Everything is sounding great, and we´ve been experimenting with some really cool sounds, and different ways of recording the kit. Its been a pretty crazy year so far, I was with Sony/RCA Act ´Will and The People´ for the festival season, and had a great time playing Glasto, T in the Park, Oxygen etc... We we´re also lucky enough to support The Script, Paulo Nutini and even Girls Aloud on a number of their tour dates, which was absolute blast, playing some awesome venues along the way. Looking into next year, have a load of dates with Rubylux in Asia in Feb, touring round the Hard Rock Cafes! Looking forward to that. And in March we´ll be back to start promotion on the Album, which is due for release in April time. Thanks for the update Mike and keep up the good work!! Cheers Deano

This News Update: 03/11/2009

Craig Blundell Debut Album!

Craig Blundell our very first (and much loved!) endorsee from way back in 1994 has just given us the heads up on the imminent release of his debut album. Craig says "It’s taken so long to put together. I´ve sent out some of the tracks to industry peeps and so far the feedback has been just mind blowing, way more than I expected it would be as for me, writing and playing everything on it was so much fun and just started out with me in my studio in my spare time" The press release is on www.craigblundell.net just click the Dr oKtopUs link" Check it out and tell everyone. The album named "ONE" and under the Pseudonym Dr. oKtopUS will be available from Craig´s website and I-Tunes 1/1/10. Well done Craig, can´t wait to hear it :-) Deano X

This News Update: 19/10/2009

Team Protection Racket

Extremely proud to welcome to the team this month the inimitable Cindy Blackman & the incredible Vik Foxx of The Veronicas. Check out their profiles in the artist section of the site to find out more about these two amazing drummers. Deano :-)

This News Update: 07/10/2009

Facebook Fan page

Hey there Racketeers, hope you´ve had a great summer :-) If you are on Facebook and want another way of keeping updated with all thats´s happening in the exciting world of Protection Racket, hit the Facebook link at the top of the site where you will be re-directed to the Protection Racket Fan page. Its a great place to upload your comments and photo´s & also a great meeting place for like minded musicians...cheers Dean

This News Update: 06/10/2009

Slaves to Gravity drummer...

Slaves to Gravity (myspace.com/slavestogravityofficial) are looking for a London based drummer to fill the shoes of John who has had to depart recently due to family reasons. Anyone interested should check out the myspace site and make contact for an audition via me or the blog entry on myspace where you will find contact details. Good luck guys Deano X

This News Update: 18/09/2009

Midus Guerreiro 2009 Update

This in from Bass player supremo Midus; The recent tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd was a massive success with the Aynsley Lister Band performing to over 16,000 people in just four days....also recording and performing live for producer Phil da Costa´s artist JMarie Cooper....The Aynsley Lister Band has been confirmed for a live session for the BBC Radio2- Bob Harris Show, Tuesday, Aug. 11th, the band will perform 3 live tracks from Aynsley´s latest album ´Equilibrium´ ....The Aynsley Lister Band will record a live album on the 29th and 30th of August in Winchester, in front of a live audience and the album will be released towards the end of 2009.... European Tour kick off is September 4th and will see the Aynsley Lister Band perform to audiences in Germany, Switzerland, Holland and Belgium. The UK tour will follow Oct. 26th-Dec.14th. For full gig listings please visit my myspace page at www.myspace.com/midusguerreiro. Cheers midus :-)

This News Update: 11/08/2009

Simon Small Update...

This just in from the awesome Simon Small (Aynsley Lister); The recent tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd was a massive success with the Aynsley Lister Band performing to over 16,000 people in just four days Jon Amor´s latest album ´Stories from the Crooked Room´ will be released on the 1st of August. The album features myself on drums, percussion and backing vocals. I will be performing with Jon Amor at three shows next month including an album launch party on the 7th of August The Aynsley Lister Band has been confirmed for a live session on Bob Harris´ Radio 2 show on the 11th of August, the band will perform live tracks from Aynsley´s latest album ´Equilibrium´ The Aynsley Lister Band will record a live album on the 29th and 30th of August. The album will be released towards the end of 2009 European tour dates have been confirmed for September and will see the Aynsley Lister Band perform to audiences in Holland, Germany and Switzerland. For full gig listings please visit my myspace page at www.myspace.com/simonsmalldrums - Keep up the great work Simon all the best

This News Update: 27/07/2009

Led Bib Mercury Music Prize!

Team Protection Rackets Mark Holub´s band LED BIB have been shortlisted for the 2009 Barclaycard Mercury Music Prize. Congrats to Mark & the lads from everyone here at PR HQ, read on; Young British jazz band Led Bib were today announced as an ´Album of the Year´ in the 2009 Barclaycard Mercury Prize. Led Bib are creators of a new euphoric jazz-rock sound that’s as brutal as it is seductive. They caught the ear of the Mercury judges with their latest album and third studio recording ‘Sensible Shoes’, which was released through Cuneiform Records on May 4th 2009. The group’s bandleader and drummer Mark Holub gave this statement: “It’s all still sinking in and I don’t think anyone of us can believe it’s real. To be nominated for an award like this when you create more esoteric music, which usually operates out if the mainstream feels almost incomprehensible. We are just so overwhelmed and pleased and want to thank everyone who has supported us over the last five years!” An unassuming quintet of Walthamstow based twenty-something friends, Led Bib is comprised of bandleader Mark Holub on drums, Liran Donin on electric and upright bass, Toby McLaren playing Fender Rhodes and piano and Chris Williams and Pete Grogan up front as the two duelling alto sax players. Over the five years the group have played together they have torn apart the jazz world with their avant-jazz-euphoric-rock explosions of improvisation. Although they have received massive critical acclaim, larger recognition and a crossover into the mainstream has until now eluded them. Their album Sensible Shoes expresses the realities and dreams of life living in London, seen through the prism of the member’s different cultural heritages from Edmonton and New Jersey to Israel. Their individual references peer out from the record with Metallica-like riffs and Northern Soul licks meeting New York Downtown influenced improvisation. By making the Mercury shortlist the army of ardent fans who have championed Led Bib from inception can feel that justice has at last been served for the hard working quintet. And with an esoteric choice like Led Bib being nominated, dangerous music is back on the pop agenda. A recent prediction in the Sunday Telegraph has proven to be somewhat prescient: “And if the Mercury Prize judging panel gives them the token jazz-act nomination- which is the least reward their third album Sensible Shoes deserves – bigger stages will certainly beckon.” Led Bib Live Dates: *August 2009 London date to will be announced imminently 8 September 2009 Mercury Prize announcement ceremony 2 October 2009 The Vortex. London, UK 14 October 2009 The Queens Theatre, Barnstaple, Devon 23 October 2009 Derby Jazz, Derby, UK 10 December 2009 Nottingham Jazz, Nottingham, UK Links: http://www.ledbib.com http://www.cuneiformrecords.com (high res. band images available here) http://www.mercuryprize.com Led Bib are available for interview. For all media requests contact: Fiona Wootton at fiona@sebandfiona.com / 0793 953 3183

This News Update: 21/07/2009

Jason Bowld Drum Tuition :-)

Team Protection Racket´s Jason Bowld is currently available for drum tuition. Jason specialize´s in teaching industrial drumming - a powerful angle on styles and techniques such as double-kick, world grooves, linear patterns and more. Lessons include audio recordings and transcriptions and take place in a studio environment in the Midlands. Anyone interested get in contact with Jason throgh his website here: www.jasonbowld.com

This News Update: 30/06/2009

Auction For The Promise Club

Hi guys, this piece of news in from endorsee Toby White-Chambers of the incredible Cornish band Auction for the Promise Club; the band has just recorded some new demos and will be playing them live at their next gig at the Monto Water Rats, Kingscross, London, on Thursday 25th of June, 8.00pm. If you in the area, pop along and show your support, you won´t be disappointed. Foe all things A.F.T.P.C check out their myspace site here: www.myspace.com/auctionforthepromiseclub Cheers Dean X

This News Update: 25/06/2009

Protection Racket Facebook

Hi Racketeers, just a quicky to say we now have a Facebook page where we will be uploading news and new products as it/they happen. It will also be the perfect place to come and meet fellow Protection Racket fans and get to know eachother..check it out at the link below cheers Dean :-) http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Protection-Racket/107913387544?ref=share

This News Update: 19/06/2009

Download Festival 2009

Hi All, me and the rest of the Protection Racket crew are off to the Download Festival today and not back until Tuesday so please be patient if you waiting on a reply to an email sent between now and then :-) if you at the "Load" see you there for much Rocking!! Cheers Deano

This News Update: 11/06/2009

Pete Lockett @ LIMS

If you going to LIMS this weekend check this out; Pete Lockett live with Nicko McBrain this week at LIMS London. Drummer Live hall; SUNDAY 14th June @ 10.55am - Nicko McBrain & Pete Lockett. Longstanding Master of Ceremonies and compere for Drummer Live, Nicko and the show go hand in hand. Nicko is the backbone of Iron Maiden, and has really made his larger-than-life presence felt on their sold out world tours.2009 will be Nicko’s 26th year in the band. For this year´s performance Nicko will be joined on the Live Stage by one of the most versatile multi-percussionists in the world, Pete Lockett who has worked with artists from Bjork, Jeff Beck, Robert Plant, Jarvis Cocker, Peter Gabriel and film scores such as Quantum of Solace and Moulin Rouge. Nicko’s performance with Pete will be a memorable and unique collaboration guaranteed to be something different. http://www.londoninternationalmusicshow.com/ Drummer Live Show is part of LIMS, 11-14 June 2009 ExCeL London. Ticket hotline on 01572 757 775, £16 on door, £14 advance

This News Update: 09/06/2009

Dango New Hot DVD!!

One of our top US endorsees Dango from the Awesome Amber Pacific has just released a new instructional DVD and it´s available right now! Called "Developing Your Own Sound" this awesome DVD is a step by step journey through Dango´s career and training, showing you the developmental tips that have transformed him into one of today´s top players. This DVD will challenge you wherever you´re at, to become a student of music, not just a listener. You will learn skills to further your playing, and feed your musical growth throughout your life, helping you develop your own sound. To watch a trailer click here: http://vimeo.com/4319566 to find out more about Dango and Amber Pacific, check out Dango´s website @ www.DangoEmpire.com cheers Dean X

This News Update: 27/04/2009

Drum Kit on sale in Cornwall

Hey Racketeers, a good mate of mine (and stunning drummer!) Alex has a kit for sale, if you know anyone who is interested give Alex or me a shout on the contact numbers at end of this news piece. Here´s what´s on offer:- 1 x GRETSCH CATALINA MAPLE FUSION SHELL PACK IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH PROTECTION RACKET CASES • 2 x SINGLE BRACED BOOM CYMBAL STANDS • 1 x SINGLE BRACED STRAIGHT CYMBAL STAND • 1 x SINGLE BRACE HI HAT STAND • 1 x PREMIER DOUBLE BASS DRUM PEDAL (WORN) • 1 x CYMBAL ARM AND CLAMP • 1 x COW BELL CLAMP • 1 x 22” PAISTE COLOUR SOUND POWER RIDE • 1 x 16” PAISTE ALPHA SOUND REFLECTIONS CRASH (WORN) • 1 x 18” PAISTE COLOUR SOUND POWER CRASH (WORN) • 1 x 22” SABIAN CYMBAL BAG - ON SALE AT BARGAIN PRICE FOR £600 ovno NEED QUICK SALE - ANY QUERIES CONTACT ALEX ON 07880848666 OR VIA EMAIL @ jabezsmith@hotmail.com cheers Deano X

This News Update: 30/03/2009

Alex Alexander Mic Effects!

Just had a mail in from Alex, with a couple of links for you to check out featuring a live mini Drum solo running Microphones thru Special Effects. Alex says "I´ve used these effects on many recordings as well as live concerts with Dido and other artists. The possibilities are endless. There is no Sampling, Triggering, Tracks, Loops or Midi involved" check out the links here:- www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIk8jviwDYQ www.youtube.com/watch?v=rosIxG3O980 For further info and news on what Alex is up to xchck out Alex´s website @ www.Alex-Alexander.com

This News Update: 27/03/2009

James Hester Malakai

Protection Racket endorser and provider of fine cups of tea James Hester can be heard on this months flavour du jour of the day - Malakai´s album ´Ugly Side Of Love´. The reviews say it all really - ".... like locking yourself in the set of The Prisoner with Brian Jones, Sly Stallone and Dennis Hopper. Terrifying Fun" - 8/10 NME “…Malakai are a stand-alone Bristol sensation…” - 4/5 Mojo"...Ransacking genres with an innovative twist, ´Ugly Side Of Love´ celebrates a world dying an avoidable man-made death, and is successful in aspiring to be one of the most complete albums you´re likely to hear this year..." - 5/5 Dailymusicguide.com“…Outsider pop that’s unlikely to remain out in the cold for long…” 4/5 – Q "...one of the most impressive debuts of the year..." - 4/5MusicOMH "Like a hyperactive DJ spinning between a nuggets boxset" - 4/5 Uncut “…[Snowflake sounds like] a stammering hip hop riff with swaggering vocals and club piano, and sound like Jim Noir with balls…” –4/5 Time Out “…Oppressive, indulgent, often beautiful and wildly disorientating, the hard wired human desire to make sense of all this stuff keeps dragging you back for another taste…” - 4/5 The Word “…Malakai are the rarest of things; both highly individual and highly interesting, with razor-sharp lyrics and excellent tunes…” – 4/5Clash Magazine "...overall this debut sticks two fingers up at the mainstream before wandering up the garden path of innovation and kicking the door in - Bearded Magazine...It´s out in the shops and iTunes right now! As if that wasn´t enough, four of the bands tracks are on the new British film Franklyn directed by Gerald McMorrow that´s just come out on general release. Couldn´t happen to a nicer bloke!! Deano

This News Update: 28/02/2009

Dean on Holiday

Hi all - just a quick note to say I am on holiday from Monday 16th for 7 days so please expect a delay in my email replies - thanks Dean :-)

This News Update: 15/02/2009

Pete Lockett New Music Video

Pete Locketts Indian music video with Bickram Ghosh and there project ´KINGDOM OF RHYTHM´ is online now! Pete & Bickram launch the album next week in India, in the meantime check out the video on you tube at the link below, enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VgXiGhC0RA

This News Update: 09/02/2009

Alex Alexander update

Here´s what Team Protection Racket´s New York based Alex Alexander (Dido) has been up to recently; I´ve been busy as usual in NYC doing sessions and some touring with different acts. Most recently some live recording with Danielia Cotton (a real powerhouse of a rock singer) and with the Latin Artist ELJURI in Mexico. Eljuri is planning on doing much more in 2009. We did some great appearances live on the radio as well as shows in Mexico City. I´ve also been busy in the Studio playing (and Mixing!) the new record for last years Grammy Nominee- Musicians Sans Frontiers. They have made a real Rocking record to be released in Spring 2009 with myself on drum kit.-Dido is busy writing for a new record to be hopefully released next year. I´ve also been doing shows with the original singer from the 80´s rock band Urgent- Mike Kehr. Mike has one of the best voices in the rock world and we are all excited to do much more in the coming year. I was very fortunate to be in DC for the Inauguration of Barack Obama. I was at a party for the fellow alumni of Obama from Hawaii. It was a grand party with Luau and all! Also got a chance to hang with some buddies at the inauguration rock concert there on that Sunday. The inauguration itself was history in the making and awesome to witness. Check out Alex’s website @ www.Alex-Alexander.com Thanks for the update Alex, great to hear from you as always! Deano :-)

This News Update: 03/02/2009

Namm Show 2009

Hey Ya´ll..I´m just back from the Namm Show in Anaheim USA. An amazing show as always, always great to catch with friends and make some new ones! Loads to tell you about and many photo´s to upload to our myspace site. I´m having a day off to get over the jet lag so apologies to anyone who is waiting on reply to mail, i´ll be on it tomorrow, promise :-) In the meantime, check out www.mikedolbear.com for all things Namm, we are featured on Namm day 3...hope all is well - cheers Deano X

This News Update: 20/01/2009

Congratulations Mr B & Mel

Had to put this piece of news in for all you massive Steve Barney Fans out there. Steve and his wife Mel are celebrating the birth of their son Charlie Lindo Barney on the 11th December. Check out the whats new section to find out more ha ha...Well done Mel & Steve - best wishes from everyone here at PR HQ - XXX Dean

This News Update: 29/12/2008

Merry Christmas & H.N.Y

Merry Christmas to all Racketeers around the globe - have a wonderful time and I hope that you get eveything you wished for :-) Very best wishes Dean, Nick, Tommy, Mandy & Lesley - see you in 2009!! XXX

This News Update: 24/12/2008

The New "What´s New" section

Just a quicky to tell you about the "What´s New" section of our website. Click here to find out about all new products or revisions to range as they happen :-) look up into the white section to the right of The PR Man and there´s the button - Cheers Dean

This News Update: 17/12/2008

Street Drum Corps present...

The incredible Street Drum Corps will perform a special concert with Papa Roach on Saturday January 17, 2009 at "The Grove Of Anaheim" for the Schecter Guitar / Jagermusic Party!!! This show is open to the public! For ticket info visit www.grove-of-anaheim.com You can catch Street Drum Corps Presents BANG! earlier in the day on the Jagermeister Mobile Stage in the parking lot of The Grove/Angel Stadium for the Supercross! Street Drum Corps Presents BANG! Street Drum Corps presents BANG! at the Guitar Center Drum Off Concert January 10, 2009 at The Music Box @ Fonda Hollywood, CA. BANG! will be performing street drumming sets throughout the evening. BANG! features Justin Imamura, Nikki G & Chris Pounders. Check out the following links for further details, these guys will blow you away; go check it out :-) www.streetdrumcorps.com & www.myspace.com/streetdrumcorps

This News Update: 08/12/2008

Protection Racket wins Award

Protection Racket, has just been named South West region winner of the ‘Award for Achievement in International Business’ in the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Awards 2008. We have seen our international sales grow and now export to over fifteen countries, the award recognised our achievement in showing outstanding growth in international sales. The award was sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland and was presented to Protection Racket Director, Tommy Armstrong at a gala dinner at the Natural History Museum, London on November 27. Commenting on the award Tommy, said: "This award recognises outstanding business achievement and we are very proud to beaten so many companies from the South West to win this prestigious award. Our growth has come on the back of growing our business in existing markets, bringing on new territories, but most importantly on the back of our reputation for manufacturing world class drum, percussion and guitar cases. “ well said that man, and well done Tommy, we salute you.

This News Update: 03/12/2008

Nick D´Virgilio Drum Clinic

The Drum Garden is putting on a clinic with the fabulous Nick D´ Virgilio on Monday 8th December at Southampton Solent University. Nick is a unique musical talent and world class drummer who is also lead singer and drummer for the band Spock´s Beard. Nick is the touring drummer for Tears for Fears and has recorded with Genesis, Peter Gabriel and Sheryl Crow. Doors open at 7.30pm the tickets are just £5.00, bargain!! If you are interested, contact Kevin for tickets & bookings on 01329 832028. Check out all things Drumgarden @ www.drumgarden.com. Cheers Dean :-)

This News Update: 27/11/2008

The Defs -Bridge on Wool Sat

Hi all - hope you´ve had a great weekend :-) Just a brief news piece to say our band The Defs (www.myspace.com/thedefsuk) are playing down the Bridge on Wool here in Wadebridge this Saturday 22nd November. Be great to see you there, its always a great night and we´ve actually added a new song to the set for all you old faithfulls to have a laugh at..Saturday Superhouse by Biffy Clyro, don´t sound half bad!! See you there, mines a pint of Bulmers - cheers Dean

This News Update: 17/11/2008

Robin Guy Drum Clinics

Team Protection Rackets # 1 Test Pilot Robin Guy (GMT, Swans In Flight, Bay City Rollers) will perform two drum clinics at Birmingham´s Music Live (NEC) on November 7/18 at 3pm - playing along to tracks by bands for whom he has played with, including Doom Day (hardcore), GMT (rock) and The King Blues (ragga-punk). He also is playing Main Stage at 1pm (8th) with Swans In Flight - they´ll be joined by Steve Vai/James Brown bassist TM Stevens and Whitesnake/ Thin Lizzy bassist Marco Mendoza. On November 9, Guy plays at Bass Day in Manchester, with TM Stevens and Sensational Alex Harvey Band guitarist Julian Hutson-Saxby. If you at Music Live you must go check Robin out he is an incredible drummer and top bloke to boot! Sorry Robin I´ll miss you as I´m at Wembley Arena seeing Queen & Paul Rodgers! Enjoy Deano X

This News Update: 06/11/2008

We Will We Will Rock you!!

Hi All, super excited today as I am off to London this weekend to see Queen & Paul Rodgers Rock The Cosmos gig at Wembley Arena on Saturday! We have just supplied 100 x Roadies 75´s cases embroidered with The Queen & Paul Rodgers logo that the band are giving away to their crew as end of tour presents, how cool is that! If you going hope to see you there cheers Dean X

This News Update: 06/11/2008

Proud to be Soft!

Hi Racketeers hope you had a great summer of music, what a great October we are having eh? Reminds me of what summer in August used to be like?!! If you are ever in doubt that climate change is a foot, then listen to this; I was down at St. Agnes a beautiful beach in Cornwall on Sunday 12th October, it was blistering hot, the surf was 3-4 foot offshore, there were people in the sea swimming!! Everyone had shorts on sunglasses and flip flops and ice cream was flying out the vans! It was like the middle of August and there´s only 9 weeks until Christmas..ermmm I´m upping the recycling and riding my bike to work in future:-) Got some HOT new endorsees to tell you about this month, in no particular order; Sheila E percussion legend, Cherisse Ofosu-Osei (Mika) Derico Watson (Victor Wooton Band) Ian Palmer, Shan Chana, Danny Cummings, James Hester, Aaron Kennedy, Paul Clarvis, Robin Guy, Paul Mason, Mark Walker, Doc Spoons, blimey! Now all I have to do is upload all these guys pics and bios to the endorsee section..watch this space :-) cheers Dean

This News Update: 16/10/2008

Reading Festival 2008

Hi All well I´m just finishing off before my drive up to the Reading Festival, yippeeee!! What a line up, shame Slipknot have had to pull out as Joey has broke his ankle ouch! Get well soon Joey :-) If you at Reading and have my mobile, give me a bell and lets meet up for a cider or 2!! See you there fellow festivallers..RAWK!!! cheers Deano X

This News Update: 21/08/2008

PR welcomes Pete Lockett :-)

We are extremely proud to welcome Pete Lockett to the Protection Racket family. Pete is a truly inspirational musician who whose dedication and love of the percussion world we should all aspire to emulate. Check out Pete´s profile in the endorsee section of the site and explore Pete´s links to find out more about him. You just know he is an incredible dancer, such Rhythm!!! Welcome Pete, we are proud to have you use our cases. Dean :-)

This News Update: 11/07/2008

Drummer Live Pics on MySpace

Well we did it! Drummer Live was an absolute blast as always, an amazing show that proved once again that drummers are the coolest & nicest people on this great planet of ours, and the drum industry is without a doubt the best place to work. I will be working on a new e-zine shortly that will give a run down of the events as they happened but in the meantime, check out our MySpace site for a selection of pictures. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hi, hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Huge congratulations & thanks to Crofty, Helen, Lucy & Clive for all their hard work :-) enjoy the photos Dean X

This News Update: 26/06/2008

Drummer Live @ LIMS 2008

Hi All - if you at The London International Music Show this week make sure you stop by to say Hi, we are in the Drummer Live hall and our stand number is N10, be great to see you. Please note I am out of the office until Tuesday 17th June, so please be patient re my replying to e-mails. Hope to see you there, it´s going to be a good one!! All the best from Cornwall Dean :-)

This News Update: 10/06/2008

Everything Burns news

South west based rock/metal and Everything Burns have just signed a fully financed multi-album deal with Rising records, which is becoming one of the biggest independent metal labels in the u.k. They will be recording their debut album in January ´09, it´s to be produced by Mark Daghorn (one minutes silence, Trigger the bloodshed) and mixed by Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Biffy Clyro, Fightstar) for european release in April ´09. Catch Protection Racket endorsee Jez Marshall and Everything burns at a show around the U.K, visit www.myspace.com/everythingburnsband for more details.

This News Update: 27/05/2008

Ben Stone Music School

Team Protection Racket test pilot & Roland UK´s foremost V-Drums clinician Ben Stone has opened a Music School in Swansea. Ben is offering drum lessons on acoustic & electronic kits. The Ben Stone Music School (phase1) is housed in Percussion House II, Classic & Custom Drums. This facility is not only one of the best showrooms in Britain but also has some of the best staff and equipment you will experience anywhere. The commitment to quality and detail that Percussion House II displayed is exactly why Ben chose to house phase1 of the music school there. At the Ben Stone Music School it doesn’t matter whether you are 5 years old or 55 years old, all are welcome to learn in a professional environment where lessons are tailored to the individual. Learning has to be fun and most of all effective, so to enquire about available lesson slots contact us on 01792 301010 or pop down to 20 Orchard Street, Swansea, SA1 5AG. Check out www.myspace.com/benstonemusicschool to find out all out it - cheers Dean

This News Update: 21/05/2008

Busy Smiley Smiling :-)

One of our longest serving endorsee´s has just updated us with his activities for the coming months. Smiley is off on tour with BAD COMPANY, Then off to the highlands with 4GM (and those jolly Simple Minds & Wet Wet Wets) Then its off to the States with THE ALARM.. .. He has just finished ARCHIVE new album so they will be touring that probably late this year... Oh and he has opened a studio in Egham Surrey called SUNSHINE CORNER STUDIOS. Check it all out at Smileys myspace website @ www.myspace.com/smileydrums.

This News Update: 08/05/2008

boom da boom boom boom

This just in from our good friend from the US, Protection Racket drum case user and abuser Jere Rehmert; " Good Morning Dean, How are thing´s in the U.K.?? Great I hope. Just a short note say what a wonderful product you have!! But you already know this as I have told you before. Well, last weekend my kid´s were helping dad pack up for a gig, and my 11 year old dropped my 12" tom (in the bag) from the top of the stairs!! boom da boom boom boom, rolling across the floor as I looked on in horror BUT, to my not so much surprise, upon opening the bag, not a scratch!!, not a dent!!, not a scuff. Hallelujah!! Protection Racket all the way! Take Care Dean, Cheerio Jere" Nice one Jere, if you have similar stories, send em on in - Thanks Deano :-)

This News Update: 06/05/2008

Team Protection Racket

Hi all, very proud to announce that we welcome the following amazing drummers to the Team Protection Racket roster this month; Aynsley Dunbar, No other modern rock / jazz / blues / fusion drummer has played with as many successful bands and musicians as Aynsley Dunbar, Rod Stewart, John Lennon, David Bowie, Frank Zappa, Lou Reed have all employed Aynsley and as for all the bands he has been with, I can´t even begin to list, Google Aynsley for more information!! Ian Matthews (Kasabian) what a band!! I love Kasabian, saw them at V festival last year and they were awesome, Ian is a lovely bloke and an incredible drummer, excited to hear Kasabians new material this year, welcome Ian!! In the USA we welcome Ryan Yerdon of Puddle Of Mudd currently # 1 in the Alternative Rock Charts with the wicked Psycho single.

This News Update: 14/04/2008

Jerry Brown @ Drummer Live

We are pleased to pass on this piece of news from one of our longest standing endorsee´s Jerry Brown, (currently playing with Girls Aloud, yeah I agree what a view!!!)!! Jerry tell´s us he will be giving a Master Class in the Mike Dolbear room during the Drummer Live weekend. Watch this space for times and further details but get your tickets now, this is an event not to be missed. Jerry will also be performing at future Pearl Day´s in May, I´ll pass details as soon as I have them. Cheers Deano :-)

This News Update: 03/04/2008

Steve White Drum Clinic

The evergreen Phil Solomon who produces the incredible DRUM STUDY newsletter (100 issues & going strong!) is presenting Steve White in clinic on Friday 11th April 2008. The venue is Portslade Town Hall in Portslade West Sussex, the tickets are 10 of your fine english pounds, the doors open at 7pm and Steve is on @ 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Phil tel: 01273 608916 or 07780 764613. Whilst you are at it, sign up to Phil´s DRUM STUDY newsletter to recieve this amazing drum filled FREE newsletter. Phil can be contacted at P.O Box 1101 Brighton, BN2 5WY. Keep up the great work Phil!! Cheers Dean

This News Update: 26/03/2008

Alex Alexander Update

Here’s an update as to what’s happening in the world of Team Protection Racket’s Alex Alexander (Dido). Alex is currently in South America doing some session work, he e-mailed in with this news; it’s warm down here! I´m very Honoured and Happy to have been asked to join the James Brown Tribute Tour for 2008. We will start in May and continue until Dec. The tour will be worldwide and will go to Europe, Japan, Australia and many more. This is truly going to be a fun experience with Bootsy Collins as master of ceremonies and all the JB’s present. In Dido news, Dido is still working on her next record and hopes for an end of the year release with a tour for Next Year. We are all looking forward to that as well. Check out everything Alex @ www.alex-alexander.com

This News Update: 27/02/2008

PR Welcomes Ralph Salmins

We are honoured to announce the introduction to Team Protection Racket one of the UK´s most prolific session drummers, the one & only Ralph Salmins. Ralph is without a shadow of a doubt one of U.K.´s busiest session drummers. Ralph´s versatility and signature groove have established him as the drummer of choice for producers and composers worldwide. Artists he´s worked with in the studio include Madonna, Macy Gray, Alanis Morrisette, Sheryl Crow, Celine Dion and reputable producers such as George Martin, Burt Bacharach and Michel Legrand - the list goes on and on. Some of you may have heard his work in passing on movie soundtracks such as ´Bridget Jones Diary´, ´Donnie Brasco´, ´Philadelphia´ and the recent Oscar winning ´Gosford Park´ and ´Moulin’ Check out Ralph’s myspace site to see who Ralph “hasn’t played with!!” www.myspace.com/ralphsalmins Welcome to the team Ralph.

This News Update: 30/01/2008

Drum Guru Tuning Basics DVD

Martin Ranscombes ´Tuning Basics for the Modern Drum Set´ Team Protection Racket artist and drum tuning guru Martin Ranscombes passion for drums started nearly 30 years ago and, coupled with a natural tendency to experiment with pretty much anything, has developed, stolen and modified many ideas and methods relating to tuning and enhancing the sound of drums. After years of study, Martin has compiled his expert advise on an interactive DVD which covers all aspects of getting the most out of your drums, dispelling myths and tales on drum tuning ´folk law’. Martin told Protection Racket, ‘The DVD is essentially aimed at getting drummers of all persuasions enthused about tuning their drums by giving them a straightforward and easy to remember system that will, hopefully, go some way to demystifying the so-called ‘black art’ of tuning drums. Most drummers seem to struggle on some level or another with tuning, so it’s one part of my long-term mission to make the whole subject a great deal easier and a whole lot more fun in the process. I´ve got a copy and have to say it´s a brilliant instructional DVD that does what it says on the tin (sorry DVD case!), Martin is a natural presenter (very funny!) and the drumming clips with him and Ian Palmer are blinding!! Go get yours elf a copy and sack ya drum tech :-) The DVD is published by Stick Library and is available NOW through www.MusicRoom.com and all good music shops via Music Sales Ltd. Check out Martins website @ www.drumguru.co.uk Cheers Dean

This News Update: 28/01/2008

Brooks Wackerman new album!

In 2003, Team Protection Racket´s Brooks Wackerman of Bad Religion formed his own band named "Kidneys", in which he not only plays the guitar and sings but also writes, produces, and plays drums for all of the in studio recordings. Brooks recently finished his work on the album and has just released it for purchase on myspace. I´ve had a listen and it´s definately worth checking out :-) here´s the link: www.myspace.com/kidneys ** check out the 4 star review of Kidneys in this months Drummer! Mag **

This News Update: 23/01/2008