Neil Sanderson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Neil Sanderson
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Sanderson in 2023
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Neil Christopher Sanderson |
| Born | December 17, 1978 Peterborough, Ontario, Canada |
| Origin | Peterborough, Ontario, Canada |
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| Years active | 1992–present |
| Labels | Judge and Jury Records |
Neil Christopher Sanderson (born December 17, 1978) is a Canadian musician. He is best known as the drummer, backing vocalist, and keyboardist for the rock band Three Days Grace. He is also one of the band's co-founders. Neil has shared that drummers like John Bonham, Danny Carey, and Stewart Copeland have inspired his music. He also helped start the record label Judge and Jury Records with producer Howard Benson.
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Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Neil Sanderson was born on December 17, 1978, in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. He started playing the piano even before he began school. Neil loved music and explored different instruments during elementary school. By the age of 12, he was really into drums and started playing them.
He went to Adam Scott C.V.I High School in Peterborough. There, he met Adam Gontier when they were both in grade 9. With bassist Brad Walst, they practiced writing songs and playing instruments. They formed a band called "Groundswell" with two other friends, Phil Crowe and Joe Grant.
Before Three Days Grace, Sanderson was also the drummer for the band Thousand Foot Krutch from 1995 to 1997. Groundswell later changed its name to Three Days Grace in 1997.
Neil Sanderson's Music Career
As "Three Days Grace," the band performed many concerts in Toronto. Eventually, they signed a record deal with Jive Records, an American music label.
First Albums and Early Success
The band's first album, also called Three Days Grace, came out in 2003. Four songs from this album became popular hits: "I Hate Everything About You", "Just Like You", "Home" and "Wake Up". The first two songs reached number one on the Canadian and US rock charts. The album sold enough copies to be certified platinum in both Canada and the United States.
Their second album, One-X, was released in 2006. This album reached number five on the US Billboard 200 chart. Four singles were released from One-X: "Animal I Have Become", "Pain", "Never Too Late" and "Riot". The first three of these songs hit number one on the US Mainstream Rock chart. One-X has been certified triple platinum in Canada and the United States. In 2006, Three Days Grace won the Rock Single of the Year award at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards. Neil Sanderson mentioned that after a band member faced personal challenges in 2007, keeping good communication helped make touring much easier and more fun.
Neil Sanderson was very excited about Three Days Grace's success. During their 2008 tour, he said they could now add more lights and production to their shows. He also noted that the same fans who supported them early on were still there for them. He felt it was important to make great albums because people want to hear "real stuff" in music.
Later Albums and New Projects
In 2009, the band released their third album, Life Starts Now, which reached number three on the US Billboard 200. Their fourth album, Transit of Venus, came out in 2012. After Matt Walst became the new lead singer, Three Days Grace released Human in 2015, Outsider in 2018, and Explosions in 2022.
Sanderson also co-owned a company called Püblicwürks, which helped develop artists and write songs. He co-wrote songs like "Get By" and "Hell Raisin' Good Time" for country artist Tim Hicks. He was even nominated for Songwriter of the Year in 2014. Neil is also a co-founder of Judge & Jury Records with producer Howard Benson. In 2021, he produced the album American Dream for the musician DIAMANTE. He also performed in an online event called "#UnpluggedTogether" to support a therapy program for trauma survivors. In 2022, he produced the album Shockwave for The Standstills and the song "Waiting on the Sky to Change" for Starset. He also helped produce songs for other bands. In December 2023, Neil released his first solo song, "Eventually," through Judge and Jury Records.
Musicianship and Equipment
Neil Sanderson uses a Yamaha drum kit. His setup includes a double-bass drum, Sabian Artisan cymbals, Evans drumheads, and a Yamaha DTX Multi12 sample pad. He uses Vic Firth drumsticks. A recent addition to his kit is the ButtKicker Concert sub-bass monitoring system, which helps him feel the bass vibrations. In the past, he used Zildjian cymbals when recording the album One-X.
Critics have praised Sanderson's drumming. One reviewer called his drum solo "spectacular," and another noted his "impressive chops and accuracy."
Personal Life
Neil Sanderson married his wife Janin in 2003. They have two children, a daughter named Violet and a son named Jet, and an adopted daughter named Raven. In March 2024, he led the 21st annual St. Patrick's Day parade in his hometown.
Philanthropy and Giving Back
Neil Sanderson is involved in several charity efforts. In 2007, he joined The Herbie Fund charity, which helps children. He also started his own charity fund called "Herbie Rocks." In 2017, he traveled to Kenya with World Vision to create a short film. This film aimed to raise awareness about the challenges people face in getting clean drinking water. He also started the 3DG Kenya project and Mountain of Hope to help raise money and awareness for these needs. In 2018, Sanderson spoke openly about his own experiences with anxiety at a fundraiser for mental health awareness.
Discography and Production Work
Neil Sanderson has worked as a producer and songwriter for the Three Days Grace discography. He has also contributed to music released through Judge and Jury Records and many other projects.
See also
In Spanish: Neil Sanderson para niños
