Patty Schemel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Patty Schemel
Schemel at the Museum of Modern Art, 2011
Background information
Birth name	Patricia Theresa Schemel
Born	(1967-04-24) April 24, 1967 (age 58) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Alternative rock punk rock indie rock grunge
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Drums guitar
Years active	1987–present
Labels	DGC Lauren Don Giovanni Geffen Records
Associated acts	Kill Sybil Doll Squad The Primitives Hole Phranc Bastard Juliette and the Licks Courtney Love Imperial Teen Green Eyes Upset Death Valley Girls Marissa Nadler

Patricia Theresa Schemel (born April 24, 1967) is an American drummer and musician. She became well-known as the drummer for the alternative rock band Hole from 1992 to 1998. Patty grew up in Marysville, Washington, where she became interested in punk rock music as a teenager. She started playing drums at age eleven. In high school, she formed several bands with her brother, Larry.

Patty Schemel joined Hole in 1992 after Kurt Cobain, a friend of hers, suggested her to Hole's lead singer, Courtney Love. She played drums on Hole's popular second album, Live Through This (1994). For the band's third album, Celebrity Skin (1998), a different drummer was used during recording. Even though Patty helped write the songs and is credited on the album, her drumming isn't on the final songs. This led to her leaving the band.

After leaving Hole, Patty faced personal challenges and for a time did not have a stable home. In the early 2000s, she got help to overcome her challenges. She later worked with Courtney Love again, playing drums on Love's first solo album, America's Sweetheart (2004). Patty also played drums for Juliette and the Licks on their EP ...Like a Bolt of Lightning (2004).

In 2010, Patty helped create Hit So Hard, a documentary about her time in Hole and how she overcame her challenges. In 2013, she joined the indie rock group Upset. She also formed the band Death Valley Girls with her brother, Larry, in the same year.

Patty Schemel's Musical Journey

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1967–1991)

Patricia Theresa Schemel was born on April 24, 1967, in Los Angeles, California. She is the middle of three children. Her family moved to Marysville, Washington, shortly after she was born.

Patty started playing drums at age eleven when her father bought her a drum set. She often played music with her brother Larry, who played guitar. As a teenager, Patty found comfort and expression in punk and rock music. She felt it allowed her to be herself. Her early musical influences included bands like Echo & the Bunnymen, AC/DC, and Wire.

At age fifteen, Patty formed her first band, The Milkbones. Later, she and her brother Larry formed a Seattle punk band called Sybil. They later changed the name to Kill Sybil. In 1987, Patty formed an all-female punk band from Seattle called Doll Squad. This band was active from 1987 to 1989. They played shows with bands like Nirvana and released a demo tape.

Joining Hole and Touring (1992–1997)

Kurt Cobain was a fan of Patty's earlier band, Sybil. He even considered her as a drummer for Nirvana at one point. Patty and Kurt became close friends. When Hole needed a new drummer, Kurt suggested Patty to Courtney Love. Patty auditioned in Los Angeles and impressed Love and guitarist Eric Erlandson. She officially joined Hole in 1992.

Patty's first work with Hole was recording their single "Beautiful Son." She also played guitar on the song "20 Years in the Dakota." Patty played drums on Hole's second album, Live Through This (1994), which was very popular. She then toured with the band to promote the album. They played at big music festivals like Reading Festival, Big Day Out, and Lollapalooza.

In 1995, Patty spoke about the importance of being open about who you are in a Rolling Stone interview. She said it was good for young people in small towns to know they are not alone. Around this time, she also recorded with Phranc on the 1995 Goofyfoot EP. In 1996, Patty played drums on Hole's cover of Fleetwood Mac's song "Gold Dust Woman" for a movie soundtrack. She also sang backing vocals in the song's music video.

Leaving Hole and New Beginnings (1998–2000)

Hole started working on their next album, Celebrity Skin (1998), in 1997. Patty helped write the songs and created all the drum parts. However, during recording, the album's producer, Michael Beinhorn, suggested using a different drummer. This made Patty feel unsupported, and she decided to leave the studio and the band. The final drum tracks for the album were recorded by another drummer.

Even though she left, Patty's name and photo were still included on the album cover because of her contributions to the songs. Later, Courtney Love and Eric Erlandson expressed regret about the decision to replace Patty on the album.

After leaving Hole in 1998, Patty went through a very difficult period. She lost touch with her family and friends and for a time did not have a stable home. By 2001, Patty had received help and was able to overcome her challenges.

Later Projects and Documentary (2001–Present)

After overcoming her challenges, Patty reunited with Courtney Love for a short-lived music project. In 2002, Patty played drums for the group Lucid Nation on their album Tacoma Ballet. The next year, Patty and her brother Larry helped write and perform on Courtney Love's first solo album, America's Sweetheart (2004). Patty also played drums for Juliette Lewis's punk rock band Juliette and the Licks on their EP ...Like a Bolt of Lightning (2004).

Patty Schemel (center) performing with Hole, 2012

In 2011, a documentary film called Hit So Hard was released about Patty Schemel. The film tells her life story, including her time in Hole, how she overcame personal challenges, and her life afterward. The documentary includes interviews with her bandmates and home videos from Hole's 1994–1995 Live Through This tour. The film premiered in New York and brought the classic Hole lineup together for the first time in many years. In April 2012, Patty joined her former Hole bandmates Melissa Auf der Maur, Courtney Love, and Eric Erlandson for a special performance in Brooklyn, New York, after a screening of Hit So Hard.

In January 2013, Patty joined the group Upset with Ali Koehler. In the same year, she formed the garage rock band Death Valley Girls with her brother, Larry. Patty also published her autobiography, Hit So Hard: A Memoir, in 2017. The book was praised for being honest and open about her experiences. In 2018, Patty played drums on Marissa Nadler's album For My Crimes. In 2019, Patty recorded another album with Upset.

Patty Schemel's Personal Life

Patty Schemel lives in Los Angeles. She shares custody of her daughter.

Patty Schemel's Music Albums

As a Drummer

See also

In Spanish: Patty Schemel para niños