Virgil Donati facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Virgil Donati
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| Background information | |
| Born | 22 October 1958 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
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| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Drums, keyboards |
| Years active | 1972–present |
Virgil Donati, born on October 22, 1958, is a famous Australian drummer, composer, and music producer. He plays the drums in a special 'traditional grip' style and is also very good at playing keyboards. Virgil helped start the band Planet X with Derek Sherinian, and he wrote most of their songs. Before that, he played in a band called Hans Valen, which honored the famous band Van Halen. He later invited Jack Jones to join his own bands, The State and Southern Sons. Many people think Virgil is one of the most skilled drummers ever.
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Early Life and Musical Start
Virgil Donati was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. His family came from Italy. He got his first drum set when he was just two years old! He started playing with his dad's band and performed with them until he was about six. At age six, he also began taking piano lessons.
When he was 15, he joined his first big rock band. They signed with a major record company. The band was first called Cloud Nine, but later changed their name to Taste. Virgil recorded three albums with them. Soon after, at age 16, Donati left school to focus mainly on drums and piano. When he was 19, Virgil traveled to the United States. He studied with famous drummers like Philly Joe Jones and took lessons in Los Angeles.
Musical Success and Bands
Donati returned to Australia when he was 21. He played jazz music with Allan Zavod and Brian Brown. He also performed with Peter Cupples' band. Before moving to Los Angeles, Virgil became even more successful. He played with artists like Tommy Emmanuel, Tina Arena, and Jon Stevens. He also performed with international stars such as Melissa Etheridge and Branford Marsalis.
Virgil recorded and toured with his own bands, including Southern Sons, Loose Change, and On The Virg. From the late 1990s, Donati recorded and toured with many groups. These included Derek Sherinian (with whom he formed Planet X), Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth, and Soul SirkUS. In 2024, he is touring with the band Asia.
Who Influenced Virgil Donati?
Virgil's father loved music and had many records by jazz drummers like Louie Bellson and Buddy Rich. Virgil quickly became a fan of these drummers and tried to play like them. The first rock drummer who really impressed him was Ian Paice from Deep Purple.
Donati said that Ian Paice's playing was amazing. He loved his clear sound and how much soul he put into his music. Virgil also admired Paice's power and strength.
In a 1999 Modern Drummer magazine article, Donati explained why he prefers playing with a traditional grip. He said he grew up using it and kept practicing it even when playing hard rock music. He feels it's very natural for him now. He also believes that traditional grip does not limit his power. However, he doesn't always recommend it for new drummers. He thinks it's harder to learn and develop power with.
Discography
This is a list of albums Virgil Donati has played on.
Solo Albums
- Stretch (1995)
- Just Add Water (1997)
- Serious Young Insects (On The Virg band) (1999)
- Made in Australia (Gambale, Donati, Fierabracci) (2007)
- In This Life (2013)
- The Dawn of Time: Orchestral Works (2016)
- Ruination (2019)
With Planet X
- Universe (2000)
- Live from Oz (2002)
- MoonBabies (2002)
- Quantum (2007)
- Anthology (2023)
With Ring of Fire
- The Oracle (2001)
- Burning Live Tokyo (2002)
- Dreamtower (2002)
- Lapse of Reality (2004)
With Southern Sons
- Southern Sons (1990)
- Nothing But the Truth (1992)
- Zone (1995)
Other Albums
- Jon Stevens - Are U Satisfied (1993)
- Derek Sherinian - Planet X (1999)
- Mark Boals - Ring of Fire (2000)
- Steve Walsh - Glossolalia (2000)
- Uncle Moe's Space Ranch - Uncle Moe's Space Ranch (2001)
- Bunny Brunel's L.A. Zoo - Revisited (2004)
- Dave Weiner - Shove the Sun Aside (2005)
- Soul SirkUS - World Play (2005)
- CAB - Theatre de Marionnettes (2009)
- Derek Sherinian - Molecular Heinosity (2009)
- Seven the Hardway - Seven the Hardway (2010)
- Tony MacAlpine - Tony MacAlpine (2011)
- Lalu - Atomic Ark (2013)
- Nili Brosh - A Matter of Perception (2014)
- Panzerballett - Planet Z (2020)
- Felipe Andreoli - Resonance (2021)
- Marco Sfogli - Welcome to Ooglyworld (2023)
Videography
- Virgil Donati: Modern Drummer Festival 1997
- Virgil Donati: Live in Stockholm
- On The Virg: 'The Anatomy of Live'
Images for kids
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Virgil Donati
See also
In Spanish: Virgil Donati para niños
