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 October 22, 1958) is a famous Australian drummer, composer, and music producer. He is known for his amazing drumming skills and also plays keyboards. Virgil uses a special way to hold his drumsticks called the "traditional grip." He started the band Planet X with Derek Sherinian and wrote most of their songs. Many people think Virgil Donati is one of the most skilled drummers ever.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Virgil Donati was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. His family came from Italy. He got his first drum set when he was only two years old! He started playing drums with his father's band when he was very young. He continued performing with them until he was about six.
At age six, Virgil also began taking piano lessons. When he was 15, he joined his first big rock band. The band was first called Cloud Nine, but later changed its name to Taste. They recorded three albums together. At 16, Virgil left school to focus completely on music, especially drums and piano. When he was 19, he traveled to the United States. There, he studied with famous drummers like Philly Joe Jones and other teachers in Los Angeles.
Musical Journey and Famous Bands
Virgil Donati came back to Australia when he was 21. He played jazz music with talented musicians like Allan Zavod. He also performed with Peter Cupples' band. Before moving to Los Angeles, Virgil played with many well-known artists. These included Tommy Emmanuel, Tina Arena, and international stars like Melissa Etheridge.
From the late 1990s, Virgil recorded and toured with many groups. He formed the progressive fusion band Planet X with Derek Sherinian. He also played with Steve Vai and Allan Holdsworth. In 2024, Virgil played drums for the band Asia on their "The Heat of the Moment" tour.
How Virgil Donati Was Inspired
Virgil's father listened to a lot of jazz music. This helped Virgil discover great jazz drummers like Louie Bellson and Buddy Rich. He tried to play like them. The first rock drummer who really impressed him was Ian Paice from Deep Purple. Virgil said he loved Ian Paice's clear and soulful playing. He admired his power and how he put his drum phrases together.
Other drummers who inspired Virgil include John Bonham, Carl Palmer, and Billy Cobham. In a magazine article from 1999, Virgil explained why he prefers using the "traditional grip" for drumming. He said he grew up playing that way and it feels natural to him. He believes it doesn't limit his power.
What People Say About Virgil Donati
Many musicians and fans agree that Virgil Donati is one of the most technically skilled drummers ever. Bass player Bryan Beller once described Virgil's drumming. He said it was like combining the accuracy of Mike Mangini with the unique style of Vinnie Colaiuta. He also mentioned the rhythm of Dave Weckl and the rock feel of Tommy Aldridge. Bryan Beller said playing with Virgil was "being taken along for a ride."
Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy called Virgil "super, super technical." He said Virgil does things that he himself cannot do. Virgil also plays the piano very well. You can hear his piano playing on his 2016 album, The Dawn of Time. He also has videos online where he plays classical pieces.
Music Albums
Virgil Donati has released many albums, both as a solo artist and with different bands.
Solo Albums
- Stretch (1995)
- Just Add Water (1997)
- Serious Young Insects (1999) - with his band On The Virg
- Made in Australia (2007) - with Gambale and Fierabracci
- 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) - a collection of remastered songs
Images for kids
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Virgil Donati playing drums.
See also
In Spanish: Virgil Donati para niños
