Kyle Woodring (born February 27, 1967, died September 8, 2009) was a studio and concert drummer living in the Chicago, Illinois area. Born and raised in Mason, Michigan. He began playing drums at the age of four, and studied percussion privately for ten years before enrolling in the School of Music at MSU after graduating from high school.
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After college, Kyle moved to Chicago, Illinois with musicians Jan James and Craig Calvert as the percussive force behind the blues/rock band Jewel Fetish. While recording with the band, Kyle was introduced to a number of Chicago area musicians and producers who helped him establish a base in the competitive Chicago music scene. In 1989, Kyle began a stint as the drummer for the Chicago rock band Survivor. He recorded the video Didn't Know it Was Love from the album Too Hot to Sleep with the band in 1988, which was featured on MTV. Kyle also recorded a track for the band's "Best of" recording in 1988.
Kyle performed briefly with John Mellencamp in 1996, a project which led him to begin touring and recording for the past eight years with country music star Deana Carter. In addition to Ms. Carter, Kyle began performing with Dennis DeYoung, the founder and former front man for the band Styx. From 2000-2008, Kyle was the drummer for Mr. DeYoung, who plays concerts with both a five piece band and, at times, a symphony orchestra. Kyle was featured in the Soundstage production of Deyoung's music, released in 2002. In 2007, Deyoung released a new CD in Quebec, Canada entitled One Hundred Years from Now. The title song went to the #1 spot in the Quebec charts during the summer of 2007. In January 2008, Kyle completed the recording of two additional tracks for the American release of the CD, scheduled for the summer of 2008.
In October 2007, Kyle began a stint as the drummer for the Chicago production of the hit musical Jersey Boys. This show later ended its Chicago run on January 10, 2010.
Kyle has performed as a drummer with the following artists:
Kyle died on September 8, 2009 at his home in Lockport, IL as the result of suicide. His brother, Kirk Woodring, posted the following information on Kyle's Facebook page: "Kyle struggled for most of his life with depression. At times his depression overwhelmed him. Despite all he had in his life, he often was unable to recognize his worth to the world. On September 8th he succeeded in committing suicide. I feel helpless and saddened to not have been able to help Kyle in his last hours. I'm sure many of you share this feeling of guilt. I also know that those truly intent on suicide rarely reach out once they are committed to the act. In fact the decision to act on these thoughts can bring about a sense of peace and calm. Depression is sometimes a terminal illness. I love my brother deeply and know how wonderful his life was. I will celebrate his light and know that the darkness is no longer present for him."
On September 9, 2009 Survivor guitarist Frankie Sullivan wrote on his Facebook page "I am deeply saddened to have learned of the passing of my friend and one time Survivor Drummer Kyle Woodring. He was the best of people and will be dearly missed by all. Godspeed Kyle." [1]
On September 10, 2009 Dennis DeYoung posted a picture of Kyle on his website with a message that read 'A gathering of angels appeared above my head.' In memory of my good friend Kyle Woodring. [2]
Memorial services were held for Kyle in late September, 2009 in East Lansing, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois. Those in attendance ranged from Kyle's childhood friends to many of the musicians he worked with over the years, including Dennis Deyoung, Robbie Fulks, Jan James, and others.
In December, 2009 a scholarship fund to support a Mason Michigan High School student who excels in music performance was set up in Kyle's name.