Gar Samuelson
| Gar Samuelson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gary C. Samuelson |
| Born |
February 18, 1958 Dunkirk, New York, US |
| Died |
July 14, 1999 (aged 41) Clewer, Orange City, Florida, US |
| Genres | Jazz, heavy metal, speed metal, thrash metal, jazz fusion |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Drums, percussion, timpani |
| Years active | 1975–1999 |
| Labels | Capital, Combat |
| Associated acts | Megadeth, Fatal Opera |
Gary C. "Gar" Samuelson (February 18, 1958 – July 14, 1999) was a drummer best remembered for his work with the thrash metal band Megadeth from 1984 to 1987, contributing to their first two albums. He is considered as one of the most influential drummers to thrash metal, having pioneered the incorporation of jazz fusion into the subgenre.[1]
History
Samuelson was born in Dunkirk, New York; little else is known of his life before he joined Megadeth. It is known that he and Chris Poland played in a jazz fusion band called The New Yorkers, and that before this, both practiced and played together for many years.
After meeting with Dave Mustaine and Dave Ellefson of Megadeth in 1984, he joined the band, and Poland soon followed, this being what Mustaine refers to as 'the first real line-up'. Samuelson would go on to serve as the band's drummer until 1987, appearing on the albums Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!, and Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?, as well as serving through tours, until he was ultimately fired for his drug addiction.[2][3] Gar's style was heavily influenced by years of jazz training. This is exemplified in the tracks These Boots, Rattlehead, and Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!. Samuelson's work on Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? was slightly simpler and more economical to the song structure, which had evolved rapidly from the debut album. He was considered a very unorthodox drummer among the other thrash metal bands of the 1980s. He and his brother Stew, along with Billy Brehme, Travis Karcher and Andy Freeman, formed Fatal Opera, which released a self-titled album in 1995 and the Eleventh Hour in 1997.
Gar is known as one of the first drummers to use DW drums. He used DW drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Remo drum heads, and what was known to be early Vater Drumsticks.
Death
Samuelson died at the age of 41 in Orange City, Florida, on July 14, 1999; the cause of death was reportedly liver failure.[1][2] His body was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the Atlantic Ocean; also, a memorial service was made in Lankford Chapel. It is unknown if Mustaine or any other Megadeth members attended these ceremonies.
On July 25, 1999, Mustaine dedicated a performance of the song "Peace Sells" in Samuelson's memory, at the Woodstock Festival. Long-time friend and bandmate Chris Poland said about Samuelson: "He was a true friend. Everything I know about—time, rhythm and feel—I learned from Gar, so I'll always hear his voice in my music." His drumming was an influence in variations of extreme metal.
The 2002 remixed and remastered version of Killing Is My Business... is "dedicated to the memory of Gar Samuelson".[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Talevski, Nick (2006). Rock Obituaries: Knocking on Heaven's Door. Omnibus Press. p. 570. ISBN 1-84609-091-1.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Kielty, Martin (September 10, 2012). "Megadeth drummer made Peace Sells". Classic Rock. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
- ↑ "Megadeth history from 1984 to '87". Megadeth.com. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
| Preceded by Lee Rausch |
Megadeth drummer 1984–87 |
Succeeded by Chuck Behler |
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