Ian McTigue - Touring Drummer and Music Teacher

Touring drummers are accustomed to playing in old venues, but few can claim to have twirled their sticks in a 5,000 year old establishment. Yet Ian McTigue has done just that, the drummer took to a stage at the Giza Pyramids in Cairo, Egypt, in his role as percussionist for Riverdance, the globe-trotting Irish dance phenomena while in town to share a headline gig with legendary diva Mariah Carey.

The Irish drummer has played with Riverdance in the iconic surroundings of New York's Radio City Music Hall & The Lincoln Centre, Pantages Theatre LA, Mexico City's Auditorio Nacional, Atwood Concert hall Anchorage Alaska, Atlantis the palm Dubai, Astana Kazakhstan, Soon after he joined the Women of Ireland show with tours to Orchard Hall in Tokyo, Teatro Municipal De Las Condes, Santiago Chile, Zurich Switzerland & all over Germany. Ian has worked with many other artists - Camille O' Sullivan, Moya Brennan, Ronan Keating, Carlos Nunez, Donal Lunny, Don Baker, Mike McGoldrick, Zoe Conway & Robin James Hurt - his theatrical credits also include Improbable Frequency, Mac Becks, Guys & Dolls, All Shook Up, Anything Goes, Calamity Jane & The Wedding Singer.

Ian is a certified Grade 8 drumkit teacher qualified through London's international music and performance art's RSL. He also specialises in the traditional Irish Bodhrán Drum & tutors from the Drum Room in Dunshaughlin Co Meath. He is currently the drummer with Harlequin band and proudly endorses Allegra Drums.

Irish Drummers; Ian, what is your preferred drum gear?

I love my Allegra Drums, - any shells which are maple for the optimum sound , Remo Ambassador heads on every drum. A nice mix of Zildjian A custom crashes & K medium heavy ride & hihats. Vic Firth 5B sticks.

Irish Drummers; Who are your drumming influences?

Influences would be Buddy Rich, Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colliuta, Ray Fean & Robbie Casserly!

Thanks Ian. Photo by John Jordan Photography
www.ianmctigue.com