WILL BEAVIS

Drummer | Teacher

Bio

I am a UK based drummer with over 25 years of playing experience. After extensive studies with renowned British drum tutor Bob Armstrong, I have continued forward to a successful career in music. Touring and recording in the UK, Europe and USA with various artistes, building my own drum tuition brand and releasing my own compositions.

While touring with Kris Barras, signed to a multi-album worldwide record deal with Mascot Label Group, I regularly performed all over the UK and Europe. Playing both headline shows and large festival stages such as Rawa Blues (Poland) and Ramblin’ Man Fair (UK). His “The Devine & Dirty” album hit the no.1 spot in both the iTunes & Amazon blues charts, and no.3 in the official UK jazz & blues charts. In addition to receiving regular air play on Planet Rock radio, we performed live on BBC Radio 2 for Michael Ball’s Sunday morning show (hosted that day by Richard Madeley). We performed support shows for: Black Stone Cherry, Beth Hart, Joanne Shaw-Taylor, Gun and King King. Shared the stage with Jonny Lang and Walter Trout on Mascot Label’s 2019 “Rockin’ The Blues” tour. Played festivals alongside many top bands/artistes including: ZZ Top, Pixie Lott, Extreme, Monster Truck, The Darkness, Sons of Apollo, Rival Sons, The Cult, Myles Kennedy, Steel Panther, The Cadillac Three, Blackberry Smoke, Supersonic Blues Machine, Reef and Halestorm.

(Supporting Beth Hart in Oxford UK)

I have also had the pleasure of playing some shows in Europe with rock icon Suzi Quatro. One of those shows was broadcast live on a major Austrian TV channel. I regularly take on short term work with different artistes. Another example being a tour with USA X-Factor finalist Caitlin Koch, which lead to performances at the annual “Country to Country” festival at London’s O2 arena.

(Onstage with Suzi Quatro in Finland 2023)

I am a diverse player who has worked in a range of genres. Playing hip/hop and DnB infused reggae with “Never Underestimate Musical Belief”, traditional blues with harmonica players Giles Robson and Aki Kumar, as well as Spanish & afro/cuban music with Javier Moreno. I have played in numerous small jazz ensembles, one in particular lead to a featured recording on the cover of “Jazzwise” magazine in connection with a performance at UK’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

I am regularly commissioned to record drum parts for Bassline Publishing (run by Stuart Clayton), who’s popular bass tuition books/backings are distributed worldwide.

Youtube videos that I have produced to advertise Pearl drums have amassed over 50,000 & 30,000 views each and helped to sell Decade Maple and Masters BCX kits all over the world.

(Live on BBC Radio 2)

Drum tuition is another passion of mine. With over 24 years of teaching experience, I have taught drums for the Academy of Music & Sound and Exeter University. I now run my own lesson site: willsdrumlessons.com, offering video & pdf downloads, backing tracks, transcriptions and 1-to-1 lessons both at my home studio & online via webcam.

In addition to drums and percussion I also play the bass, piano and guitar, which has helped me to become a more well-rounded musician. I write my own compositions, most often within the jazz fusion genre, and release full mixes along with play-along versions.

(Country to Country Fest’ @ London O2)

I pride myself on being a reliable and musical drummer, with good, well maintained equipment. I read and write music, am confident playing to a click and love playing, studying and teaching many different musical genres. I am constantly practising as I strive to further sharpen my skills.