music talent
Beats for the Future Gibraltar’s musical talent is no secret to the local community, with singers, guitarists and bass players coming together to form new bands almost on a monthly basis. There is a musician, however, who is not only drumming his way to success, but is leaving this legacy and teachings for others to follow in his footsteps. Welcome to the new generation of Gibraltarian drummers. Peter Chichon’s success both locally and internationally are well known, as he has been in the business for a lifetime. Aged 5, he was already hammering at his first toy drum kit, and formed his first band aged 12. His skills were mainly self-taught, although he had guidance as a teenager from old school greats such as Lauri Acris, Dennis Cortes and Francis Pecino. “When I turned 18, I decided I wanted to make a living out of music, and moved to London to pursue a career as a professional drummer,” Peter explains. And it was not much later that he started with his first signed band, Egypt, with who he released an album. Aside from this, Peter was also the session drummer for various other bands during this time, similarly to work he had done at prior to leaving for the UK, at the Rock Hotel in Gibraltar. “I was working at the Rock Hotel for
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two years in the resident band, where I learned how to play jazz and lounge music, which very much helped me become a versatile drummer, dabbling in all musical styles,” he explains. However his big break most definitely came with celebrated local band Breed 77. Compiled mainly of Gibraltarian members, Breed 77 were getting a reputation for themselves in the local London pub scene, and with their unique sound, they caught the attention of rock legends Black Sabbath, who asked them to play at the London
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Astoria. “I grew up listening to Black Sabbath, and to be invited to play with them was truly a special moment in my career, one which I will never forget.” Indeed, Breed 77’s career took the UK metal scene by storm, and with albums, tours and events aplenty. One highlight for them, was definitely performing at the Download Festival at Castle Donington. “In 1988 I attended a festival at Donington, where the line-up included Iron Maiden, Van Halen and Kiss to mention a few. At that moment I thought to myself that one day I would also play on that stage. Years later, my dream, and that of my band members became a reality,” Peter smiles. In 2006, Peter returned to Gibraltar, following the birth of his daughter Josie, as he wanted to continue involved with music, but in a more relaxed setting. Since then he has been the road manager of another great local band, Taxi, as well as being their session drummer also. “Being a session drummer is great, but I’m very artistic when it comes to music, and always want to keep working creatively with a band,” Peter states. His love of music is evident, as he gives a details account of his musical tastes. “I love alternative, rock mainly, heavy and a little punk. My favourite fan band is definitely ACDC, although I enjoy Pink Floyd and Neil Young also. I enjoy progressive rock immensely too, because it is hard to play and understand”. As Peter confirms, drums is a very difficult instrument to play, because of its physicality. Arms and legs must react independently of each other, to create beats and off beats, and produce the beat and rhythm of a song. Drummers are the ones who give cues to other band members, and they in turn rely on the drumbeat to keep in time, and keep together with each other. “To have 70,000 people jumping to your drumbeat is truly an unforgettable experience, carrying a lot of responsibility. If you mess up, the audience as well as your band mates can get very confused!” Peter laughs. “At the Black Sabbath gig, during our first song, someone in the audience threw an orange at us, and it hit my drum kit. As it exploded, I was covered in juice, including my eyes, which meant I was not only in agony, but could not see a thing! Luckily my roadie realised, and managed to clean my face before the second song,” Peter chuckles. As with all performers, no matter the art form, the show must go on! With regards to plans for the future, Peter has recently put a band together, which you will be hearing of soon, with plenty of concerts lined up in Spain and Gibraltar. Watch this space! In November 2009, parents approached Peter, to find out if he would be willing to give drumming lessons to their children. Peter jumped at the chance, and currently has 16 students, with ages ranging from six years old, to 40! His hour-long lessons are one to one, and are structured to suit the needs and ability of the student. Peter teaches the very complex drum theory, and makes his lessons fun and exciting, as he tries to make his students ambidextrous
To have 70,000 people jumping to your drumbeat is truly an unforgettable experience, carrying a lot of responsibility. If you mess up, the audience as well as your band mates can get very confused!
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010