The Cobra Behind the Kit
gary-wiseman
Gary’s approach to drumming has never been built around demanding attention.
He plays the song.
He listens to what everyone else is doing, lays into the groove and creates the foundation the music needs. He is not interested in filling every available space simply because he can.
His greatest drumming influences include Bill Stevenson, Jimmy Chamberlin, George Hurley and John Wright—players capable of power and personality without losing sight of the music around them.
Gary brings that same philosophy to Bowling For Soup.
He lays back.
He lets the others shine.
Then, every now and then, he does something cool.
His favorite Bowling For Soup song to play live is “Get Happy.” Asked to name the band’s most underrated songs, he points to “Smiley Face (It’s All Good)” and “I Just Wanna Be Loved.”
Gary plays SJC Custom Drums, Sabian cymbals and London Drumstick Company sticks. His equipment needs to survive a drummer who hits hard while still allowing the details of his playing to cut through a loud rock band.
But his most important contribution may happen away from the drum kit.
Over the years, Gary has become the band’s confidant and sounding board.
Band members and crew members bring him problems, ideas, possible solutions and concerns. Sometimes Gary helps talk through the next steps.
Sometimes he simply listens.
Because he is easygoing, agreeable and rarely interested in creating unnecessary conflict, people notice when Gary does speak up.
He does not use his voice constantly.
That gives it weight.
The Cobra is not merely a nickname for the guy who waits all night to deliver the perfect joke.
It describes the way Gary moves through the entire world.
