Chadwick Gaylord Smith
Chadwick "Chad" Gaylord Smith (born October 25, 1961) is an American musician, best known as the longtime and current drummer of Red Hot Chili Peppers whom he joined in 1988. Smith is also the drummer of the hard rock supergroup Chickenfoot, which formed in 2008 and he has his own instrumental side-project, Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats, which formed in 2009. Smith has also worked with Deep Purple vocalist Glenn Hughes' backing band and in 2010 Smith released a children's record, Rhythm Train which he recorded with legend, Dick Van Dyke, and Leslie Bixler. In April 2010 MTV named Rhythm Train one of the best children's records of all time.
In addition to Smith's bands, Smith is one of the most highly sought after session drummer and has recorded with many other musicians including,The Avett Brothers, ZZ Top, The Dixie Chicks, Kid Rock, George Clinton, Brandi Carlile, Outernational and will appear on the forthcoming release by Steve Lukather which is slated for release in January 2013. In 2009 Musicrader named Smith the 6th Greatest Drummer of All Time. Smith was also ranked #87 on Rolling Stone list of "100 Greatest Drummers of All time". He entered the Guinness book of the world records for playing the world's largest drum kit consisting of 308 pieces. In March 2012 Modern Drummer named Smith #2 on its list of best living drummers. Smith, along with his Red Hot Chili Peppers bandmates, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14, 2012.
Personal life
On May 8, 2004 in Hopetown, Abaco, Bahamas, Smith got married for the second time to architect Nancy Mack. They have three sons together. Smith has 3 other children from previous relationships; daughter Manon St. John Smith with first wife, Maria St. John, daughter Ava Smith, and son Justin Smith.
Smith is a diehard Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and U of M Wolverines fan, loves playing golf, riding motorcycles, surfing and watching Saturday Night Live. He bears a striking resemblance to actor Will Ferrell and has acknowledged the resemblance in various interviews.
Smith regularly contributes to many non profit organizations including: MusiCares, Surfer's Healing, an organization which provides aid to children facing Autism, Right Turn in Boston, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children's Hospitals across the United States and Camp Korey, which is one of Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Camps for children with serious illness.
As of March 19 and 20, 2013, Smith has joined NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) to lobby leaders in Washington, D.C. on the importance of comprehensive music education in public schools across the country.
In addition to Smith's bands, Smith is one of the most highly sought after session drummer and has recorded with many other musicians including,The Avett Brothers, ZZ Top, The Dixie Chicks, Kid Rock, George Clinton, Brandi Carlile, Outernational and will appear on the forthcoming release by Steve Lukather which is slated for release in January 2013. In 2009 Musicrader named Smith the 6th Greatest Drummer of All Time. Smith was also ranked #87 on Rolling Stone list of "100 Greatest Drummers of All time". He entered the Guinness book of the world records for playing the world's largest drum kit consisting of 308 pieces. In March 2012 Modern Drummer named Smith #2 on its list of best living drummers. Smith, along with his Red Hot Chili Peppers bandmates, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14, 2012.
Personal life
On May 8, 2004 in Hopetown, Abaco, Bahamas, Smith got married for the second time to architect Nancy Mack. They have three sons together. Smith has 3 other children from previous relationships; daughter Manon St. John Smith with first wife, Maria St. John, daughter Ava Smith, and son Justin Smith.
Smith is a diehard Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and U of M Wolverines fan, loves playing golf, riding motorcycles, surfing and watching Saturday Night Live. He bears a striking resemblance to actor Will Ferrell and has acknowledged the resemblance in various interviews.
Smith regularly contributes to many non profit organizations including: MusiCares, Surfer's Healing, an organization which provides aid to children facing Autism, Right Turn in Boston, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children's Hospitals across the United States and Camp Korey, which is one of Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Camps for children with serious illness.
As of March 19 and 20, 2013, Smith has joined NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) to lobby leaders in Washington, D.C. on the importance of comprehensive music education in public schools across the country.