Happy Birthday today (Aug. 15) to Whitesnake drummer Tommy Aldridge. He’s 69. Also celebrating is Doobie Brothers founder, guitarist Tom Johnston (71).
Tommy Aldridge was self-taught and inspired by band’s like Cream, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin, in particlular, drummers like Ginger Baker and John Bonham. He himself is regarded as an influential drummer and double bass pioneer. Aldridge played with numerous bands since the 1970’s Pat Travers, Black Oak Arkansas, Ozzy Osbourne, Gary Moore, Ted Nugent, Thin Lizzy, and Whitesnake among others. He joined Ozzy’s band and appeared on the album Bark at the Moon as well as a couple of live albums. After leaving Ozzy’s band, he eventually joined Whitesnake and played on the band’s 1989 album Slip of the Tongue. Aldridge worked with various other band’s throughout the 1990’s and 2000’s, including touring with Whitesnake again. He officially rejoined Whitesnake in 2013. Cheers to Tommy Aldridge on his birthday today! Without a doubt, one of the greatest rock drummers on the planet. For more on Tommy Aldridge, check out his page at drummerworld.com