LOL - Thanks Jerry! Never knew such a kit existed, in WMP yet! I would love to sit behind Hals' kit if even for a few seconds. So much music history is connected to that kit. I grew up in the 50's/60's so the Beachboys music is very near and dear in my memory. I didn't find out till years later that it wasn't Dennis playing drums on the records. Then Hals name started coming up on not just the Beachboys stuff, but just about every tune I considered a 'Classic.'

Not enough is written or said about the monster role Hal played in rock&roll history. Great photos, where on earth did you find those?

John

PS - Jinx, my Blaemire sale fell well short of what I hoped/expected. Looks like no drum show for Johnny this year. CryBaby I have started putting a few bones aside and I'll continue to try to sell the kit and other drums I have offered for sale. You have no idea how how hard I'm trying to turn my little collection of vintage drums into Green Glass. I'm working on it my friend... the moment I'm ready, you will be getting a call.

So sorry I can't be there to witness the Premier of your new drum company. I feel terrible about it. I'm dying to see the surprise you concocted for the show. I have a pretty good guess... but I won't spoil any surprises by running my mouth here. We will do this, Jinx... just a matter of time. John

It's interesting to see so much attention given to Blaemire drums on this forum lately. In the early 90's I worked w/ Roy Harte at Drum City in Hollywood. He showed up one day w/ a half dozen or more Blue Sparkle concert toms w/ Blaemire shells & Ludwig lugs . They were all 10" & 12". There was no interest in them whatsoever, & he wound up dumping them for $20-$25.

tdennis - That's why getting the word out on Hal is so important. It's sad but true that many great drums are not acknowledged as such until they become associated with a popular group or musician. ie; Ringo.

Check out this link:

http://www.halblaine.com/discography/

If more drummers knew that the amazing drum sounds they heard on their favorite records -since childhood- were played by Hal Blaine on Blaemire drums, there would be a run on those drums to rival what Ringo did for Ludwig.

Hal was a Certified Monster talent. The sound of those Blaemire toms are burned into my memory banks. It's the reason why I'm so excited about Jinxy reviving the line and why I want to see him succeed. I missed out the first go round, mostly out of ignorance. I just didn't know, or found out late. This time, I'm ready, and I'm here. I'm not only working hard to convert my small collection to cash so I can buy some of Jerry's new drums, I want to help him out as much as I can. Blaemire will finally get the respect and drummer support it always deserved, but never received. Not while Allen was alive anyway.

Jinx. I'm out here spreading the Gospel brother... break a leg in Chicago. You're going to kill with the new line. Mark my words. I'll bet Steve Maxwell will be -very- interested!

Here's hoping buddy.

John

Hey John,

Sorry to hear you won't be making it to the show. Don't worry though, you will eventually get your Blaemires, and all will be good. As far as those pics, I always wondered what the heck was going on with that Ringo kit, very strange.

I love the two floors on that one! Allen had a great sense of drum-design. Those drums look like 'new' antiques. Greg, do you know the sizes of the drums in the second photo?

I love the Gong drum! That cat was way ahead of his time in more ways than one. It's a shame that many times, great artists or inventors are not recognized in their own time. Allen is gone, but I'll bet more drummers know his name today, than when he was alive.

John

The snare drum in the second pic is WILD!!! It looks like a deadly weapon!

Cool pics!

No kidding!! Looks like 20 double ended lugs on that baby. :)

Can you say; Dry as the Sahara desert! Looks like a 12 lugger. That sucker must really stay 'in-tune.'

What I think is funny is seeing McCartney in a 'wife-beater!' LOL

John

Hey Tdennis,I think i know you.Do you go by Terry? Did you know Anro?.The Bleamire shells i got all of them from Roy paid him 100.00 for all 8 shells..I needed Ludwig lugs at the time...Mikey