Anthony Pacheco

Born April 4, El Paso Texas

I started playing drums at the age of 19. Before that I played guitar from the age of 12, but never got as good as I would have liked. The band I was playing in in Tucumcari NM needed a drummer, so the bass player/ drummer, the man who got me started, Mr Rudy Pacheco (relation?) showed me a few licks and tricks and had my attention. Rudy used to play at the topless clubs in Juarez Mexico. The drum patterns and licks he played got me really interested in playing drums. We played the bars in and around Tucumcari and Santa Rosa NM. But because I was so young,(19 or 20 yrs.) my mom or mom and dad would have to go to the bars with me so I could get in and play. I moved to Albuquerque shortly after turning 21 and worked with various groups Playing Classic Rock at all the rock n roll bars in town, also car shows,with Governor Gary Carruthers in attendance, and meeting the band. Playing ball rooms in the then Holiday Inn Pyramid for MGM Studios. And with other bands in the 80’s heyday, big hair, with the band Winger coming to see us at one of our shows, also the same night we were on Zrock radio station live.On a couple of occasions, I have had the pleasure of top Professional drummers, teaching me on a one on one basis. For instance the Drummer for Gladys Night and the Pipps actually coming to my House. He was a friend of my neighbor ,they heard me practicing and asked to come in and jam with me. Of course I was blown away. He was such a great drummer, also a great guy. He sat at my drums for over an hour teaching me. I would ask “how did you do that lick” and he would show and teach me. “very cool” I have also been to a couple of drum clinics recently with greats like Terri Bozzio, and most recently Steve Gadd. Any opportunity to learn from the best . I’ve played clubs all around New Mexico. Finally I met up with the best Albuquerque has to offer in Randall Fort and Bill Royal, and formed Strange Brew with the band opening for Mitch Ryder and the Detroit wheels. I hope to continue this fantastic ride and am enjoying it so much.
Plus, Check out the new drum set!