Tama Superstar

Below is a list of well known drummers who played Superstars:

Neil Peart - played Superstars from 1979 until around 1983. Began with first set (double bass) in Dark Rosewood, then moved to Candy Apple Red... which he made famous. His Superstar kits used the standard (shallow) depth toms, as opposed to the "power tom" sizes. He continues today to use Candy Apple Red color for his kit (though now sponsored by DW), and has switched to a double-pedal and single bass.
Billy Cobham - instumental in the development of Superstars, as he worked closely with Tama's new product development group to develop a top quality drum. Known for his first kit - double bass in Natural Finish
Brian Downey - drummer for Thin Lizzy from 1976 until 1983. He has played and continues to play a Superstar kit in natural finish. His original kit was double bass, but today he uses part of his Superstar, as he plays blues with Dublin band, "Blues Up Front." Blues Up Front will soon be recording a studio album.

2-22" bass
6", 8" concert toms
12", 13", 14" toms
16" and 18" floor toms

To read more about Brian, go to www.briandowneyondrums.com

Bill Bruford - Drummer for King Crimson from 1968 to 1974, played Superstars from 1980 to 1986. Has also played with the Yes, Genesis, The Buddy Rich Orchestra and Anderson Bruford Wakeman and Howe, to mention a few. During his '80 to '86 period, his setup was mixed and consisted of:

2 Superstar snares:

14" x 6 1/2" Bell Brass
14" x 5 1/2" Wood

24" Tama Gong Drum
16" x 22" Tama Bass Drum
14" Remo Roto tom
(5) Simmons Electronic Drum Pads
(5) Dragon Drums (or Octobans), slit dru

Stephen Crafter - Drummer from Australia who played with Voyager. Has played with wellknown Australian bands - Shyra, Rattler, Stand and Zep Boys. Stephen plays a double-bass Superstar kit in Cherry Wine. Stephen's kit:

2-24" Bass
12," 13," 14," 15" toms
18" floor tom
Custom 'Barter' snare (also has a 6.5x14 Kingbeat)

His current band is Stand and will be going out on tour with former Kiss and current Grand Funk Railroad guitarist Bruce Kulick and be out on tour with Alice Cooper and Mike Tramp of White Lion fame

If you would like to read more about Stephen's career, go to www.stand.net.au/band_body_stephen_right.html

John Panozzo - Drummer from the band Styx. The kit that is pictured (see Known Drummer's Supe Kits) is owned and was played during the Styx 1981 Paradise Theater Tour. John's kit, currently up for sale on Ebay, is a Double-Bass Superstar kit consisting of:

2-22" Bass
12," 13," 14," and 15" toms
16"x16" and 16" x 18" floor tom
14" x 5" custom Superstar snare (see pictures) which is not included in sale on Ebay

Simon Phillips - Toured with the likes of Jeff Beck in the late '70's and in mid'80's joined Pete Townshend's "Deep End big band" doing recorded tracks on his "White City" album, went out to play live with Pink Floyd and then went back to touring with Jeff Beck in '86. Now playing with Toto, who is currently on tour. His official site is: http://www.simon-phillips.com
Vinny Appice - In 1983 Vinny and Ronnie James Dio form the band DIO. They record 7 albums of which 3 are platinum and 2 gold. Vinny also writes his first drum instruction book called "ROCK STEADY" on WB. Vinny left DIO in 1990 to join WORLD WAR III. He toured with Custom Built Piano White 1985 Superstars on the DIO "Sacred Heart" tour. Vinny left DIO in 1990 to join WORLD WAR III. Vinny has been part of Black Sabbath at three times in their existence, 1980, 1992 and then 1998 when he joined Ozzy. Vinny's official site is: http://www.vinnyappice.com/