Todd Sucherman
"Todd Sucherman is the sweetest,
funniest, most versatile musically, most dedicated to his instrument and
the king of bus DVD/Video entertainment." - Tommy Shaw
Todd before a show. (Photo by Brigitte Boulais)
Todd started to play drums when he was two. At 6, he was playing professionally and at 9, he did his first recording session. His father was the drummer of the popular club Chez Paris in Chicago for 18 years. Todd decided to follow in his footsteps.
At age 6, he was giving concerts with his brothers in bars, schools and receptions. He has been working ever since, slowly but surely making an enviable reputation for himself in the music industry. He studied in Boston for a year and came back to Chicago to work as a drummer.
Before joining Styx, he recorded an album with the group FALLING WALLENDAS which was very well received by the Chicago press. Through his work, he became friends with Keith Marks who was a tour manager for Styx.
Todd is a Styx fan. When he was about 12 years old, he went to see them live in Chicago during the Paradise Theatre tour. He even used to play a few Styx songs with his brothers. So he did know the band quite well.
When time came to record "Little Suzie" for the second "Greatest Hits" album, John was not feeling very well. Keith then suggested Todd’s name to Styx. Todd immediately felt at ease in the band and gave the best performance he could. John’s health was not getting any better so Styx offered Todd to tour with them. His adventure was only beginning. The fans were not ready to forget John, but they did appreciate the great talent and the presence of Todd and were hoping for him to stay.
Sure enough, Todd is no longer the newcomer, having been in STYX since 1996. His contribution to the "Cyclorama" CD and to the band strongly shows his powerful talent and how much he feels right at home in the STYX family.
On top of Styx, Todd also gives drum clinics around North America and released a few DVDs about the technics of drumming. You can purchase his DVDs on his official website. Todd is also the producer of his wife's albums, Taylor Mills. You can buy her CDs by visiting her official web site.
Todd cannot resist a funny
moment...
...but when at work, he is
very dedicated. (Photos by Brigitte Boulais)
What Todd has to say about his co-worker Tommy:
Tommy is a natural at anything he attempts, and certainly is a gifted musician. He has a zest for life, adventure and new challenges. Onstage he's always going for it and never sits back on his natural abilities-----he always goes for perfection and something new at the same time.
Todd
Visit Todd's official web site.