Since I was 11 years young...long ago. My first snare drum started in the shape of a biscuit tin with a chain inside and a banjo head on top coupled with a pair of tooth brushes as sticks. Then came a proper army snare drum (egg shaped) with calf head...I think with a dubious red stain on it. It was all go from then on bits were added and cymbals made in metal work. Well, you have to start somewhere and I am still learning. In fact my slogan is: It's never too early to learn and never too late to wish you had.

Jimmy Hendrix at Olympia London, back in the early 70s. I think the concert was called ' Christmas on Earth' lasted for 24 hours and included acts such as Pink Floyd, Traffic, Move, Hendrix and many more.

Mapex Saturn limited edition - violet stardust with a blend of Avedis and Sabian cymbals, Tama Cobra twin Pedal, Hardcases, Gatt Audio Mics and a White Van to match my name.
I love my Kickport which turns my bass drum into the equivalent of a sub woofer. Using the Kickport allows a listener to experience the sound while feeling it in the solar plexus.

Apart from my mother? Then it has to be Jimmy Hendrix, Beatles, Stones and many many more musically. But drummers have to be Carl Palmer, Billy Conham, Keith Moon, Mitch Mitchell, Steve Gadd, Buddy Rich and loads of others. If you could tell me what growing up is about then I could give a more detailed example.

I'm presently playing with RTD (Roads to Damascus). Honoured to have played on their second album R2D2, an internet worldwide release for April 2012. This progressive rock band has a brilliant line-up of stunning musicians - they 'rock' both as individuals and as a tight 5 piece unit.

Writers: Steve Simms (Vox) Calum Jamieson (Guitars) Backline: Maureen Hammond (Keyboards) Mike Bruce (Bass) Dave White (Drums)

If it grooves it deserves a jam. There are too many influences to mention and my tastes are diverse. One minute I'm in the zone with the Beatles the next Pink Floyd, Earth Wind and Fire then Frank Sinatra or John Bonamassa and Dirty Loops...rhythm is universal, tribal it's in the blood. However, if Toto or Paul MaCartney rang me it wouldn't go amiss once I've picked myself up off the floor.

Biggest: 10,000 - ish. My three piece Rock band called 'Thunderzone' played an open air concert in Basildon Essex early 70s. 6 encores and a lot of fun.

Smallest: 3. The venue never advertised - good night's rehearsal though and made 3 loyal friends in the process.

This question isn't fair - probably Gino Vanelli - Gist of Gemini. This blends so many diferent styles that I like from Rock to Jazz to Latin to Funk. The production was huge, Gino's voice was immense for its day and the musicianship exemplary. Nice over a cup of tea these days, how times change.