David Garibaldi |
Born in Oakland, California, David grew up just East of San Francisco. Through his fascination for drums, he began playing music at age 10. His parents bought him his first drumset in high school and the rest, as they say, is history. By age (17) David began his professional career by 1966, the Vietnam War brought uncertainty. Upon waiting for his draft into the Army, his future changed when it was suggested he enlist in the United States Air Force and become a member of the 724th United States Air Force Band. After his discharge from military service, he returned to his home in the San Francisco Bay Area and in the summer of 1970 David joined Tower of Power. It was in this setting that David became one of the most influential drummers of his generation and became known as an innovator in funk drumming. He has since appeared in a variety of studio and live settings including work for television and film. His credits include work with artists including: Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Larry Carlton, Mickey Hart's Planet Drum, Jermaine Jackson, Ray Obiedo, the Buddy Rich Orchestra, Boz Scaggs, Talking Drum,s, Gino Vanelli, Deniece Williams, the Yellowjackets and Wishful Thinking. David's books and videos are available through Alfred Publishing and Warner Brothers Publications. Over the last couple of years David has been working with 'Doc' Kupka as the drummer in 'Doc's' special project, The Strokeland Superband. Recently, he had been touring with the singer, RAD. RAD has featured the Tower horn section on one of her CD's. In January 1998, David Garibaldi rejoined Tower of Power and continues touring with them. On January 12, 2017, David Garibaldi, along with a bass player, Marc Van Wageningen, were hit
by a train as they walked across tracks before a performance in Oakland. They both survived
the accident. They have both since returned to the active lineup. |
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from David Garibaldi - January 2024 |
Brothers and Sisters of The Drum and everyone else…!!! Greetings form the west
coast. Today, with great satisfaction and a feeling of deep fulfillment and humility, I'm
announcing that as of January 12, 2024, my time with Tower of Power has reached its end. I
always told myself and others that when it's time to leave the Million Gig March, that I
would know. Well, that happened last July as we were nearing the end of our European tour.
My body told me. My body told me and I listened. By the time I got home from last year's
touring on December 18, I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that I had enough.
Just so that I could be sure about how I felt, I looked back at our schedule
and was amazed to see that we had been on the road for approximately 180 days…that's 6
months. 180 days that included 110 shows and a few recording days thrown in for good
measure. Into that mix went my other commitments, rehearsals and preparation for the
Christmas tour and honestly, I was worn out. I also realized that I had kept my bags packed
for over 20 years. It has been constant touring since I rejoined the band in February 1998.
Since then, there were many years that were 150-175 shows, which can mean 200 days
traveling. As we said many times, "you can't be a pussy if you want to be in a funk
band!"
The Million Gig March is global. What an incredible education that has been.
You know you've traveled a lot when you have favorite restaurants in other countries. Truth
be told, I love my TOP brothers. Everything I know about how to be in a band, I learned
there. It's been my life and my school. I've never wanted to be in any other band. For me,
this has been a mountaintop experience. What blessing it has been.
So…what will I do? The first thing was unpacking my bags, then very soon, my
wife and I are headed somewhere to get sun and relax, then I'll come home and get after
things again. There's always lots to do. By no means am I "retired"…I'm just not on the tour
bus. I'm very much looking forward to see what's next! God bless you all and I hope to
update you again soon.
- DG
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