Tony Lala | SoultoneCymbals.com

Tony Lala

Tony Lala

Tony Lala is a professional drummer and percussion instructor from South Bend, IN. Tony started drumming at the age of 15 while growing up in southern Louisiana. Influenced by 60’s British invasion legends Ringo Starr and Charlie Watts, as well as groups such as The Animals and The Kinks. Pro drumming legend Bruce Gary was also a major influence. “I was struggling learning the guitar. My uncle was a bluegrass picker and tried to teach me, but it just wasn’t going well at all. Around that time, I happened to see an old clip of the Beatles’ first Ed Sullivan appearance. Ringo Starr was on a riser with a small kit and appeared to me to be having a great time playing. Watching Ringo play I knew I could do it.” From there, learning from listening to various classic rock, he went on to develop a hard hitting muscular style that gained him early gigs with local bands in the New Orleans area during the 1980’s while still in high school.
After a long military and public service career, a chance conversation with the music director at church led to sitting in with the praise band for services and community events. “It was time to start playing again. I had been given this gift of playing the drums and I felt it was a kind of ministry and form of thanksgiving to play in God’s house.” Tony continues to play as a member of the praise team at Bremen United Methodist Church, Bremen, IN. He plays professionally in the local area and has carved out a niche in the South Bend, IN music scene. He has occupied the drum stool for the groups: Crossfire, ZAP!, Kentucky Barnkats, Copperfield and Indiana Gravel Road, as well as filling in for various projects. These days he can be found behind the kit with Jewel and The Future a well known and respected funk group throughout the Chicago area, northern Indiana and lower Michigan. Tony is also the featured drummer for Modern Day Drifters, a county trio based in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
He derives a great deal of accomplishment and fulfillment teaching others to play and enjoy the drums as a percussion instructor. He does not hesitate to acknowledge his own mentors who have led and inspired him on his drumming journey. “I am honored to have had the support of two world class professional legends, Billy ‘Sticks’ Nicks and Trey Gray. I have learned so much from these exceptional musicians, who have taught me to play with feeling and passion, as well as humility.”
Tony is proud to be a member of the Soultone family and share their extraordinary cymbals with fans and students.

My Soultone Set: 

14” Romy Black Matte Hi Hats
16” Romy Black Matte Crash
18” Romy Black Matte Crash
20” Romy Black Matte Ride
20" Custom Series Crash