Richard Baker | SoultoneCymbals.com

Richard Baker

Richard Baker

Richard Baker started drumming when he was 10 years old. Richard was sitting in school assembly watching one of the other students playing drums to the hymns. He was instantly hooked and knew drumming was what he wanted to do. So, after begging his parents for lessons, Richard began what was to become his life's ambition. After about a year or so, Richard sold almost everything he owned to raise the money for his first kit. While at school, Richard played various percussion instruments, including timpani drums (he was the only timpani player for his age on the Isle of Wight at that time). During this time, Richard went to his first gig, Roy Wood and his Big Band. After the show, Richard got the chance to meet them backstage, where he was given the piece of advice by their drummer that he lives by: "No matter what, NEVER give up!". Through the remainder of his time at school, Richard gained experience playing various styles in several orchestras and bands.

After leaving school, Richard auditioned for one of the top local bands, Gweido. After his audition, their manager told him he played “too quietly”. Having heard this, his entire playing style changed. Richard developed his dynamics and accenting, as well as double-kick playing, moving on to form a band called Shadow Spirit in early 2005. They played a unique blend of post-punk thrash metal, including several covers of Metallica tracks. The band split up in late 2005, whereupon Richard joined a band called which became known as Genera. The band enjoyed a 4 year stint, playing several gigs and gaining a good reputation for playing progressive-rock, funk and blues, as well as covers of Cream and Jimi Hendrix. Genera separated in early 2009. For much of 2009, Richard was unable to play drums, due to having serious issues with his back. He was faced with potentially having to retire from drumming altogether. Thankfully, after much treatment and a bit of good fortune, Richard recovered! In October 2009, Richard rejoined Stop!, a local Christian band founded by Tony Anderson, formerly of The Warriors and Los Bravos. Richard had previously played with Stop! In 2007 and enjoyed the multi-genre approaches of the band. Stop! Has a growing fan-base and is playing several gigs around the Isle of Wight, with a forthcoming album called "Signs" due for release in the coming months. Wherever music takes him, drumming is Richard’s passion and he will aim to do what he can to hopefully inspire others to follow their dreams too!