Interview: Acclaimed drummer Pat Gesualdo--Metal Hall Of Fame Founder, Drums And Disabilities Founder
Renowned, celebrated drummer Pat Gesualdo has quite a history when it comes to music and helping those with special needs. Not only is he the founder and CEO of the Metal Hall Of Fame, he’s also founder of Drums And Disabilities (D.A.D.), which gives the special need’s population a therapy option for symptoms to fight disabilities.
His acclaimed book The Healing Art of Drum Therapy (Alfred Music Publishing), has helped drum teachers, special education teachers, special needs therapists and even U.S. Military health officials help troops throughout the world with PTSD.
Under President George W. Bush, Gesualdo was invited to the White House to bring his program to wounded troops throughout the United States’ Veterans Administration facilities. Under Barack Obama, Gesualdo and D.A.D. traveled to the Middle East West Bank region to help disabled Israeli and Palestinian children.
Gesualdo has also developed special needs State Statutes to protect citizens with special needs, and he wrote the first law in the United States which provides additional protection for the special needs population who are bullied, discriminated against, or abused.
As a musician and drummer, Gesualdo has worked with members of Halford, Deep Purple, Quiet Riot, KISS, Symphony X and many other artists and bands.
In addition to his accolades and experience, Gesualdo also founded the Metal Hall Of Fame in 2017, holding an annual gala that has inducted metal musicians and bands, including: Lemmy Kilmister, Randy Rhoads, Ronnie James Dio, Bill Ward, Lita Ford, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Stryper, Voivod, Judas Priest, Twisted Sister, Doug Aldrich, Mick Mars, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Tom Morello.
The first ever Metal Hall Of Fame All Stars charity CD/DVD (Deko Entertainment /ada/ Warner Music Group) was released last year to support music programs for special needs children in health facilities and community centers.
The CD/DVD features major collaborations, including: Rudy Sarzo, (Whitesnake), Bruce Kulick (KISS), Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow), Chris Poland (Megadeth), guitarist Tony MacAlpine, and Chris Impellitteri (Impellitteri), It also features a jam from the Annual Metal Hall of Fame Celebrity Gala that includes Steve Vai (David Lee Roth), Geoff Tate (Formerly Queensryche), guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, Bjorn Englan (Yngwie Malmsteen/Dio Disciples), Chris Poland (Megadeth), and studio/touring drummer Pat Gesualdo. Additional tracks feature outstanding performances by Mike Tirelli (Holy Mother), Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and Michael Romeo (Symphony X).
The Metal Hall Of Fame All Stars CD/DVD can be purchased here: https://www.dekoentertainment.com/metal-hall-of-fame
In this interview with OOTB, Gesualdo discusses the release, his biggest career highlight, what’s next and much more.
This Metal Hall of Fame All Stars CD/DVD continues to be an incredible, exciting project for a great cause! How did everything come together with all the featured artists? How long did it take?
It took almost a year to get everyone together. Everyone took their time to learn their parts and did a great job!
What musical contributions did you make to the record?
I wrote all the lyrics except for the All Star Jam and played the drums on all the tracks.
What’s your favorite song that stands out the most to you on the Metal Hall of Fame All Stars CD/DVD and why is it your favorite?
Let's see, well all the songs mean a lot, especially since I wrote them from the heart, but, then you have the All Star jam, and that is just unreal!
Since the CD/DVD was released last year, do you know what impact it has made or continues to make with free music programs and charities?
It is helping as much as possible and helping to provide free programs for special needs children and adults.
Do you ever expect there to be any more collaboration albums like this in the future?
Yes, working on upcoming projects!
Thinking back through all of your accomplishments, what’s been the biggest achievement in your eyes and why?
I am extremely grateful for being able to help give back in many different ways. One of my biggest professional achievements was to be able to have Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne work with me to get Lee Kerslake his final wish of receiving his platinum record awards for playing drums on the Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman albums; especially after he was trying to get them for 39 years.
You’ve achieved so much as an artist, musician and philanthropist. Is there anything on your bucket list that you’d still like do or achieve or any goals?
There are some things in the future, especially with the Metal Hall of Fame and the D.A.D. Program, and the main thing for me is to reach even more Hard Rock and Metal fans, as well as more of the special needs population.
What projects are you currently working on and what’s been new or what’s next for the Metal Hall Of Fame?
I am promoting the Metal Hall of Fame All Stars CD, working on the Annual Gala for 2025, and trying to help the special needs population.
Can you give us any teasers of bands of musicians that might be inducted into the 2025 Metal Hall Of Fame?
I wish I could, but working on that!
Follow Pat Gesualdo
https://www.metalhalloffame.org
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