Content Copyright 2020 Roger Friend / Friend Productions

Roger Friend

Drummer & Percussionist

Owner and Producer at Friend Productions   ​www.friendproductions.com

Check out these websites as well:

www.drum-land.com & www.friendlymusicnetwork.com

Roger Friend's musical career spans over 4 decades of diverse experience. Touring in more than 100 countries, with elements of all origins has given him vast international musical experience. He is a high level, multi-faceted drummer and percussionist. 


​Roger's credits include: Performing with Tom Jones, ABBA, Tom Scott, The Rippingtons, Bamboo Forest, BB King, Steve Oliver, Dweezil Zappa and countless others. He has played for Kings, Queens, 3 Presidents, a Pope and several other distinguished audiences. Winning 2 Grammys and 2 Emmys adds to the number of accolades he has achieved through his 40+ year career.


As an educator and percussion facilitator Roger is always motivated to inspire and encourage aspiring drummers to grow and achieve on their own paths. Both private and classroom lessons are available.


Performing clinics in stores and other facilities to promote a product, while working with many leading manufacturers in marketing and design is yet another outlet for his deep passion for drums and the drumming community. 

Roger proudly endorses and uses:

TAYE Drums, Tycoon Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, Humes & Berg Cases, Gator Bags, Regal Tip Drumsticks, Aquarian Drum Heads, Rock 'n' Soc Drum Thrones, Rock-N-Roller Carts, Carvin Pro Sound, Audix Microphones, Bespeco Stands and Cables. 

​MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS:

Roger is performing with several local and national acts, including:​



​Performing shows at the famed Spaghettini's in Seal Beach, La Palapa in Long Beach and performing at festivals including LA's 94.7 The Wave's Jazzfest and opening for the legendary Dionne Warwick in Orange County. Roger is currently doing more recording and producing in various studios around the country, working with numerous talented artists.

 


Roger currently resides in Carlsbad, CA, but lived in Austin from Dec 2008 until The Fall of 2010 working and collaborating with several artists and bands in the Central Texas area including; Project MOSS, tours and recordings with Andy Macintyre's Primal Groove, Wink Keziah, J J Usher and 2 Big Bands: NAJO & The Austin Jazz Band. The highlight of the Austin experience was working with Billy Crockett and the wonderful folks at Blue Rock Studios... an amazing place! bluerocktexas.com


Some past accomplishments include:


  • 28 years of international touring with numerous renowned artists, from ABBA to Zappa (Dweezil). Toured in 100+ countries, with events in many out of the way places such as Russia (1980 Summer Olympic Games), Rome (with the invitation of Pope John Paul II), South Africa (Invitation by Nelson Mandela), Poland (working with Lech Valesa of Solidarity) and The White House (3 times, under 3 different Presidents). Also performed for royalty in various countries and even visited small villages in various African nations for inspiration and furthering his studies in rhythm.

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  • More recently, tours & recordings w/Steve Oliver, voted number one Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year 2010 & 2011; Performing locally and throughout the US. Recorded on First View, 3D & Positive Energy. Numerous tours & recordings w/Steve Reid’s Bamboo Forest (members of The Rippingtons), Signed with Universal Records Worldwide Distribution; Extensive touring throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia, International Jazz Festivals, Arenas and Premier Jazz Clubs; Recorded on: Watersign, Mysteries & Passion in Paradise.

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  • Various tracking sessions for major films with Sony, Universal and Warner Bros. Recordings with Accidental Tribe 'First Rain' & Mango Reality 'Hoka Hey'. Recording and Tours with Tony MacLaren’s 'Big Bang' & 'Tall Tales and Short Stories'. Recording and Tours with Bill MacPherson, Native Vibe, Blistering Blues and extensive tours w/Jazzatopia Featuring Mark Antoine, Everett Harp & Slim Man.


  • While residing in Europe (England, France and Sweden) for 12 years, vast touring, performing and recording with many top European based bands and artists in several musical genres.​​

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Roger is always seeking other musician's with a similar global awareness and musical diversity...

and would love to hear from you! ​​He currently has availability for producing your project or participating in recording sessions, live performances, etc. 


To contact Roger send an email: rogdrumz@gmail.com or text/call: 818-606-0303. 

See the Performance Calendar page for current shows.