4-27-20 on KUCI 88.9fm - Matthew Sorum, an accomplished drummer, and percussionist, best known as both a former member of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he recorded three studio albums, and as a member of the supergroup Velvet Revolver.

Matt Sorum speaks through the drums.

Each hit or kick that Sorum has committed to tape or knocked out on stage can be felt by anyone within earshot. Whether it’s the epic percussive backdrop behind Guns N’ Roses’ “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” or the propulsive punked-out beat fueling Velvet Revolver’s “Dirty Little Thing,” Sorum’s playing remains unique, undeniable and unforgettable. Sorum’s presence extends far beyond the kit though. Currently, he’s producing Ace is High’s forthcoming debut and spearheading his unique Kings of Chaos project. He never lets up…

Sorum was born in Long Beach, California in the rock ‘n’ roll heyday of the ’60s. There couldn’t be a more appropriate place for a future rocker to hail from. About 20 miles away from the cultural and musical explosion taking place in Los Angeles, he had no choice but to blaze a rock ‘n’ roll trail. After watching Ringo Starr of The Beatles on Ed Sullivan, Sorum became entranced by the drums and had to pick them up. The Beatles opened the door to Jimi Hendrix, Cream and The Doors and inspiration had completely taken hold of him.

At 14-years-old, Sorum was wailing with his band The Prophecy alongside the likes of Van Halen and Devo at The Whisky-A-Go-Go and Crazy Horse West. Rock ‘n’ roll had always called to him, but he embraced it with an unshakable grip. Over the next few years, Sorum honed his chops in numerous session gigs with artists such as Shaun Cassidy, Belinda Carlisle and King Solomon Burke, solidifying his reputation as a go-to studio drummer. In the midst of balancing 40 gigs at a time, Sorum crossed paths with Tori Amos while she was playing in a hotel piano bar. Immediately, they connected, forming Y Kant Tori Read. After rocking clubs for two years, Atlantic signed the band. Amos went solo shortly after, but opportunity came to Sorum. He joined The Jeff Paris band, recording for Polygram in 1987.

The next step skyrocketed him into the consciousness of music fans worldwide though. Hearing about auditions for The Cult, he tried out. Bashing out each track with unshakable conviction, he got the job. For two years, Sorum rocked all over the world in The Cult on tours with Metallica and Aerosmith. The jaunt brought Sorum back home in the summer of 1990. Duff McKagan and Slash of Guns N’ Roses caught that particular tour-ending gig and were blown away by Sorum, quickly asking him to join GN’R.