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12 February,2009 07:31 AM IST |   |  Ryan Colaco

Drummer Ryan Colaco reveals how Iron Maiden added purpose to his growing up years


Drummer Ryan Colaco reveals how Iron Maiden added purpose to his growing up years

Maiden's coming to town, people! I don't mean to sound very Santa Claus-ish about it, but they both have two things in commonu2013one, neither of them has given me any Christmas gifts, and they both tend to lift up my spirit by giving me something to look forward to.u00a0

I've been listening to Iron Maiden from a very young age and for a very long time. I listen to these guys as often as I hear the voices of my parents for not so pleasant reasons! I like the harmonies of their songs and I do like their melodies. I like the simple fact that none of them out-do or out perform one another, where it becomes Steve Harris & Iron Maiden. I like the fact that each of them individually brings in an aspect and their own personality into the band.u00a0

I like the meanings of their songs, some of which focus on war and history. Other songs tend to be more personal involving their dreams. And there are still some more songs, where they insist that they're just "men", people like you and me.

Iron Maiden gave me something to hook myself on to. I'm not sure I would have become a drummer if I hadn't seen them playing, on one of those old VHS cassettes. I guess the songs, the lyrics, the music and the atmosphere in their concerts helped me get a reference point for myself. They taught me to stay cool with myself. I began to model my behaviour, jokes, thoughts and ways of expression on drums along their lines. (Those who know me wonder, 'Is Iron Maiden really that good or that bad?!')

Over the years, I see the change they've brought about in me. Dave Murray's sense of rhythm, Janick Gers' ability for fun, Adrian Smith's quiet aloofness, Nicko Mcbrain and Bruce Dickenson's quick wit and humour, and Steve Harris's sporty appeal have rubbed off on me. I've come to respect and admire these guys for their energy and passion.u00a0

More importantly, they don't have some of the bad habits that I've been trying to kick. All of that together simply means that they must be a very focused, dedicated, organised, hardworking and disciplined band, which makes them a good example to me and to anyone engaged in any kind of work. They seem to have a functional sense of casualness at their concerts, but with the scope of their concerts, performances and rigorous touring schedules, it's clear that they take their work seriously.

And now, I will be playing at the same event as they are. That doesn't happen very often. It's a dream come true for me after 10 years of playing, wishing, hoping and dreaming. Kryptos is the band I belong to and it's the band that I'll share this very special memory with. I hope they (Maiden) listen to our music. I wouldn't mind a tip or two coming from them. I also hope that I don't drop my drumsticks in sheer nervousness.u00a0

(The writer can be reached at ryan.m.colaco@gmail.com)
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