"I Hear Thunder ..."
In an inspiring blend of history and craftsmanship, renowned drummer John “The Thunderer” Coad has unveiled his latest creation: a gigantic, custom-made bass drum. What makes this colossal instrument even more intriguing is the story of its unique origin, as it was inspired by a century-old photograph John discovered in a dusty family album. This project, combining artistry, musicality, and a tribute to the past, has captured the imagination of the music and craft communities of Clevedon and the surrounding district.
The story begins when John, while organizing his late grandfather’s belongings, stumbled upon a faded black-and-white photograph dating back to the early 1900s. The image depicted a moustachioed drummer seated at a drum kit dwarfed by an enormous bass drum, significantly larger than any seen before or since. Intrigued by the sheer size of the instrument and fascinated by its craftsmanship, John felt an instant connection to the drummers of the past, sparking an idea. “I was mesmerized by that old drum,” said John in an interview. “There was something about the presence it commanded. It wasn’t just an instrument; it was a statement.”
John, who has always been passionate about percussion, was particularly drawn to the drum’s larger-than-life aura. He began researching early 20th-century drum-making techniques, eventually learning that oversized bass drums were once symbols of power and grandeur in parades and special events. The photograph became a symbol of a lost tradition, which he felt compelled to revive. Fuelled by this historical inspiration, he decided to create a modern take on the massive bass drum, with the goal of honouring the craftsmanship of the past while infusing it with contemporary techniques.
Creating a drum of such enormous scale was no mean feat. John enlisted the help of a team of expert drum builders and boiler makers, using both traditional and modern methods to bring his vision to life. The drum shell, which measures well over fifteen feet (about five metres) in diameter, was constructed from carefully selected maple wood, known for its durability and acoustic quality. The process involved bending and moulding the wood, a technique that dates back to those methods used by early drum artisans. Special care was taken to ensure that the shell would not only produce a deep, resonant sound but also withstand the immense pressure created by its size. The drumheads were custom-made from synthetic materials to replicate the look and feel of vintage animal-skin heads. The frame and hardware, including greatly oversized lugs and tension rods, were engineered to handle the massive drum’s weight and tension while preserving its visual aesthetics.
After months of design and meticulous craftsmanship, the massive bass drum was finally completed. The finished product stands at around five metres tall, with a booming, low-frequency sound that reverberates like thunder. Its sheer size and sound quality have made it a showpiece, not only for its sonic capabilities but also for its stunning visual impact. John’s bass drum is both a performance instrument and a tribute to the historic craftsmanship that inspired its creation.
The drum was unveiled during a special concert, where John used it in a live performance, integrating it into his drum kit for an electrifying solo, for which John provided the accompanying musicians with ear defenders The audience was awestruck – and some were deafened - by the drum’s power and the historical significance behind its creation. Musicians and historians alike have praised John’s dedication to reviving a piece of musical history. “This project was more than just about making a giant drum,” he explained. “It was about honouring those musicians and craftsmen who came before me and ensuring that their legacy doesn’t fade away.”
This magnificent creation stands as a testament to the enduring power of history to inspire modern artistry, despite the inevitable challenges of transporting such a large instrument. By resurrecting the tradition of oversized bass drums, John has not only crafted a unique musical instrument but has also paid tribute to the percussion pioneers of the past.