Hello, Modern Drummer! My name is Jeff Plate and I’m from upstate New York. I’ve had the good fortune of drumming for a living for most of my adult life, and I’m fortunate to be involved with several major acts. Here’s a brief history and updates on what I’m doing this year.

My “real” career started in Boston in 1990, in a band called Wicked Witch–this led to my audition and securing the job in the mighty Savatage in 1994. Savatage was the birthplace of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, for which I have performed on every album and tour. TSO has introduced me to a number of incredible musicians who I’ve had the pleasure of working with: Mark Wood and the Mark Wood Experience, Chris Caffery, John West, and metal forefathers Metal Church, and now it has all come full circle to a band called Machines Of Grace, which you can find at www.myspace.com/machinesofgrace.

MOG is actually Wicked Witch revised, and our self-titled debut CD is the latest of my projects and the most personal for me. It has gotten great reviews, and show dates have just been announced. Please check out the sites below for more info. Advertisement

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has also announced tour dates for our annual sold-out Christmas tour (this is our eleventh year!). If you have never seen TSO, please come and experience the show–you will not be disappointed! Dates and info can be found at www.trans-siberian.com.

I have played Pearl drums for the past ten years. I love the drums, and especially the ICON rack system and hardware. I have also used Vater drumsticks, 3A wood and nylon, for close to twenty years. Zildjian cymbals came on board recently and have been phenomenal! With the bigger-than-life show and exposure of TSO, Zildjian has allowed me to build one of the most impressive cymbal setups on the road. Roland drums and TKL cases round out my endorsement companies. I cannot express how thankful I am to all of these companies for their help and support.

More information on my recordings and tours, plus photos, can be found at www.myspace.com/jeffplatemusic or www.jeffplate.com.

Thank you, MD, for allowing me to do this blog, and I hope to see you all soon!