Shawn Drover, Canadian drummer

Born on May 5, 1966, Shawn Drover is a distinguished Canadian musician, widely celebrated for his powerful and precise drumming contributions to the iconic American heavy metal band, Megadeth. His career spans several decades, marking him as a significant figure in the world of metal music.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Drover's journey into music began at the formative age of 13, when he first picked up the drumsticks, laying the groundwork for a prolific career. This early passion for percussion propelled him forward, leading to the establishment of his first significant band. A pivotal early milestone was the co-founding of the Canadian power metal outfit, Eidolon, in 1993. He formed this group alongside his brother, Glen Drover, who would also later achieve prominence as a guitarist in the heavy metal scene, including a period with Megadeth, creating a unique sibling dynamic within the metal genre.

Tenure with Megadeth

Shawn Drover's tenure with Megadeth began in 2004, following the departure of Jimmy DeGrasso. Interestingly, his entry into the band came shortly after his brother Glen Drover had already been recruited as a guitarist, creating a unique familial connection within the legendary thrash metal group. For a decade, Shawn's formidable drumming became a cornerstone of Megadeth's sound, contributing significantly to albums such as "United Abominations" (2007), "Endgame" (2009), "Thirteen" (2011), and "Super Collider" (2013). His consistent, powerful, and technically proficient style helped maintain the band's intensity and appeal to a global fanbase during a crucial period in their history.

Equipment and Endorsements

Like many professional drummers, Drover relies on a specific array of high-quality equipment to achieve his signature sound and ensure reliability on stage and in the studio. He is a proud endorser of Sabian cymbals, known for their diverse range and brilliant tones, and Yamaha drums, favored for their craftsmanship and versatility. For striking, he prefers Pro-mark drum sticks, a brand synonymous with durability and balance. His comprehensive setup also includes Toca Percussion, adding rhythmic nuances, Evans Drumheads for consistent sound and durability, and Extreme Isolation headphones, ensuring precise monitoring and hearing protection during intense performances.

Post-Megadeth Endeavors and Act of Defiance

A pivotal moment in his career unfolded on November 25, 2014, when Shawn Drover, after a decade of dedicated service, announced his departure from Megadeth. Remarkably, this announcement coincided with that of guitarist Chris Broderick, signaling a significant shift for the band. The shared vision for their musical future quickly materialized, leading the pair to co-found the extreme metal supergroup Act of Defiance later that same year. This new venture allowed them to explore heavier, more aggressive musical territories, showcasing their combined talents in a fresh context. Act of Defiance, often considered a "supergroup" due to its members' histories in other prominent metal acts, quickly garnered attention within the extreme metal community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When was Shawn Drover born?
Shawn Drover was born on May 5, 1966.
Which bands has Shawn Drover been a member of?
He is best known for his work with Megadeth and Act of Defiance. Prior to that, he co-founded Eidolon with his brother Glen.
What instruments does Shawn Drover play?
Shawn Drover is primarily known as a drummer.
Who is Glen Drover?
Glen Drover is Shawn Drover's brother and a renowned guitarist who also played in Eidolon and had a tenure with Megadeth.
What drum equipment does Shawn Drover use?
He uses Sabian cymbals, Yamaha drums, Pro-mark drum sticks, Toca Percussion, Evans Drumheads, and Extreme Isolation headphones.
Why did Shawn Drover leave Megadeth?
Shawn Drover announced his departure from Megadeth on November 25, 2014, citing a desire to pursue other musical interests. His departure coincided with that of guitarist Chris Broderick, and they subsequently formed Act of Defiance.
What is Act of Defiance?
Act of Defiance is an extreme metal supergroup co-founded by Shawn Drover and Chris Broderick in late 2014, after their departure from Megadeth.