Meet Jeff Ocheltree: Drum Tech To The Stars

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Jeff Ocheltree is a name that may not be immediately recognizable to the general public, but to those in the music industry, he's a legend. As a drum technician to some of the biggest names in music, Jeff has spent his career working behind the scenes to ensure that the drums are always sounding their best. From tours with iconic bands like Rush and Van Halen to sessions with top artists, Jeff's expertise has been sought after by the best in the business.

So, what does it take to become a drum tech to the stars? For Jeff, it all started with a passion for music and a strong work ethic. Growing up in a musical family, Jeff was exposed to a wide range of genres and instruments from a young age. He began playing drums himself, but soon realized that his true calling was working behind the scenes to support other musicians.

After completing a degree in music, Jeff began working as a drum tech for various local bands and studios. He quickly built a reputation for his attention to detail and ability to get the best sound out of any drum kit. Word of his skills spread, and soon he was being sought after by bigger and better acts.

One of Jeff's biggest breaks came when he was hired to work with the iconic band Rush. As their drum tech, Jeff was responsible for setting up and maintaining Neil Peart's massive drum kit, which was known for its complexity and custom design. Working with Rush was a dream come true for Jeff, and he credits the experience with teaching him the importance of attention to detail and precision.

Life on the Road

As a drum tech, Jeff has spent countless hours on the road, traveling from city to city and setting up for shows. It's a demanding job that requires a tremendous amount of physical and mental energy. But for Jeff, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

"There's nothing quite like the rush of adrenaline you get from being part of a live show," Jeff says. "When the lights go down and the crowd starts cheering, it's an incredible feeling. And knowing that I've played a role in making the show happen is a real privilege."

Of course, life on the road isn't all glamour and excitement. There are long hours, endless bus rides, and the constant challenge of dealing with new and unfamiliar venues. But Jeff has learned to take it all in stride, and he's developed a keen sense of adaptability that serves him well in his role.

The Art of Drum Maintenance

So, what exactly does a drum tech do? For Jeff, it's all about maintaining the drum kit and ensuring that it sounds its best. This involves a range of tasks, from setting up the kit and adjusting the drums to tuning and fine-tuning the instruments.

"It's all about the details," Jeff says. "You have to make sure that every drum is perfectly tuned and adjusted, and that the entire kit is working together seamlessly. It's a real challenge, but it's also incredibly rewarding when you get it just right."

Jeff's expertise extends far beyond the basics of drum maintenance, however. He's also a skilled craftsman who is able to custom design and build drum kits to meet the specific needs of his clients.

Working with the Stars

Over the years, Jeff has had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names in music. From Rush and Van Halen to Dream Theater and Queens of the Stone Age, he's been fortunate enough to work with a wide range of talented artists.

One of the highlights of Jeff's career came when he was asked to work with the legendary drummer, Neil Peart. As a longtime fan of Rush, Jeff was thrilled at the opportunity to work with one of his heroes.

"Neil is an incredible drummer and an even more incredible person," Jeff says. "He's so dedicated to his craft, and he's always pushing himself to be better. It was an absolute privilege to work with him."

Lessons Learned

So, what has Jeff learned from his years as a drum tech? For starters, he's learned the importance of attention to detail and precision. He's also learned the value of hard work and dedication, and the rewards that come from pursuing your passion.

Perhaps most importantly, however, Jeff has learned the value of relationships and building strong connections with the people you work with. As a drum tech, he's had the privilege of working with some incredibly talented musicians, and he's learned that it's the people – not just the music – that make the job so rewarding.

"It's all about building relationships and trust," Jeff says. "When you're working with someone, you need to be able to trust them completely. And that's not just about the music – it's about the people, too."

The Future of Drumming

As a drum tech, Jeff has had a front-row seat to the evolution of drumming over the years. He's seen the rise of new technologies and the increasing use of electronic drums, and he's had to adapt his skills to keep up.

But despite the many changes, Jeff remains optimistic about the future of drumming. He believes that there will always be a place for talented drummers, and that the art of drumming will continue to evolve and thrive.

"I think drumming is an art form that will always be relevant," Jeff says. "There's something about the physicality of playing the drums that will never be replaced by technology. And as long as there are people who love music, there will always be a need for great drummers."

A Final Note

As we conclude our conversation with Jeff Ocheltree, it's clear that he's a man who is truly passionate about his work. From his early days as a young drummer to his current role as a drum tech to the stars, Jeff has always been driven by a love of music and a desire to create something special.

If you're a drummer or a music enthusiast, Jeff's story is a must-read. It's a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a passion for music, anything is possible.

We hope you've enjoyed this article about Jeff Ocheltree and his amazing career as a drum tech to the stars. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out.