Mikkey Dee Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Motörhead & Scorpions Drummer | MetalForge
Mikkey Dee Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Mikkey Dee, legendary drummer for Motörhead and Scorpions. Explore his career with Lemmy, King Diamond, and his powerful drumming style.
Quick Facts: Mikkey Dee
| Band | Scorpions / Motörhead |
|---|---|
| All bands | Scorpions, Motörhead, King Diamond |
| Genre | Heavy Metal / Hard Rock |
| Country | Sweden |
| Primary brand | Sonor |
| Drum kit | Sonor SQ2 |
| Snare | Sonor Mikkey Dee Signature 14x7.25" Birch |
| Sticks | Wincent Mikkey Dee Signature (W-MDS) |
Mikkey Dee Biography
Mikkey Dee (born Micael Kiriakos Delaoglou; October 31, 1963, in Gothenburg, Sweden) is a Swedish drummer best known for his work with Motörhead from 1992 until Lemmy's death in 2015, and currently with German rock legends Scorpions since 2016.
Dee's powerful, hard-hitting style perfectly complemented Lemmy's raw, loud approach in Motörhead. Before Motörhead, he was the drummer for King Diamond's band, showcasing his versatility across different metal styles. His drumming combines raw power with technical proficiency, making him one of rock and metal's most respected drummers.
October 31, 2026 marks Mikkey Dee's 63rd birthday. Fans continue to celebrate the anniversary by revisiting his Grammy-winning run with Motörhead and his ongoing tenure behind the kit for Scorpions.
Career Highlights
- 1985: Joined King Diamond's band; recorded "Fatal Portrait"
- 1987: Recorded "Abigail" with King Diamond, a classic of metal
- 1992: Joined Motörhead, replacing Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor
- 1994: First Motörhead album: "Bastards"
- 1996: Released "Overnight Sensation," commercial success
- 2004: Won Grammy for "Whiplash" (Best Metal Performance)
- 2008: Released "Motörizer," continuing Motörhead's consistency
- 2015: Released "Bad Magic," Motörhead's final album; Lemmy passed away
- 2016: Joined Scorpions, replacing James Kottak
- 2022: Released "Rock Believer" with Scorpions
Style & Influences
Mikkey Dee's drumming style is characterized by raw power, incredible stamina, and a no-holds-barred approach. His playing in Motörhead was the perfect match for Lemmy's aggressive bass and vocals, while his work with King Diamond showcased technical versatility.
Key Influences:
- Cozy Powell: Rock drumming power
- John Bonham (Led Zeppelin): Heavy groove and feel
- Ian Paice (Deep Purple): Hard rock foundation
- Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor: Motörhead legacy
Signature Techniques:
- Powerful, driving backbeat
- Hard-hitting single bass drum style
- Aggressive cymbal work with distinctive crashes
- Solid time keeping at high tempos
- Dynamic fills that complement rather than dominate
Gear Highlights
Mikkey Dee has been a Sonor Drums endorser since his King Diamond days, playing their SQ2 custom-build series. Cymbal-wise he has been a Paiste artist since April 1987. His setup emphasizes power and durability for high-energy rock performances.
Current Setup (Scorpions):
- Drums: Sonor SQ2 (18"x22" Bass Drum)
- Snare: Sonor Mikkey Dee Signature 14"x7.25" Birch
- Cymbals: Paiste Signature Series (14" Sound Edge Hi-Hats, 19" & 20" Power Crashes, 22" Power Ride, 18" Heavy China)
- Hardware: DW 5000 Series Double Pedal, Sonor hardware
- Sticks: Wincent Mikkey Dee Signature (W-MDS)
- Heads: Evans
Setup Evolution:
- Used Premier drums in early Motörhead years
- Longtime Sonor endorser dating back to King Diamond, with a Sonor signature snare released in 2012
- Known for large bass drums for maximum low end
- Prefers deep snare drums for powerful backbeat
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mikkey Dee born?
Mikkey Dee was born Micael Kiriakos Delaoglou on October 31, 1963, in Gothenburg, Sweden, and turns 63 on October 31, 2026.
What band does Mikkey Dee play drums for?
Mikkey Dee has been the drummer for Scorpions since 2016. He previously drummed for Motörhead from 1992 until Lemmy Kilmister's death in 2015, and for King Diamond from 1985-1989.
What drums does Mikkey Dee play?
Mikkey Dee plays a Sonor SQ2 drum kit.
What drum kit does Mikkey Dee play?
Mikkey Dee's drum kit is a Sonor SQ2 shell pack, built around his Sonor Mikkey Dee Signature 14"x7.25" birch snare drum for extra depth and power.
What drum set does Mikkey Dee play?
Mikkey Dee's drum set pairs Sonor SQ2 shells and his signature 14"x7.25" birch snare with Paiste Signature cymbals and a DW 5000 Series double pedal.
What cymbals does Mikkey Dee use?
Mikkey Dee uses Paiste Signature Series cymbals, including a 14" Sound Edge Hi-Hats, 19" and 20" Power Crashes, a 22" Power Ride, and an 18" Heavy China.
What snare drum does Mikkey Dee use?
Mikkey Dee's primary snare is his own Sonor Mikkey Dee Signature, a 14"x7.25" birch shell.
What pedals does Mikkey Dee use?
Mikkey Dee drives his double bass technique with a DW 5000 Series double pedal on Sonor hardware.
What drumsticks does Mikkey Dee use?
Mikkey Dee plays his own signature Wincent Mikkey Dee Signature (W-MDS) drumsticks, paired with Evans drumheads.
What drumheads does Mikkey Dee use?
Mikkey Dee uses Evans drumheads across his Sonor SQ2 drum kit and drum set.