Mikkey Dee Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Motörhead & Scorpions Drummer | MetalForge
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.
Complete biography of Mikkey Dee, legendary drummer for Motörhead and Scorpions. Explore his career with Lemmy, King Diamond, and his powerful drumming style.
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