Richard Christy Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Death & Iced Earth Drummer | MetalForge
Richard Christy (born February 1, 1974, in Fort Scott, Kansas) is an American drummer, comedian, and radio personality. In the metal world, he is renowned for his work with Death (1996-2001), Chuck Schuldiner's Control Denied, and Iced Earth (2003-2007). He is considered one of the most technically proficient death metal drummers of his generation. Christy's drumming on Death's final two albums—"The Sound of Perseverance" and the posthumously released Control Denied's "The Fragile Art of Existence"—showcased his incredible speed, precision, and musicality. He later transitioned to entertainment, becoming a prominent member of The Howard Stern Show, but his legacy in metal drumming remains influential.
Complete biography of Richard Christy, legendary drummer for Death and Iced Earth. Explore his technical death metal mastery, work with Chuck Schuldiner, and career transition to entertainment.
Richard Christy Biography
Richard Christy (born February 1, 1974, in Fort Scott, Kansas) is an American drummer, comedian, and radio personality. In the metal world, he is renowned for his work with Death (1996-2001), Chuck Schuldiner's Control Denied, and Iced Earth (2003-2007). He is considered one of the most technically proficient death metal drummers of his generation.
Christy's drumming on Death's final two albums—"The Sound of Perseverance" and the posthumously released Control Denied's "The Fragile Art of Existence"—showcased his incredible speed, precision, and musicality. He later transitioned to entertainment, becoming a prominent member of The Howard Stern Show, but his legacy in metal drumming remains influential.
Career Highlights
- 1993: Moved to Florida to pursue career in death metal drumming
- 1996: Joined Death and Control Denied, handpicked by Chuck Schuldiner
- 1998: Recorded "The Sound of Perseverance" with Death—final Death studio album
- 1999: Recorded "The Fragile Art of Existence" with Control Denied
- 2001: Death disbanded following Chuck Schuldiner's passing
- 2003: Joined Iced Earth as touring and studio drummer
- 2004: Joined The Howard Stern Show as writer and contributor
- 2006: Released "Overture of the Wicked" EP with Iced Earth
- 2007: Left Iced Earth to focus on entertainment career
- 2012: Performed with Death To All, honoring Chuck Schuldiner's legacy
Style & Influences
Richard Christy's drumming style is characterized by exceptional speed, technical precision, and the ability to execute complex patterns while maintaining groove. His work with Death demonstrated both his death metal credentials and his versatility in progressive metal contexts.
Key Influences:
- Gene Hoglan (Death): Technical death metal approach
- Sean Reinert (Cynic/Death): Progressive drumming concepts
- Dave Lombardo (Slayer): Thrash metal foundation
- Neil Peart (Rush): Progressive compositions and precision
Signature Techniques:
- Blistering double bass at extreme tempos with clarity
- Complex fills that complement progressive song structures
- Clean blast beats with musical phrasing
- Dynamic control within death metal context
- Seamless transitions between different tempos and feels
Gear Highlights
During his peak metal years, Richard Christy used Pearl Drums. His setup was designed for the extreme technical demands of Death's music.
Peak Metal Era Setup:
- Drums: Pearl Custom Z / Pearl Prestige Session
- Snare: Pearl 14"x6.5" Maple
- Cymbals: Sabian AAX and HHX Series
- Hardware: Axis A Longboard double pedal
- Sticks: Vic Firth American Classic 5A
- Heads: Remo or Evans
Setup Notes:
- Prioritized durability for touring
- Used medium-sized kit for accessibility
- Emphasized clarity and articulation for technical death metal