---
name: "Dave Lombardo"
band: "Slayer"
genre: "Thrash Metal"
country: "Cuba/USA"
primary_brand: "Tama"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/dave-lombardo"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-06"
---

# Dave Lombardo

Dave Lombardo is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Slayer, a defining act in thrash metal.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Dave Lombardo |
| Band | Slayer |
| All bands | Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, Dead Cross, Mr. Bungle, Fantômas |
| Genre | Thrash Metal |
| Country | Cuba/USA |
| Primary brand | Tama |
| Drum kit | Tama Starclassic Maple |
| Signature snare | Tama S.L.P. 14x6.5" G-Maple |
| Sticks | Promark Dave Lombardo Signature 2Bx |

## Biography

Dave Lombardo, born in Cuba in 1965, is widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers in metal history. As the original drummer of Slayer, he pioneered the double bass drumming style that defined thrash metal. His work on albums like "Reign in Blood" is considered groundbreaking. He has also played with Fantomas, Suicidal Tendencies, and Dead Cross.

Dave Lombardo (born February 16, 1965, in Havana, Cuba) is a Cuban-American drummer widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential drummers in heavy metal history. As the original and primary drummer of Slayer, Lombardo pioneered the double bass drumming style that defined thrash metal in the 1980s.

His work on landmark albums such as "Reign in Blood," "South of Heaven," and "Seasons in the Abyss" established the template for extreme metal drumming. Beyond Slayer, Lombardo has explored diverse musical territories with Fantômas, Suicidal Tendencies, Dead Cross, Mr. Bungle, and the 2022 reunited Pantera as a touring member.

## Band History

- **Slayer** — 1981–1992, 2001–2013
- **Suicidal Tendencies** — 2016–present (current)
- **Dead Cross** — 2017–present (current)
- **Mr. Bungle** — 2019–present (current)
- **Fantômas** — 1998–2008

## Gear

- **Drums:** Tama Starclassic Maple
- **Snare:** Tama S.L.P. 14x6.5" G-Maple
- **Cymbals:** Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series (15" Sound Edge Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" Crashes, 22" Reign Power Ride, 18" China)
- **Hardware:** Tama Iron Cobra 900 Double Pedal, Tama 1st Chair Throne
- **Sticks:** Promark Dave Lombardo Signature 2Bx

## Notable Performances

- War Ensemble - Drum Cam (Yankee Stadium, Official) (2010)
- Angel of Death - Drum Cam (2010)
- Full Show Drum Cam (St Louis 2003) (2003)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What drums does Dave Lombardo play?**

A: Dave Lombardo plays Tama Starclassic drums with Paiste RUDE and 2002 cymbals.

**Q: Is Dave Lombardo still in Slayer?**

A: No, Dave left Slayer in 2013 but tours with the reunited Pantera as of 2022.

**Q: Where is Dave Lombardo from?**

A: Dave was born in Havana, Cuba on February 16, 1965, and emigrated to the US as a child.

**Q: What album is Dave Lombardo most famous for?**

A: Dave is most famous for drumming on Slayer's "Reign in Blood" (1986), a thrash metal landmark.

**Q: Did Dave Lombardo found Slayer?**

A: Yes, Dave co-founded Slayer in 1981 with Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman, and Tom Araya.

## Quotes

> "Speed is nothing without control. You have to be able to play fast and tight at the same time."
>
> — Modern Drummer Magazine (2006)

> "I never wanted to be a typical metal drummer. I wanted to bring jazz, Latin, and world music into heavy music."
>
> — Drumeo Interview (2019)

> "Reign in Blood changed everything. We didn't know we were making history, we were just playing as fast as we could."
>
> — Revolver Magazine (2016)

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Dave Lombardo on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/dave-lombardo)

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*Last updated: 2026-06-06 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*