---
name: "Richard Christy"
band: "Death / Iced Earth"
genre: "Death Metal / Thrash Metal"
country: "USA"
primary_brand: "Tama"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/richard-christy"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-06"
---

# Richard Christy

Richard Christy is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Death / Iced Earth, a defining act in death metal / thrash metal.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Richard Christy |
| Band | Death / Iced Earth |
| All bands | Death, Iced Earth, Charred Walls of the Damned |
| Genre | Death Metal / Thrash Metal |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | Tama |
| Drum kit | Tama Starclassic Maple |
| Signature snare | Tama Starclassic 14x6.5" Maple |
| Sticks | Vic Firth American Classic 5A |

## Biography

Richard Allan Christy (born 1974) is an American drummer known for his work with Death (1996-2001), Iced Earth (2003-2004), and his own band Charred Walls of the Damned. He recorded two albums with Death: "The Sound of Perseverance" and the live album "Live in L.A." His work with Chuck Schuldiner showcased his incredible technical abilities and musicality. Christy is known for his speed, precision, and ability to play complex progressive death metal patterns. Beyond drumming, he is also known for his work on The Howard Stern Show as a staff member since 2004.

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.

## Band History

- **Death** — 1996–1999
- **Iced Earth** — 2003–2004
- **Charred Walls of the Damned** — 2009–present (current)

## Gear

- **Drums:** Tama Starclassic Maple
- **Snare:** Tama Starclassic 14x6.5" Maple
- **Cymbals:** Sabian AAX & HHX Series (14" AAX Stage Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" AAX X-Plosion Crashes, 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride, 18" AAX Chinese)
- **Hardware:** Tama Iron Cobra 900 Double Pedal
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth American Classic 5A
- **Heads:** Evans

## Notable Performances

- Death Drummer Discussion (2022)
- Scavenger of Human Sorrow Drum Intro (2020)
- Sound of Perseverance - Drum Cover (2023)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What drum kit does Richard Christy play?**

A: Richard Christy plays a Tama Starclassic Maple.

**Q: What cymbals does Richard Christy use?**

A: Richard Christy uses Sabian AAX & HHX Series (14" AAX Stage Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" AAX X-Plosion Crashes, 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride, 18" AAX Chinese).

**Q: What band is Richard Christy in?**

A: Richard Christy drums for Death / Iced Earth, a death metal / thrash metal band.

## Quotes

> "Playing with Chuck Schuldiner was the greatest musical experience of my life."
>
> — Metal Maniacs (2002)

> "Death metal drumming is about controlled chaos. You have to be precise within the brutality."
>
> — Sick Drummer Magazine (2009)

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Richard Christy on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/richard-christy)

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