Stephen Quadros : Drummer

Stephen Quadros, the drummer, pre-dates all his other creative and business incarnations (actor, martial artist, commentator, journalist, etc). His storied music career was born after he heard Ginger Baker (from Cream) and Ron Bushy (of Iron Butterfly). "Those two guys brought the drums to the front of the rock band consciousness much the same way Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich drew attention to the drummer back in the big band era. Plus Bushy and Baker, like Rich and Krupa, did some memorable solos."

"Other guys I find compelling, besides Baker, Bushy, Krupa and Rich, are John Bonham, Keith Moon, Ian Paice, Mitch Mitchell, Carmine Appice, Billy Cobham, Tony Williams, Paul Whaley, Danny Seraphine, Elvin Jones, Bernard Purdie, Joe Morello, Simon Phillips, Pete Rivera, Steve Gadd, Ringo Starr, David Garibaldi, Mike Portnoy, Cozy Powell, Bill Ward, Chad Smith, Travis Barker, Witold Kieltyka, Larry Mullen Jr., Dave Lombardo, Gonzalo Suarez, Joey Jordison, Steve Smith, Kenny Aronoff, Vinnie Colaiuta, Flo Mounier, Jojo Mayer, Thomas Lang and many more. I mean, the list is endless... My goal was always to not only be the best, but more importantly, to have my own style."

A consummate perfectionist, Quadros was soon immersed, while still in high school, with the exploration of all things drum. No musical style was left untouched. But he quickly reverted to his roots. "I'm basically a rock player, but I can really appreciate funk, country, jazz, blues, punk, hip hop and even marching band rhythms as well. I am still drawn to players who emphasize a rhythmic approach, but also like drummers who go sideways, push the envelope and experiment with how whack they can be without getting fired. As a youngster my approach to music was kind of wild for the time and I was always seeking the newest and most original way to do things. Of course now that I'm older, I've matured. Yeah, right."

Quadros is currently kicking up a storm in Los Angeles with the hard rock/heavy metal super-group SNOW (which includes Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazo). SNOW are enjoying a ressurgence after a near 3 decade hiatus. The group released a five-song EP in 1980 (Dynamic Records) that is quite a sought after item now for metal collectors.

Mr. Quadros was seen on videotape competing in Carmine Appice's 1st Annual Drumoff by KISS bass player Gene Simmons. As a result, Stephen was contacted and flown to New York to audition for KISS upon the departure of their longtime drummer Peter Criss. "That was a great, truly memorable experience, jamming with Gene, Paul (Stanley) and Ace (Frehley). Playing 'Detroit Rock City' with them was outstanding!'" states Quadros.

Mr. Quadros later became the percussive force behind the rockin' power pop trio Dangerface, with Gar Robertson and Tony Cavazo. Dangerface released a four-song EP (Sexual Records) in 1983.

Prior to his work with SNOW and Dangerface, Stephen was providing the pulse for hot L.A. acts Orange ("one of the greatest groups I've ever been in") and Pod.

Stephen also played with the progressive punk/art trio Joe Blow, which included Tom "Beefbone" Bolema and Nick Thompkins. Quadros recorded the single "To Russia With Love" (backed by "A Hardship") with yet another collaboration with Bolema, The Butchers.

In recent years Mr. Quadros is also renowned for his drum set work in The Becky Curtis Family Band. In recent years Stephen has performed with Iron Butterfly/Blues Image frontman Mike Pinera and on the Southern California music scene with 7th Sun, Whipped Cream, The Marcus Singletary Band, MLC (now known as The Barnyard Cocks) and the Sacred Cowboys.

CLICK HERE for a true Stephen Q 'blast from the past' and then scroll to the bottom of the page.