Age 12, Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK
Age 12, Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK
See Sam on Saturday at 10:40 on the Main Stage Mini
Sam Bickmore, aged 12 from Grantham, Lincolnshire first started playing the drums at the age of 6.
Discovering a natural talent for his instrument, Sam studied the Trinity College London rock and pop syllabus under the guidance of drum teacher Peter Coppin and quickly progressed through all the grades, achieving grade 8 at age 10 and subsequently becoming the youngest candidate to achieve an ATCL Diploma with distinction at age 11.
Sam is currently on a world tour with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical School of Rock playing his dream role of Freddy from January to September 2024. Playing live to audiences across Asia has given Sam an amazing opportunity to experience tour life and enjoy the sights and eastern cultures of Korea, Hong Kong, China and Taiwan.
Sam has received widespread recognition for his drumming achievements including numerous TV, radio and magazine features such as Blue Peter, BBC Breakfast, ITV News, Louder magazine and online magazine Maxima Distorzion. Other highlights include guesting live with an American punk band, meeting indie rock band The Subways, visiting the Zildjian vault and reaching the top 40 drummer of the year competition in 2022.
Inspired by many great drummers including Neil Peart, Jimmy ’The Rev’ Sullivan, Jason Bowld, Mike Portnoy and Nicko McBrain to name a few, Sam has been drawn towards the heavy metal and prog-rock music genre. He loves to showcase his talents which have included performances at local schools, festivals, charity concerts, national concerts and international music competitions.
Sam is at home when he is in his ‘special place’ behind the kit and is so excited to open up the main stage mini at The UK Drum Show this year.
Photo credits: majenta_pic & jz_bgrove