Jeff Tortora: world class drummer, singer, friend.
I met Jeff (I call him JT) back in 2006 on the Blue Man Group “How to be a Megastar” tour where I was the opening act for 2 years and he was a drummer in the band. I knew we’d be friends as soon as I saw that he brought DVD box sets of Twin Peaks and 24 on the bus.
If you’ve seen Blue Man Group, you know their show is HEAVY on percussion and musicianship. Everyone on that stage is operating at an intimidatingly high level, on a nightly basis. I knew JT had bands outside of Blue Man Group, but never got the chance to see any of them - until now.
Tinnitus is made up of JT, Todd Waetzig on drums, Brenda Fitz on keys/vocals, Andy Gerold on guitar/vocals, Tony Aguirre on guitar, and Phil Soussan on bass. Todd was on the BMG tour as well, so I knew he was a killer. But I had no idea the rest of the band had worked with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Toto, Marilyn Manson, and Billy Idol.
In addition to the band itself, JT brings in other elements of musicality and theatrics to each show - none of which is rehearsed! It just all somehow comes together under his direction.
The chaotic energy that JT brings to the stage is simply an extension of his normal personality, and that’s what I believe makes a truly great performer. Seeing him and Todd on stage brought back so many great memories from tour, which I’m in the process of writing about.
In true Tinnitus fashion, there aren’t many quiet moments in this episode. That’s rock and roll, baby! 🤘
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