John Wicks (drummer)

rdf:langString John Wicks (drummer)

rdf:langString John Wicks is a drummer, songwriter, film composer and adjunct college professor based in Missoula, Montana. Wicks is a founder of the band Fitz and the Tantrums and has co-written many of their songs. More Than Just a Dream, the group's 2013 album, included the hit songs "The Walker" and "Out of My League", which each climbed to No. 1 on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart. Fitz and the Tantrums, the band's self-titled studio album, features the hit song "HandClap". Wicks has also written for and appeared on Bruno Mars' album Doo-Wops & Hooligans and CeeLo Green's The Lady Killer and Heart Blanche albums. In addition, he has recorded and/or played live with such artists as B.o.B, George Clinton (funk musician), David Byrne, Meshell Ndegeocello, Chocolate Genius, Money Mark, Teddybears (band), RZA, among others. As of Fall semester 2022, Wicks is an adjunct professor at the University of Montana. He also composed the soundtrack to the TV show Under the Banner of Heaven (TV series) with Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament and multi-instrumentalist Josh Klinghoffer. Up until Oct 16, 2022 Wicks continued to tour, compose and record with Fitz and the Tantrums, but has now left the band after 13+ years to focus on family, his job at U. Montana and to “reinvent and upgrade his drumming.” He recently wrote songs and recorded drums for the upcoming Fitz and The Tantrums record entitled “Let Yourself Free” and is finishing a new recording with Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam called Deaf Charlie. Wicks endorses Gretsch Drums, Remo Drumheads,, and Istanbul Agop cymbals.