Dean Zimmer Overcomes Physical Disability in ‘Drummer Wanted’
Rick Abbott, bandmate of drummer Dean Zimmer, says their band has opened for Thin Lizzy, Foghat and Styx. But Zimmer is no ordinary drummer. Zimmer has arthrogryposis, a rare congenital disorder that makes it difficult to move his joints, according to the Los Angeles Times. Despite being restricted to a wheelchair, Zimmer pursued his dream to be a drummer. In fact, due to his limited range of motion, his drumming style maximizes efficiency.
Filmmakers Ross Harris and Stanley Gonzales profiled Zimmer for the clip, which depicts the drummer traveling in his van and impressing Gregg Bissonette (former drummer for David Lee Roth and currently with Ringo Starr’s latest incarnation of his All Starr Band) in the studio.
“Play from the heart, man.” Zimmer says in the video. “That’s about all I ever knew.”