Get to know… Chris Ritchie

Chris Ritchie is one of the region's best and best-known drummers. With a long history of playing rock music throughout the Tri-Cities, Chris has remained in-demand and in use, Chris has evolved with the times while retaining his love for the rock and roll that started his journey. He's developed a reputation as a reliable professional, a dedicated player and a good fella to have behind a kit. If you're a fan of heavier music and you've spent any time at all in clubs throughout the area, chances are you've seen him play - and you've had plenty of chances to do so. A vital member of some very popular bands throughout the years, he continues to keep the beat. Take a few minutes and get to know Chris Ritchie. When did you decide music was going to be a big part of your life, and how did you first get involved? "My first fascination with music was as a small child. I always loved the way music made me feel, either from a radio/stereo, or hearing the piano, organ and choir at church. It evokes emotions and runs tingles down your spine. Around age 6 or 7 I became enthralled with the drums. I watched a Muppets episode starring the jazz great Buddy Rich. Animal and Buddy had a drum-off and I was hooked. In 5th grade I joined the school band hoping I would be put on the drum line. I was appointed to the trombone instead. For the next four years, I carried the brass with pride, but never lost my desire for the drums. So, I gained some formal education of music that I carry to the present day. I got my chance to play on a real drum kit at the age of 12. There were some guys that used our basement to practice and I asked the drummer permission to play his kit when they weren't rehearsing. He smiled and said, 'Sure kid.' That man was Jimi Granai of Junction 4961. The other players, Shane Smith and Jamie Roberts, went on to form the band Morgan Lefay." Is your current project a first, or have you been involved in other things? "My current project is Burning Bridges with Jesse Pitcock on guitar and vocals, Todd McCroury on bass and backup vocals, and myself on the drums and backup vocals. It's mostly a rock and hard rock set with some ballads and future original tunes coming soon. I did my first gig when I was 15 at a community center and was playing the local bar scene when I was 17. Some of the bands I was involved with are as follows: Nosferatu, Oracle, The County Line Band, Foreplay, Malifactor, One30Edge, What?, Nonprophet, Tattoo Bruise, Jet Black Audio, No Filter, Julie Williams and the Hired Guns, Syren, and several collaborations never named. I have recorded tracks or albums with Malifactor, One30Edge, Nonprophet, Tattoo Bruise, and the Julie Williams Band." What is it about music that makes you want to perform or be involved? "It's the energy and love for the music that drives me to perform at any level. It can be a packed venue or just a rehearsal, the feeling I get from playing is like nothing else. It can be intense at times. You get so deep into the song you can enter an almost trance like state of consciousness without detaching from reality. I think it's a trick on the mind with the frequencies and the beat driving the music. An attentive and participating crowd can push that energy level to the sky. It's quite an emotional ride at times. Some songs can bring you to tears, while others will excite you. Music has powerful scenes, shapes, and colors. Many great memories are connected to music of the era. Childhood, adolescent teen years and adulthood all carry memories with music. Some of our senses are also tapped into this. The sound of Steely Dan or the Eagles can remind me of the smell of charcoal burning in the grill at Watauga Lake as the cookout started. Or a love song that takes you back to fond memories of the times together. Music is the universal language." How would you describe your music (band/project)? "My current project is a trio of talented guys, each with decades of experience in rock, jazz, heavy metal, and country music. Jesse Pitcock is no doubt one of the best guitarists in the region. I have known and performed with him for nearly 25 years. He has pioneered bands like Stillborn, Powder Burn, Makara, Work Horse, Syren, Nonprophet, and now Burning Bridges. The name and set list is genuinely his creation. Todd McCroury is one of the hottest bassists in the region. He attended the Bass Institute in Atlanta and won the Bass Wars competition in Johnson City that was sponsored by Musik Alley in the 1990's. He brings the thunder of the low frequency roar to the stage every time we perform. I can always depend on Todd for the rhythm section. Together we are bringing some of the 80's, 90's, and early 2000's songs back to life. From Nine Inch Nails to Tom Petty our set list is a variety of driving hard edged songs to the slower love ballads of the era." Is this something you see yourself doing as a career? "Well, I have made a career of this already without realizing it. What started as the fun jam sessions turned into a pretty serious business. I never in my wildest dreams would have thought I would meet and open up for some of my rock heroes. They include The Bulletboys, Great White, Molly Hatchet, Jackyl, and Skinlab. There are others that I just can't remember or don't have any photos. We are not done yet, so there is much more to come." What are your other interests? Do you have any surprise talents or hobbies? "I'm good with tools. I still do my own car maintenance. I remodel and improve our home. Anything that needs to be done. I'm too old for climbing high ladders, but I will still replace ceiling fans or use a chainsaw to down a tree. I have owned a couple of Nissan trucks and a Jeep Cherokee that went past the 600k mileage point. My working life has been full of career changes. Factory work, exterminator, satellite communications, kitchen and cabinet installs, garage door installer, rental shop clerk, pizza delivery, fast food, and now a medical laser technician. Whew! It's been a ride." Who are your influences/favorites (worldwide and local)? "My influences/heroes vary in many genres. The famous ones include Danny Carey, Neil Peart, John Bonham, Joey Jordison, Dave Grohl, Buddy Rich, Billy Cobham, Alex Van Halen, Steve Smith, Tommy Lee, Vinnie and Carmine Appice, Bill Ward, Mike Portnoy, Morgan Rose, Artemis Pyle, and so many others. My local heroes include Mikey Stephenson, Pat Carter, Scott Thomas, Shane Smith, Keith Elliott, Jason Phillips, Terry McCoy, Bill Cowden, Randy Nash, Buddy Capps, Tim Scalf, Jeremy Ratcliffe, Shon Mann, DC Wolf, Anita King, Randall Noe, Randall Holloway, Logan Ritchie, Melinda Sawyer, Tom Bettini, Willie Melton, Doug Greene, Michael Gillis, Freddie Hawkins, John Carter, JT, Brad Tester, Gene Hughes, Tony Hensley, Daniel Bratton, and so many others. I love all of you dearly." If you could tell people one thing they should know about you, what would it be? "I look intimidating, but I am approachable. I am a kind-hearted individual. I work hard and I love harder. I would give you the shirt from my back to help you if needed, but don't take advantage of me. The wrath can be dangerous." How can people contact you about booking and information? "Contact Jesse Pitcock at 423-646-4627."