D. J. Bonebrake
Donald J. Bonebrake (born December 8, 1955) is an American musician who first emerged as the drummer of the punk rock band the Eyes (also featuring Charlotte Caffey of the Go-Go's). He is best known as an original member of and drummer for punk band X, of which he is still an active member.
D. J. Bonebrake | |
|---|---|
 Bonebrake performing with the Knitters in 2007 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | December 8, 1955 |
| Genres | Punk rock, roots rock, alternative country |
| Instrument(s) | Drums, percussion |
| Years active | 1977–present |
| Website | djbonebrakemusic |
Career
Bonebrake, born in Burbank, California, and having spent his youth in the San Fernando Valley, is the only founding member of X from California (the other three are from Illinois).[1] Bonebrake also performed with two of the band's side projects: the country/folk music/punk band the Knitters (with his bandmates John Doe and Exene Cervenka), and Auntie Christ (with Cervenka).
While a member of X, Bonebrake briefly guested as the drummer for the Germs, and during 1981, he and Doe served as members of the Flesh Eaters, performing on that band's second album, A Minute to Pray, a Second to Die.[2]
In 2010, Bonebrake joined the Rancid side project Devil's Brigade.[3]
In 2013, Bonebrake joined the World Takes, helmed by Stephen Maglio. The band released an album, Love Songs for eX's, and toured with the Meat Puppets.
In 2021, Dave Grohl revealed that he and Bonebrake are cousins through Grohl's grandmother.[4]
Although most of his work has been within the punk genre, Bonebrake heads two jazz ensembles: the Bonebrake Syncopators, who play early jazz standards in a swing and western swing style; and Orchestra Superstring who play Afro-Cuban jazz and Latin jazz. In both jazz groups, Bonebrake plays vibraphone or marimba rather than a drum kit. Bonebrake has also performed as timpanist with the Palisades Symphony.[5] His marimba playing goes back at least as far as his first work with the Flesh Eaters.
References
- "DJ BONEBRAKE – bio". djbonebrakemusic.com.
- Lee, Bob (January 2, 2015). "LA Beat Interview: Chris D of the Flesh Eaters".
- "Devil's Brigade (Matt Freeman and Tim Armstrong of Rancid) announce debut". www.punknews.org.
- "Dave Grohl on Touring in a Van, Interviewing Rock Stars & Performing with His Daughter". Youtube. Archived from the original on December 19, 2021.
- Radio, Southern California Public (June 3, 2011). "Legendary LA punk rock drummer DJ Bonebrake trades drumsticks for jazz mallets".
