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John Sankey (drummer)

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John Sankey
Background information
Birth nameJohn Gerard Sankey
Born21 July 1975 (1975-07-21) (age 49)
OriginAustralia
GenresTechnical death metal, industrial metal, nu metal, metalcore
InstrumentDrums
Years active1996–present

John Gerard Sankey (born 21 July 1975) is an Australian heavy metal drummer, best known as the drummer for Devolved and Devil You Know (now known as Light the Torch). He has also worked with numerous other high profile bands including Fear Factory, Divine Heresy and Superheist.

Career

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In 2001, Sankey relocated from Australia to Los Angeles to begin a new band with Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares which became Divine Heresy. Sankey and Cazares also co-wrote music for the Roadrunner United album, meanwhile Sankey continued to write, record and tour America with his band Devolved. In 2012, Sankey joined forces with Howard Jones (ex-Killswitch Engage, Blood Has Been Shed) and Francesco Artusato (All Shall Perish) as co-founder and drummer of Devil You Know.[1][2] In June 2016 it was announced that Sankey was no longer part of the band, for reasons unspecified and was replaced by former Trivium drummer Nick Augusto.[3] In February 2017, Sankey joined Australian nu metal band Superheist as their new drummer and moved back to his homeland of Australia to pursue other career avenues.[4]

In December 2015, Sankey started a 'replacement' multi city music festival to the diminished Soundwave Festival, called Legion Music Fest, to be held in January 2017. It is speculated that Sankey cancelled Legion and sold the rights to the Download Festival.[5][6][7][8][9] Sankey relocated temporarily to the Gold Coast where he was co-owner / creator of the Meter Maids bar in Orchid Avenue Surfers Paradise which opened doors just prior to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.[10] Sankey has since moved onto a career in Mortuary Science.

Personal life

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Sankey lived in Los Angeles, California for 16 years before moving back to his home country, Australia. He currently resides in New South Wales where he now works as a qualified Mortician and continues to write and record music, and tour as drummer for legendary Australian band Superheist. Sankey is a fully endorsed artist with Tama Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Aquarian Drum Heads, Vic Firth Drum Sticks and is highly regarded as a leading drummer in the International Metal Community.

References

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  1. ^ "Former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Singer's DEVIL YOU KNOW Preparing To Record Debut Album - June 1, 2013". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  2. ^ Merlin (3 August 2012). "Former Killswitch Engage Singer Howard Jones Working On New Project?". Archived from the original on 11 March 2013. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  3. ^ Childers, Chad. "Devil You Know Part Ways With Drummer John Sankey". Loudwire.
  4. ^ "/". The Music.
  5. ^ "/". The Music.
  6. ^ "Legion Music Fest is now fully funded!".
  7. ^ Sievers, Alex. "Legion Music Fest To Not Go Ahead". Killyourstereo.com.
  8. ^ "Legion Festival 2017 Cancelled". Music Feeds. 2 November 2016.
  9. ^ "/". The Music.
  10. ^ "Subscribe to the Gold Coast Bulletin". myaccount.news.com.au. Retrieved 30 March 2018.