Everett “Vic” Firth, whose namesake drumsticks are among the world’s most popular, has died.
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Firth originally made the sticks for his own use, but they quickly gained popularity and have been brandished by drummers ranging from Roger Taylor of Queen to jazz legend Billy Cobham.
The company confirmed Firth’s passing with a post on their official website. “And he got the idea then that maybe the performance would be enhanced if the sticks sounded the same as well as felt the same”.
Vic Firth prided himself on looking at the science of drumsticks, teaming up with forestry researchers at the University of Maine.
“A drumstick has a configuration that gives it a response on the cymbals and on the drums”, he said in an interview for the Messe Frankfurt trade fair.
We are heartbroken to share the news with you that Vic has passed away. Visitors were greeted with a photo of Firth, along with a tribute to its founder: “Vic was an inspiration to all of us”. He was a visionary, a mentor, a leader and a friend. His boundless passion for music and musicians drove every decision he made.
Maine’s Portland Press Herald reports that Firth’s trumpet-playing father introduced him to music when he was young. In 2010, the company merged with the Avedis Zildjian Company.
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As news begins to spread, other musicians have begun sharing similar sentiments and testimonials via Twitter, as well.
