About Me
Gerry Pantazis Biography
Gerrys musical studies began at the age of 6 learning the piano from his father George, then by the age of 12 expressed interest in taking up the drums. Gerry then began taking drum lessons from Ray Raphael and later from Peter Blick.
Since this time, Gerrys talent has seen him play in many different situations and directions which has made him a sought after player in this country.Gerry has performed/ backed many artists which include Venetta Fields, Judith Durham, Lisa Edwards, Tina Arena, Peter Cupples, Colleen Hewitt, Thelma Houstan(USA), Todd McKenney, Marina Pryor, Doug Parkenson, Nathan Cavaleri to name a few..Gerry is also a sort after session player and has seen him record with Guy Sebastian ,Shannon Noel, Casey Donovan, Rob Mills, Kate DeAraugo, Lee Harding, Geoff Achison (and live in concert DVD), Lisa Edwards, Tommy Emmanuel , Bachelor Girl, Human Nature, Project 3, Blue Heelers Theme and also music for Russell Coight .Gerry has also been active in theatre productions which include Grease the arena spectacular ( which toured nationally), Fame the musical, Witches of Eastwick, Mamma Mia and recently Dirty Dancing.You have also heard (maybe not seen ) Gerry on numerous TV events such as Hey Hey its Saturday, In Melbourne Tonight, G.M.A, Goodwill Games 2001Opening Ceremony, AFL Grand Final 03,04,05 and 06, Carols by Candlelight 04, 05 and 06 The Big Night In with John Forman and recently Dancing with the Stars.Touring is also a big part of Gerrys career which has seen him travel around Australia and the world doing various projects.
Such as clinic demos for the Roland Corporation ( traveling to Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines), Drum clinics for Yamaha, The Seekers Farewell tour of NZ and the UK 95, Tommy Emmanuel tours 96 and 97, Bachelor Girl tour of 98, and Mamma Mia in Hong Kong in 2004.Gerry is also active in the teaching scene. He has been part of the teaching faculty at NMIT for the past 6 years , and also teaches privately. He is about to commence teaching at the newly formed Melbourne Music Acadamy in 2006.Gerry is currently active performing with Geoff Achison and the Souldiggers and just recentlty finished a CD for Wayne Jones ( one of Australias premier bass players).
