About Me
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Born in Rome, N.Y., Gary Briggs interest in drums began at the early age of 7 when his brother, Frank, gave him his first drum set. On the front was a Buddy Rich logo with the initials GB, instead of BR, of course. At 17 he left home to attend college, majoring in music. When his brother left the band '805', Gary stepped in on the drums and quickly became a staple in the band for the next 5 years. While with 805, he recorded the CD 'Edge of the World'. After the band played its final show at the Lost Horizon, Gary moved on to play with a new band, 'Cold Sweat'. During that time, Gary was voted 'Central New York's Best Progressive Rock Drummer'. Best moments were opening for Marillion and Allan Holdsworth, playing on Cold Sweat's CD 'Tigerman and Slick', and 805's final show at the Turning Stone Showroom in 2003.
Gary's brother, Frank Briggs, who was constantly practicing in Mom & Dad Briggs' basement, was an early influence in Gary's love and skills with the drums. Bands he listened to when young were Grand Funk, Yes, U.K., Beatles, Mahivishnu Orchestra and Genesis. His heroes are his brother Frank Briggs, Buddy Rich, Mitch Mitchell, Steve Gadd, John Bonham, Bill Bruford, Phil Collins, Terri Bozio, Chad Wackerman, Manu Kacha, Dave Weckl and many others.
Special mention goes to Sensei Nolan and Mr. Bidwell of Lavallee's USA Black Belt Champions in Dewitt. Gary has become a Brown Belt in a blended style of Martial Arts in a short period of time and is well on his way to becoming a Black Belt. Sensei Nolan has kept him calm for a couple of years now; thanks to him he has become a changed man. With the addition of Mr. Bidwell to the dojo, these two instructors have helped Gary become centered, as well as a better person to those around him.
