About Me
Artists performing on live album:
Jack Russell - Lead Vocals
Mark Kendall - Lead Guitar & Background Vocals
Michael Lardie - Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards & Background Vocals
Sean McNabb - Bass Guitar & Background Vocals
Derrick Pontier - Drums
Derrick Pontier was born and raised in Roseburg, Oregon. He began playing drums at the age of 10. Throughout his school years, he participated in school band, jazz band, and concert band. But, that wasn't enough for Derrick, so he joined his first rock band at the age of 14.
While proudly serving in the Air Force, he continued to play in rock bands. He even played the famous Hollywood Sunset Strip while he was enlisted. Having tasted the Hollywood rock scene, Derrick continued to play "the strip" after the completion of his military service.
Derrick began touring with Great White in early 2001. The band toured throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. On December 31, 2001, Great White, with Derrick Pontier on drums, recorded a live album that was released in 2002, entitled, Thank You Goodnight!. That album was re-released in 2006 with a new title of Once Bitten Twice Live. Derrick rejoined Great White in July 2003 and toured throughout the United States & Canada and is still with them at this time. Collectively, Derrick has been a member of Great White for nearly 6 years.
While Derrick was touring with Great White in 2001, he also performed with CC DeVilles band, Samantha 7 in the United States and England.
Derrick had the opportunity to lecture and perform with the house band on two occasions at the House of Blues Las Vegas for their Blues Schoolhouse Program. The House of Blues Foundation also sponsored Derricks first drum clinic at the Charles I. West Junior Academy in North Las Vegas. Derrick continues to work as a session drummer and drum teacher.
Besides music, Derrick enjoys a variety of sports like surfing, hiking, and football. He also likes watching Ultimate Fighting Championship fights, and is an avid drag racing fan. Another really important thing to Derrick is spending time with family and friends and having fun.
Derrick Pontier is endorsed by the following companies: Regal Tip drumsticks (www.regaltip.com), and Alchemy Cymbals/Istanbul Agop Corp. (www.alchemycymbals.com).
Foxfest Photos by: Lee Jackson of Prime Time Digital Media (www.primetimedigitalmedia.com)
