About Me
Former SLAYER/TESTAMENT drummer Jon Dette started playing drums in 1983. He began his professional career in 1994 when he joined TESTAMENT replacing John Tempesta. Tempesta joined WHITE ZOMBIE just after the recording of LOW. Once onboard, Dette appeared with TESTAMENT in the music video LOW as well as performing in James Cameron's film, STRANGE DAYS. A winter '94 and summer '95 tour to support LOW then followed. In the summer of 1995, Dette recorded, "Live at the Fillmore" with TESTAMENT. The album was released through the bands label, Burnt Offerings in 1996.In late 1995, Dette was asked to join SLAYER replacing Paul Bostaph. This was a dream come true for Dette. Not only was SLAYER one of Dette's favorite bands growing up, but Dave Lombardo was one of Dette's biggest inspirations on drums. "Of all the bands and drummers I was inspired by growing up, I gravitated to SLAYER and Dave's style. It was so raw and brutal. The drum fills were completely unorthodox and insane." Dette prepared for a world tour with SLAYER to support their latest release, UNDISPUTED ATTITUDE, a compilation of punk cover tunes. Dette made his debut performance with the band in April ..96 headlining the Dynamo festival in Holland. In October ..96, Dette performed with the band at the first ever Ozzfest in Phoenix, AZ and San Bernardino, CA. Both shows were filmed and recorded for "The Ozzfest Live" CD and Video, both of which were released the following year. "Angel of Death" was the SLAYER track chosen for the release. Dette also appeared in the SLAYER music video, "I HATE YOU." Dette was kicked out of SLAYER in 1997 for creative differences. The band felt I wasn't creative enough. I did what I was told to do. It was a bad decision on my part and a painful learning experience. The end." Dette holds great respect for the band. "It was an honor and a privilege to share the stage with Slayer and contribute to the bands ongoing success and history. I'm a fan first. Always was and always will be." Former drummer, Paul Bostaph replaced Dette and rejoined SLAYER in 1997.Shortly after his departure from Slayer, Dette received a call from TESTAMENT frontman Chuck Billy. Billy asked Dette to rejoin TESTAMENT for their upcoming tour to support the bands latest release, DEMONIC. "Chuck called me shortly after hearing about Slayer and asked if I wanted to go out on the road with TESTAMENT. It took me about a third of a second to say hell yeah, let's do it!" Dette toured with the band throughout 1997 until January 1998. After the DEMONIC tour, Dette took a hiatus.In 2000, he resurfaced with his own band, PUSHED which also featured TESTAMENT bassist Greg Christian. PUSHED quickly started to create a buzz in the industry. The band received rave reviews and with the support of SLAYER guitarist Kerry King, the band gained label and management interest. Metal Hammer magazine labeled PUSHED as a band to look out for in 2003. The band also appeared in the extreme sport/motocross DVD, TomCat 2 featuring motocross/metal militia icon Tommy Clowers. The band unfortunately disbanded in late 2003.In 2006, Dette was asked to work with another long time idol of his, drumming legend and film composer Stewart Copeland (THE POLICE). Dette layed down drums to several tracks for Copeland's latest movie trailer composition entitled, EarDrum. "Working with Stewart Copeland was another dream come true for me and an experience that I'll always treasure. Such a pleasure to work with him. He is by far one of the coolest and down to earth people I've ever met!"Dette's band PUSHED, recently entered the studio this year to record fresh material and shop for a record deal. Dette is also currently preparing for shooting his first ever drum instructional video which is expected for a summer '08 release with drum clinics to follow. water myspace layout TESTAMENT "Low" 1994SLAYER "Angel of Death" Live at Ozzfest 1996SLAYER "I Hate You" 1996SLAYER "I Hate You" Live at American Records party in Miami FL. April 96'SLAYER "Mr Freeze" Live at American Records party in Miami FL. April 96'SLAYER "Filler" Live at American Records party in Miami FL. April 96'SLAYER "Guilty of Being White" Live at American Records party in Miami FL. April 96'SLAYER "Abolish Government" Live at American Records party in Miami FL. April 96'
