Jon Larsen (Danish musician)
Jon Larsen (born 13 July, 1970) is a drummer for Volbeat, a Danish heavy metal band with an international fanbase.[1] Larsen joined Volbeat after playing drums for several other bands.[2] Prior to his career as a drummer, he was a gypsy jazz guitarist, painter,[3] amateur scientific researcher, and record producer. He is also well known for founding the Hot Club de Norvege group and has received multiple awards,[4] including the Buddy Award, for his contributions to the field of jazz. Larsen is known for his outspokenness on tours, concerts, and records,[5] a calm demeanor and approachable personality. The Volbeat band was established by Michael Poulsen in October 2001 and was based on his former group, Dominus.[6] Poulsen mobilized various musicians for the group, including Thomas Bredahl, Anders Kjolholm, and Jon Larsen.[7] Volbeat’s success grew gradually, as they gained fame internationally, mainly in Europe and America. Larsen has described the Volbeat brand of music as a fusion of genres, with a dynamic beat that fuses elements of rock and roll with heavy metal. He has also explained that the band’s choice of music is not restricted to a particular genre. In interviews, Larsen has said that their music is based on real-life experiences and is their artistic interpretation of everyday life stories.
Jon Larsen | |
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Jon Larsen at Rock in Pott, Germany 2013. | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Jon Larsen |
Born | 13 July 1970 |
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instruments |
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Associated acts | Volbeat |
Jon Larsen and Volbeat
The group Volbeat is a Danish band that was formed in 2001 in Copenhagen. Their popularity has risen steadily from the early years when they were little known to their current status where they are hosting concerts starting from Europe, later venturing North America, and other parts of the world.[8] They have performed in different cities with their loyal fan base increasing. Though the band is considered a heavy metal music band, they are versatile, and they have these genres in its catalog of music albums, which is available for sampling and purchase by their fans “Heavy metal, Hard rock, Psychobilly, Rockabilly, Groove metal, Rock and roll”.[9] Volbeat is a group that is internationally acclaimed for its music industry achievements. The band had a humble start choosing heavy metal, at a period when this genre was frowned upon in Denmark, by hard work and dedication to becoming an internationally acclaimed music group with fans worldwide, and that is the pride of the Danish people.
The first demo of the band was released in 2002[10] by numerous members such as Michael Poulsen (A former dominus leader), Franz Gottschalk, Jon Larsen, who played the drums, and Anders Kjolholm on the bass. The first demo did not have much impact in terms of the number of listeners. However, the second demo was positively embraced by Europeans and could be played continuously on the radio. Since the second demo's performance, the Volbeat began to engage in live contest competition and performances with America's and Europe's[11] most massive metal acts. Ultimately, the band was able to win numerous industry and genre awards for the music they played.
The success of Jon and Volbeat
Jon Larsen and the success of the Volbeat are intertwined. The groups' electrifying performances that are energy-packed and well-rehearsed continue being a factor that has led to the enormous success of Volbeat. Jon Larsen and Volbeat continue charming their fans with their approachable nature, and the fans adore them from the perspective that they give their all in their performances and interact freely with their fans. John and the Volbeat band are a household[12] name in Denmark, having been the only heavy metal band to top the charts for five months in a row in Denmark. Afterward, this was followed by their Europe tour that earned them unrivaled accolades.[13] What makes Jon Larsen an integral part of Volbeat is that he is their most outspoken member and a member who endears the group to the fans by offering highlights into what the band is doing. Jon has worked tirelessly to make their brand of music recognizable and acceptable. His contributions to the Volbeat band are massive; he was there at the beginning when the band was being formed. He contributed significantly to the music's success by effectively playing the drums and coming up with new suggestions and ideas that helped make their music unique and exciting compared to other genres played during that period. Since 2001, the band with Jon Larsen as the drum player managed to release numerous records and attended various shows where they managed as winners. Their success is evident from the massive audiences that found their songs interesting. For instance, the album “Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies” was amongst the albums that paved their success in 2013.[14] This was possible through Jon's dedication and hard work to see the band at the top. The other Volbeat members make this band a sensation: "guitarist Michael Poulsen, guitarist Rob Caggiano, drummer Jon Larsen and bassist Kaspar Boye Larsen”.[15] Jon Larsen and the Volbeat, a band that was formed in 2001 by Michael Poulsen, had had a gradual rise to stardom, from their early days when they were not considered a serious entity to the current years when they rated Gold as a mark of excellence.[16]
Moreover, their Jon and Volbeat success can be found in the quality of the music they played and the undivided attention/value they placed on their funds. The honesty and high value placed on the fans played a significant role in amplifying the Volbeat's overall success in various regions across the united states and Europe. After Michael Poulsen disbanded his band due to various limitations and restrictions, he met Jon after ten years and requested him to play the drums. Jon Larsen embraced the idea of Michael Poulsen positively, and since then, he remained optimistic and helped him in whatever ways he could to see the band at the top; his contribution is a significant source of success for the Volbeat band. Without him, Michael Poulsen would not have started the Volbeat band independently without a dedicated drummer and partner. Moreover, Jon borrowed new ideas from other bands and other artists to help make Volbeat stronger. However, the success was not an instant one; the success was a gradual process which gained momentum as they continued to compose and release new albums. After a substantive success in Europe where its songs could be heard playing in almost every town sector, they initiated their tour to America. Their focus on the quality of the songs and audience satisfaction made them attain massive success in the United States. Their songs were also announced as hits in magazines and other social media platforms across the united states. While in the progress journey, the band welcomed numerous other artists and new producers, such as Jacob Hanse. They played a significant role in triggering the band's success and increased recognition across the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world. All these are the various achievements that define the success of Jon Larsen and Volbeat.
Challenges and accomplishments
Larsen has stated that he had given up on music before joining Volbeat because his stints playing with different bands as a youngster had not worked out. He was working regular non-music jobs when Michael Poulsen invited him to join the band as a drummer. Larsen has said that it took him time to get back to his proper musical form once joining Volbeat. But he was integral in the making of the group's first album in 2005, The Strength/The Sound/The Songs.[17] In interviews, Jon has expressed pride at their accomplishment as a band. He has stated that he believes the band members' impulsive nature, synergy, and dedication to their music brand make them a dominating band in the industry. Others have noted that the phenomenal success of Volbeat is due to their team dynamics. The musicianshave said band The getwith the musiciansing, owning.[18] The collaboration of the Volbeat members throughout the whole creative process, from writing the songs, rehearsing, and performing on stage, has enabled them to accomplish their goals and win various awards. Larsen and the other Volbeat members were careful to take time to prepare their songs before they were released or performed on the stage to ensure the quality of their songs.[19] Another factor that has enabled them to be successful is their dedication to their fans and their strategy of satisfying their fans, including planning return tours to meet and perform for their fans. Their signing with renowned producers also has ensured that they produce high-quality albums that have won accolades and awards. However, despite these accomplishments, the Volbeat band has experienced some challenges. For instance, it took a long time before the members could fully understand and meet the expectations of Michael Poulsen,[20] the leader of the band and the primary composer. However, Volbeat is notable for its longevity, the original members being together since 2001. Jon Larsen's life path has been pointed to as inspirational : a musician who had given up on music reinvented himself to become a global star and mentor others to success. Larsen is a musician who is considered a mentor by many budding drummers and held in respect by peers worldwide.
Discography
With Volbeat
- The Strength / The Sound / The Songs (2005)
- Rock the Rebel / Metal the Devil (2007)
- Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood (2008)
- Beyond Hell/Above Heaven (2010)
- Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies (2013)
- Seal the Deal & Let's Boogie (2016)
- Rewind, Replay, Rebound (2019)
Equipment
Larsen endorses Pearl Drums and Paiste Cymbals. Larsen no longer endorses Anatolian Cymbals.
Former Touring Kit (2009–10)
- Drums – Pearl Drums Metallic Black Blend[21]
- 22" × 18" Bass Drum × 2 (MRP2218BX/C)
- 12" × 10" Tom (MRP1210T/C)
- 13" × 11" Tom (MRP1311T/C)
- 14" × 12" Tom (MRP1412T/C)
- 15" × 13" Tom (MRP1513T/C)
- 16" × 16" Floor Tom (MRP1616F/C)
- 18" × 16" Floor Tom (MRP1816F/C)
- 14" × 6.5" Snare Drum
- Cymbals – Anatolian Cymbals[22][23]
- 18" Baris Crash
- 14" Expression Hihat
- 17" Ultimate Crash
- 18" Ultimate China
- 18" Expression Crash
- 19" Ultimate Crash
- 18" Ultimate China
- 14" Ultimate Hihat
- 18" Espression Crash
- 22" Natural Ride
- 18" Ultimate Crash
Current Touring Kit (2013 -)
- Drums – Pearl Drums Masters Premium Legend SST Series[24]
- 22" × 20" Bass Drum × 2
- 10" × 10" Tom
- 12" × 10" Tom
- 13" × 11" Tom
- 14" × 12" Tom
- 16" × 14" Floor Tom
- 16" × 16" Floor Tom
- 18" × 16" Floor Tom
- 14" x 8" Kapur/Fiberglass Hybrid Exotic Snare
- Cymbals – Paiste
- 18" Signature Reflector Heavy Full Crash
- 19" Signature Power Crash
- 14" Twenty Custom Collection Metal Hats
- 18" Signature Precision China
- 18" 2002 Power Crash × 2
- 18" Signature Precision China
- 13" Signature Mega Cup Chime
- 20" RUDE Power Ride
- 14" 2002 Wild Hats
- 19" Twenty Custom Collection Metal Crash
- 18" Signature Reflector Heavy Full Crash
Drumsticks
- Pro-Mark TX419W
- Pro-Mark Bionic Drummer Gloves
Drumheads - Evans
- Onyx
- EQ3 Clear
- 300
- Resonant Black
Drum Wraps
- Bumwrap Drum Company
References
- Dave, Everley. "Metal Hammer UK". The God Father.
- Amy, Smith. "Denmark's dashing rockers put on a peak performance". BRIXTON ACADEMY, LONDON.
- Rob Caggiano. "AN AMERICAN IN DENMARK". Rock.
- Stormbringer.at, & Fröwein, R. F. "Volbeat - Jon Larsen". The Austrian Heavyzine.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
- JORGE BOTAS. "PELA ESTRADA FORA". LOUD. November 2019: 21.
- "Volbeat". SE og HØR. 29: 34.
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(help) - Horner, A. "Volbeat: Rewind, Replay, Rebound review – chugging metal-meets-rockabilly". The Guardian.
- Garzon Jimenez, J.D. "The European Hard Rock and Heavy Metal live music market". A Closer Look at the Development of Emerging Bands Through Live Performing (Universitetet i Agder).
- Pearl Corporation. "Jon Larsen | Pearl Drums". Pearldrum.Com.
- True, C., & All Music. "Volbeat | Biography & History". All Music.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
- Washburne, C. (2010). "Jazz Re‐Bordered: Cultural Policy in Danish Jazz". Jazz Perspectives. 4 (2): 121–155. doi:10.1080/17494060.2010.506042. S2CID 156020081.
- CrypticRock. "Interview – Jon Larsen of Volbeat". Cryptic Rock.
- Wichita, SculleyEagle (9 October 2020). "Danish metal band Volbeat finds success in the U.S. Kansas". The Wichita Eagle.
- Washburne, C (2010). "Jazz Re‐Bordered: Cultural Policy in Danish Jazz". Jazz Perspectives. 4 (2): 121-155. doi:10.1080/17494060.2010.506042. S2CID 156020081.
- Garzon Jimenez. "The European Hard Rock and Heavy Metal live music market A closer look at the development of emerging bands through live performing". University of Agder.
- True, C (June 2020). "Volbeat, biography and history". All Music.
- "Metal Bulletin Zine 102". metalbulletin.blogspot. #102 Washington state, U.S. August 22, 2016.
- Pearl Corporation. "Jon Larsen: Volbeat".
- True, C. "Volbeat: Biography". All Musci.
- Fröwein, R. "Volbeat - Jon Larsen". Stormbringer.at.
- Pearl Drums: Jon Larsen Archived 6 November 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- Anatolian Cymbals: Artists
- DrumSquad: Jon Larsen
- Pearl Drums: Jon Larsen Archived 6 November 2009 at the Wayback Machine