Justin Foley

Justin Foley (born June 16, 1976) is an American musician, best known as the drummer of the metalcore band, Killswitch Engage. He is also a former member of the band Blood Has Been Shed along with Killswitch Engage's former lead singer, Howard Jones. Foley has been quoted as saying his primary influences include John Bonham, Neil Peart, and Sean Reinert.

Justin Foley
Justin Foley in 2016
Background information
Birth nameJustin Foley
Also known asJayFo
Born (1976-06-16) June 16, 1976
Simsbury, Connecticut, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)Drummer
InstrumentsDrums, piano
Labels
Associated acts
Websitekillswitchengage.com

Biography

Early life

Justin Foley was born in Simsbury, Connecticut, in 1976. Before joining Killswitch Engage, Foley participated in a Connecticut thrash/jazz metal band called Red Tide. Red Tide began as a thrash metal outfit in 1993 then evolved into a jazz metal band in the late 1990s. As the primary lyricist and one of the songwriters for Red Tide, Foley earned local celebrityhood. With Red Tide, Foley released at least 5 demo tapes and two CDs. Red Tide disbanded in 2002 as there was a general lack of interest in continuing (cited by interview).

Education

Foley graduated from Simsbury High School in Simsbury, CT in 1994. He earned his undergraduate degree in percussion at the University of Connecticut. He proceeded to attend the Hartt School of Music and received his master's degree in percussion.

Killswitch Engage

Foley joined Killswitch Engage after the departure of the previous drummer, Tom Gomes, in October 2003.[1]

Justin Foley is one of the many advertising artists for Evans Drumheads along with such famous drummers as Daniel Erlandsson, Charlie Benante, Kevin Talley, Morgan Rose, Matthew McDonough, and Vinnie Paul among other performers.

Foley also plays drums on metalcore band Unearth's 2011 album, Darkness in the Light filling in for departed drummer Derek Kerswill.[2]

Personal

Foley has been quoted as saying that if he did not play drums, he would like to try out for the New York Yankees, of whom he is an avid fan. He is also a Simpsons fanatic. Foley is known for his shaved head and long red beard.

Equipment
  • Yamaha Maple / Birch Custom Absolute Drums
    • 20x16" Bass Drum
    • 10x8" Rack Tom
    • 13x11" Floor Tom
    • 15x13" Floor Tom
    • 14" x 6.5" Mike Bordin Signature Snare
  • Yamaha Double Pedal
  • Evans Drumheads
  • Zildjian Cymbals
    • 19in K Custom Dark China
    • 17in A Custom Projection Crash
    • 18in A Custom Medium Crash
    • 21in K Custom Hybrid Ride
    • 14in K Custom Dark Hihats
    • 10in A Splash
    • 19in A Custom Medium Crash
  • Pro-Mark TX5BW drumsticks

Discography

Red Tide
Main article: Red Tide (band)
  • Themes of the Cosmic Consciousness (1997)
  • Type II (2001)

Blood Has Been Shed

Killswitch Engage
Main article: Killswitch Engage discography

As a guest

References
  1. Ditzel, Eleanor. "Killswitch Engage". Allmusic. Retrieved 22 October 2011.
  2. "Unearth taps Killswitch Engage drummer for upcoming tours". Blabbermouth.net. 14 June 2011. Archived from the original on 24 August 2011. Retrieved 22 October 2011.
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