Charlie Adams (born May 8, 1954) is an American drummer, best known for playing in Yanni's touring band, after having played with Yanni in the early 1980s rock band Chameleon. Adams was born in Joliet, Illinois.[1]
Music career
Early life
Adams was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois. Prior to joining Chameleon, he taught drums to local students, including future Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin.[2]
Chameleon
Band members of regional rock band Chameleon[3] included Adams on drums, vocals, and percussion; Yanni on keyboards and synthesizers; Dugan McNeill on lead vocals and bass guitars; Johnny Donaldson on all guitars; and Mark Anthony on lead vocals and keyboards.[4] Their albums included Chameleon, Techno-color, Hologram Sky, and Balance.[4] The group was noted for Adams' revolving gyroscope drum kit, who played his rapidly spinning drums before Mötley Crüe's Tommy Lee's similar arrangement.[3]
Adams did not join the Tribute concert at the Taj Mahal and Forbidden City as he had to help raise his son with autism issues and thus was replaced by rock/jazz drummer Joel Taylor for the entire tour. After Yanni's hiatus following Tribute, Adams returned in 2001.
Adams reunited again with Yanni for the 2003/2004 Ethnicity concert tour.[7]
Discography
Adams is credited[8] as drummer or percussionist in the following albums, produced by Yanni unless otherwise noted.