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Jon Schwartz (drummer)




  date Of Birth August 18 1956
  place Of Birth Chicago , Illinois


Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz (born August 18 1956 in Chicago, Illinois) is a Drummer best known for working with the singer-songwriter "Weird Al" Yankovic . The two met while recording "Another One Rides The Bus" at the Dr. Demento show on September 14 1980 and have worked together ever since. Shortly after, Yankovic invited Schwartz to join his band, and gave him the nickname "Bermuda" (which is a play on Bermuda Shorts ). Schwartz can be heard and seen on all of Yankovic's albums, videos, and concerts.


BIOGRAPHY

Although born in Chicago, Schwartz grew up in Phoenix. He began drum lessons in 1965 , and by the time his family moved to Los Angeles a few years later, he had decided to become a professional drummer and by 1977 he was drumming regularly with a few bands.

In between Yankovic projects, Schwartz continues to play with other L.A.-area artists. Not much is normally heard from many of these artists, though he has recorded albums with Jim Silvers, Rip Masters, Ray Campi , Raymond & Scum, Idle Hands and ApologetiX .

Schwartz is the official band historian and archivist, known for keeping meticulous lists and notes, and for his unsurpassed collection of "Weird Al" Yankovic audio/video items and memorabilia.

Schwartz has enjoyed a respectable online presence since 1993. He created The Official "Weird Al" Yankovic Website in cymbals and various other drum forums, posting under the name "Bermuda".

Schwartz and his wife Leslie live in the Los Angeles area with their dog Pepper.


TRIVIA

  • Schwartz has performed live at every "Weird Al" Yankovic concert since 1981 , except for three during the 2003 Poodle Hat Tour. A minor illness prevented him from playing the drums, and his tech Pete Gallagher sat-in for those shows while Schwartz handled the electronics and cues from behind the drum riser.

  • Schwartz comes from a musical family. His brother, Richard "Bopcat" Bennet, has played guitar for Neil Diamond and Mark Knopfler .



EXTERNAL LINKS

  • http://www.bermudaschwartz.com/

  • http://www.weirdal.com/