Drummers

Adrian Young

Adrian Young is a quite a character, of that there’s no doubt.

Born Aug. 26, 1969, in Long Beach, Calif., Adrian Samuel Young is one of five sons born to a hippie couple. His mother left the boys when Adrian was young.

After reaching adulthood, Young quickly became involved in the 1990s California music scene. Long a fan of the ska band No Doubt, attending their concerts since the group’s inception in 1987, he joined the band in 1989, just two years after taking up the drums. He lied about his level of experience, but managed to make his way into the band via audition.

In a band filled with personalities, Young’s character is one of the more noteworthy. He has a penchant for wearing thong underwear – and only thong underwear – during shows, and his hairstyle is usually a Mohawk or other statement-maker.

But when not on stage, Young takes part in one of life’s more civilized pursuits – golf. An avid player, he participated in the VH-1 television network’s golf show “Fairway to Heaven,” and made friends with shock-rocker and golfer Alice Cooper in the process.

Young married his wife, Nina Kent, on Jan. 16, 2000, after proposing to her in October 1999 in front of the crowd while playing a gig at The Fillmore in San Francisco. The couple had a son, Mason James Young, born Feb. 9, 2002.

During lulls between No Doubt recording sessions and tours, Young stays busy as the drummer for such bands as The Vandals, Bing Ji Ling and Bow Wow Wow.

Young plays Orange County drums, endorses Zildjian cymbals and drumsticks, uses Remo drumheads and employs Drum Workshop pedals and other hardware