Dave Lombardo primarily plays TAMA Starclassic drums and Star drums, paired with Paiste cymbals, as of 2026.
What bass drum pedals does Dave Lombardo use?
Dave Lombardo uses TAMA Iron Cobra Power Glide bass drum pedals as his signature driving force on stage.
Now, these aren’t just any pedals. Lombardo pairs them with the Iron Cobra Lever Glide hi-hat stand, Roadpro tom & cymbal stands, and the 1st Chair Wide Rider drum throne. Together, they form a rig that’s as tough as his playing. Why? Because thrash metal demands equipment that won’t quit—durable, responsive, and built for speed. That’s exactly what Lombardo gets from this setup, whether he’s tearing through Slayer tracks or crushing it with Suicidal Tendencies and Dead Cross. The Iron Cobra Power Glide’s adjustable cam system? Pure gold for drummers looking to nail his tone. It lets you tweak pedal tension and beater angle, so you can switch between heel-down and heel-up techniques without missing a beat.
How old is Dave Lombardo?
As of 2026, Dave Lombardo is 61 years old (born February 16, 1965).
Born in Havana, Cuba, Lombardo moved to South Gate, California as a kid and picked up the drums at 10. From there? He didn’t just learn to play—he redefined what it meant to be a metal drummer. At 61, he’s still out there delivering two-hour sets with the same relentless energy, double-kick patterns and all. That kind of stamina? It’s not just skill—it’s a lifestyle. And honestly, it’s the kind of dedication that puts him in the same league as thrash metal legends like Lars Ulrich and Charlie Benante.
Who was Slayer's first drummer?
Dave Lombardo was Slayer’s original drummer, joining Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman in 1981 after their initial rehearsals.
Before Lombardo, Slayer’s early lineup had drummer Jeff Wallace, but Lombardo’s arrival changed everything. His addition led straight to their debut album, *Show No Mercy* (1983)—a thrash metal classic. What did he bring to the table? A level of technical precision and aggression that set the standard for extreme metal drumming. After leaving in 1992 due to creative and financial disputes, he came back for the *Christ Illusion* tour in 2006 and stayed through *World Painted Blood* (2009), before departing again in 2013. His influence? Still felt in every blast beat and double-kick pattern you hear today.
Why did Dave leave Slayer?
Dave Lombardo left Slayer in 2013 due to unresolved creative and financial conflicts, as reported by band members.
This wasn’t the first time tensions flared. Back in 1992, Lombardo got fired after refusing to tour for *Divine Intervention* without a pay raise. He returned for *Christ Illusion* after fans demanded it, but the issues never fully went away. His second exit came after disputes over tour scheduling and revenue—Tom Araya later called them “ongoing issues.” Lombardo didn’t hold back in interviews, saying, “I put my heart and soul into Slayer for over 30 years.” That kind of honesty shows just how much the split weighed on him. But Lombardo? He didn’t just walk away. He kept pushing forward with Dead Cross and Suicidal Tendencies, proving he’s one of metal’s most resilient drummers.
Who was Slayer's first drummer?
Dave Lombardo was Slayer’s original drummer—he first joined the band in 1981, then came back in 2001 after a nine-year break.
After his initial departure, Lombardo rejoined Slayer in 2001 and went on to record *Christ Illusion* (2006) and *World Painted Blood* (2009). But by 2013, he was gone again. His first stint set the tone for Slayer’s sound, and his return only reinforced it. That’s the mark of a true legend—someone who shapes a band’s identity, steps away, and then steps right back in to prove it wasn’t just luck.
