The Foundational Years: Family, Focus & First Grooves

Dave attributes much of his focus and drive to his parents—especially his father, an Army sergeant and sportsman, who instilled discipline and high standards from a young age. An only child who initially wanted to play guitar, Dave was drawn to the drums by neighborhood garage bands and soon showed a natural aptitude for rhythm.

His father supported his musical ambitions, even while maintaining a tough exterior from his military days. Early competition and camaraderie in the St. Louis music scene, plus connections like Jay Oliver and Tom Kennedy, pushed Weckl’s skills and determination further. By his mid-teens, Dave left behind sports to dedicate himself completely to music.

Sharpened by Competition & Mentorship

The Midwest school band scene and and annual jazz camps provided a competitive edge and immersive environment for growth. Meeting future collaborators like Jay Oliver and encountering teachers like Neil Slater set Dave on a trajectory toward bigger stages. He recalls learning primarily by ear—listening repeatedly to records and developing his sonic sensibilities before the YouTube era made visual learning commonplace.

The New York Hustle: Exposure & Breakthroughs

Dave’s move to the East Coast for college brought him close to his musical heroes and eventually immersed him in New York’s vibrant scene, rubbing shoulders with legends like Steve Jordan, Peter Erskine, and especially Steve Gadd. His obsessive attention to sound pushed him to haul his own sound system to gigs—making his drums “sound like a record” and earning the respect of fellow musicians.

The true turning point came through a recommendation from Peter Erskine after an impressive club gig. This endorsement opened the doors to gigs with top-tier ensembles like French Toast and set off a domino effect of career-making introductions.

Simon & Garfunkel: Major League at 23

At age 23, Weckl landed the drumming gig for the Simon & Garfunkel reunion tour. In this episode, he discusses how sudden exposure to stadium crowds and professional tour life provided invaluable experience—and eventually allowed him to purchase his first home. Significantly, Dave also talks candidly about the financial realities then and now, offering straight advice to younger musicians on knowing your worth and setting fair rates.

Chick Corea’s Electric & Acoustic Bands: A Historic Partnership

Through a serendipitous chain of recommendations and chance encounters, Dave caught Chick Corea’s attention during a club gig. Weckl became a core member of Corea’s pioneering Electric Band (and later the Acoustic Band), forever transforming jazz-fusion and leaving an indelible mark on drumming. Dave highlights Corea’s leadership—creating an environment where musicians were free to experiment, innovate, and push boundaries. He delves deeply into the process of learning the music, the challenges of rhythm section interplay, and the unique way the band had to adapt their sense of time to fit Chick’s vision.

Innovation: Designing Sticks & Cymbals

Weckl reveals the meticulous process behind the creation of his signature Vic Firth sticks and Sabian Evolution and Legacy cymbals. Obsessive about detail, Dave iterated through hundreds of prototypes and worked hands-on at cymbal factories, seeking the perfect sound and feel. His passion for product design stemmed from a desire to solve his own playing needs first—not just to slap his name on a product.

The story behind creating the O-Zone cymbal, with holes for a unique sound and crash effect, reveals Dave’s constant drive to innovate and expand sonic possibilities. These innovations are now staples in drumming worldwide.

Teaching & Lifelong Growth

Despite his legendary status, Weckl remains a lifelong student—still practicing daily, always refining technique, and seeking new challenges. He advocates for “playing” over “practicing,” encouraging drummers to engage with their instrument joyfully and keep their musicianship fresh. Dave also shares practical advice on diversifying income streams within the industry, the importance of networking, and being smart with business and branding.

Building a Legacy with Community

From his deep partnerships with childhood friends like Jay Oliver to creating bestselling educational materials and spearheading the Drum Fantasy Camp, Weckl’s legacy is as much about giving back as his headline performances. He stays hands-on in business, with a tight-knit team helping him manage the complex world of touring, education, and product development—reminding aspiring musicians that self-management, adaptability, and community are key.