Pete Webber has carved a significant place for himself in the world of thrash metal drumming. Born on July 24, 1984, in Massachusetts, his journey with music began at an exceptionally young age, fueled by a natural inclination towards rhythm and percussion. From his early fascination with drummers on MTV to becoming the powerhouse behind the Denver-based thrash metal band Havok, Pete Webber’s story is one of dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of musical excellence.
Early Musical Foundations and Influences
Pete Webber’s deep-seated love for drumming ignited at the tender age of five. Immersed in a world of diverse music, he found himself particularly drawn to the drums. The visual spectacle of drummers in music videos on MTV, combined with a keen ear for rhythm, became his initial instructors. By age ten, recognizing his burgeoning talent, Pete began formal drum lessons to prepare for jazz band participation. For eight formative years throughout middle and high school, jazz band provided a structured environment to hone his skills and understand musical theory.
Simultaneously, Pete Webber explored his heavier musical inclinations. During his middle and high school years, he was also an integral part of a heavy metal band. This venture allowed him to gain live performance experience, playing in local bars and clubs across the New England area. Despite age restrictions at many venues, the band persevered, often performing with parental supervision. A significant early highlight was opening for the legendary thrash metal band Testament on ‘The Gathering’ tour in 1998, a pivotal moment that solidified his ambition.
Pete’s drumming style was significantly shaped by emulating a wide range of influential bands. He cites Slipknot, Primus, Pantera, Sepultura, and Fear Factory among the artists who helped him develop his unique voice behind the drum kit. Covering their music allowed him to absorb different techniques and rhythmic approaches, ultimately contributing to the formation of his own distinctive style.
From Local Stages to Global Thrash Metal Scene with Havok
After completing his college education, Pete Webber felt a strong pull to return to music full-time. An online search led him to Havok, a thrash metal band from Denver, Colorado, who were seeking a new drummer. After submitting audition videos of himself performing two Havok tracks provided by vocalist/guitarist David Sanchez, Pete was invited to join the band. This marked a turning point in his career. Havok was already a rising force in the thrash metal scene, having recently signed with Candlelight Records and secured tours with established European acts like Hammerfall and Primal Fear.
The release of ‘Time Is Up’ in 2011 proved to be a watershed moment for Havok and Pete Webber. The album was enthusiastically received within the thrash metal community, propelling the band onto the global stage. The success of ‘Time Is Up’ enabled Havok to embark on extensive international tours, taking them to over 45 countries within a single year, showcasing Pete’s drumming prowess to a worldwide audience.
Havok continued their momentum with the release of ‘Unnatural Selection’ in 2013. Building upon their previous success, the band maintained a rigorous touring schedule, sharing stages with prominent acts such as Death Angel, Sepultura, Overkill, The English Dogs, and Toxic Holocaust. Pete Webber’s energetic and precise drumming became a signature element of Havok’s live performances, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled and dynamic drummer.
In 2017, Havok signed with Century Media Records and released ‘Conformicide’, an album produced by Steve Evetts. This album marked Havok’s most commercially successful release to date, achieving impressive Billboard chart positions and leading to tours with metal giants Megadeth, Killswitch Engage, and Anthrax, as well as appearances at major European summer festivals. ‘Conformicide’ further elevated Pete Webber’s profile in the metal scene, recognized for his technical ability and powerful stage presence.
Continuing their creative partnership with Century Media Records, Havok recorded their album ‘V’ in Nashville, TN, with producer Mark Lewis. Released on May 1, 2020, ‘V’ garnered widespread critical acclaim. While the planned world tour to support the album was initially delayed due to global events, Havok and Pete Webber remain poised to bring their high-energy thrash metal to audiences worldwide as soon as circumstances permit.
Pete Webber’s journey is a testament to the power of early passion and persistent dedication. From a young boy in Massachusetts captivated by the drums to a globally recognized thrash metal drummer with Havok, his career exemplifies the rewards of pursuing one’s musical dreams. To discover more about Pete Webber and Havok, and to stay updated on their upcoming tour plans, visit HavokBand.com.
