Mike Wengren

Michael Warren Wengren (born September 3, 1971) is an American drummer and percussionist, best known for his work with heavy metal band Disturbed. He is one of the founding members of the band, which was formed in 1994. Wengren is known for his bass drum techniques that have become a staple of Disturbed's music.

Mike Wengren
Wengren playing with Disturbed, 3 June 2016
Background information
Birth nameMichael Warren Wengren
Born (1971-09-03) September 3, 1971
Genres
Occupation(s)Musician
Instruments
  • Drums
  • percussion
Years active1994–present
LabelsReprise
Associated acts
Website

Biography

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Wengren has been playing drums since around the age of ten. He attended Curie High School on the Southwest side of Chicago.

He has been quoted as saying that Metallica, Slayer, Judas Priest, Testament, Mötley Crüe, Pantera, Iron Maiden, and Racer X were his strongest influences.

Personal life

On August 31, 2005, before the set closed, frontman David Draiman handed the microphone to Wengren, who invited his girlfriend onstage and proposed marriage to her.[1]

Endorsements

In recent years, Wengren has appeared in advertisements for Pearl Drums, since the Masters Series was his first professional kit purchased from Midwest Percussion the early 1990s. Wengren uses Evans Hydraulic Glass drumheads on all toms and EQ3 heads on both bass drums. He has been added to the Vater Signature line of drumsticks, which now has a Mike Wengren model. Additionally, he uses Sabian cymbals.

His previous tour kit was a 'cranberry fade' Pearl MRX Masters Series drumset with black hardware. Wengren's tour kit in support of the album Ten Thousand Fists was a 'vintage sunburst' variation of the same drumset, also with black hardware.

In 2013 Wengren pursued a side project band, Fight or Flight, in collaboration with Disturbed member Dan Donegan.[2]

In 2015, Disturbed ended their hiatus, releasing their sixth studio album, Immortalized.

Equipment

Indestructible kit

Reference Series Custom painted by Nub Grafix

  • 22x18 bass drum x 2
  • 10x8 tom
  • 12x9 tom
  • 14x11 tom
  • 16x14 tom
  • 18x16 tom
  • 14x6.5 snare drum
  • 14x6.5 steel Reference snare drum

Cymbal Set Up - All Sabians.

  • Chopper 12"
  • AA Metal-X Hats 14"
  • AA Metal-X Splash 12"
  • AA Metal-X Crash 18"
  • AA Metal-X Crash 19"
  • AA Metal-X Chinese 18"
  • 23" Limited Edition OverRide
  • AA Rock Crash 19"
  • AAX X-Treme Chinese 19"
  • AA Metal-X Hats 15"
  • AA Rock Crash 17"
  • AA Rock Crash 18"

Discography

Brawl
  • Demo Tape (1994)

Disturbed

Fight or Flight

Other appearances

Awards and nominations

Loudwire Music Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2015Mike WengrenBest DrummerNominated
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References
  1. "Disturbed Drummer's Onstage Proposal". Blabbermouth. September 1, 2005. Archived from the original on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2010.
  2. "News – Fight or Flight". Disturbed.
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