Before renowned steelpan artist Tracy Thornton entered the wonderful world of “Pan”, he was very busy being a head banging, stick twirling hard rock drummer who loved to slam dance.
Tracy was the heavy hitting timekeeper for bands such as Tipper Ghore, Soul Society and slammed percussion for highly acclaimed Toxic Popsickle. Tracy's bands toured up and down the US east coast, opening for bands like the Ramones, Pantera, Suicidal Tendencies, Wrathchild and Brittany Fox just to name a few. Playing venues like NYC’s infamous CBGB’s and Lalapalooza Festival 92. All of this before he even thought of Pan.
Since entering the steelpan world, Tracy has performed throughout the continental US, Hawaii, Japan, China, Mexico, Canada, Europe and throughout the Caribbean including many pilgrimages to the birthplace of pan, “Trinidad & Tobago” to perform in “Panorama” and “Carnival”. Tracy was the founder and leader of Been Caught Steelin’ and Sons Of Steel. During SOS’s run, they were the most touring steelband in the country and were lamented as the most exciting steelband in the country due to their highly energetic stage show and Tracy’s smokin’ compositions and arrangements.
Tracy is the founder and CEO of Steel Pandemic Records, LLC and his original and steelpan tribute cds have been sold worldwide. His “Pan For Punks…A Steelpan Tribute To The Ramones” project got him national attention. Tracy was featured in SPIN Magazine, NPR’s show “All Songs Considered”, was voted top 10 for 2006 best album by Global Rhythm Magazine and was given two thumbs up by founding member Tommy Ramone. Tracy was personally invited to open the “Joey Ramone Birthday Bash” in NYC in 2006 by Joey Ramone’s brother and show organizer Mickey Leigh. Tracy has gone on to perform at the “Bash” many times since.
Tracy’s original music has been featured in NCIS LA, Comedy Central’s hit show “Workaholics”, Trini Toon’s cartoon short “De Wild Meat Famalee” just to name a few.
Tracy’s roots in rock music and his love and passion for the steelpan artform have created an unlikely but powerfully blissful marriage. Add that with his exciting, unique and innovative sound with his engaging personality and you have a winning combination that is inspiring a whole new generation of pan players. Tracy has always wanted to gather as many pan players as possible to rock out and show the world that this amazing instrument from the Island of Trinidad and the rock music he grew up on are a natural fit.
Gear Used:
Ensoul Pan Pickup
"It's the perfect getaway to get into the effects world. I can honestly say that from experience. You can put steelpans in your marching band pits now and they can be heard," Tracy said. "It can put on soloists in steelband concerts and have them cut through the band without picking up any of the surroundings. With the addition of using effects, you can get a samell steelband to sound muh larger. The possibilities are endless!"
SOCIAL MEDIA:
