Big name drummers confirmed for Music Live 2009

It's probably safe to assume that you've noticed those big colourful Music Live banners each side of the page by now? Yes, the excellent music-making event at Birmingham's NEC is edging nearer (6-8 November) and we've got the skinny on the big names who'll be gracing 2009's event with their talented presence…

Ace groover Jerry Brown and legendary Brit sessioneer Neal Wilkinson both appear courtesy of London Drum Company and Malakai drummer/BIMM tutor James Hester will be partnering up with Ocean Colour Scene bass player Damon Minchella for a rhythm section workout in the Clinic Room.

They'll be joined by metal master Jason Bowld, Wildhearts' Ritch Battersby, Young Drummer Of The Year 2009 Richard Rayner and Robin Guy, who'll also be performing with the Burningbeat Boys (alongside Cradle of Filth's Nick Barker, Matt Goom, Jonno Lodge and Neil Hutton) Saturday night on the live stage.

Jason Bowld's new band, They Fell From The Sky (fronted by Hundred Reasons' Colin Doran) also make their live debut on the Friday night while the epic Titans Of Tribute show rounds off the weekend with a recreation of the classic Donington Monsters of Rock line-up from 1988… in tribute band form! Hulloween, UK Guns n'Roses, Megadeth UK, Yankee Rose, Dressed To Kill and Hi-On Maiden are set to raise the roof.

As if that wasn't enough, the Hellfire Festival will be storming the live stage every evening of the event with a varied line-up covering everything from Saxon, Fields Of The Nephilim and Anvil to Sylosis and Blakfish.

For more details and to book tickets, check out Music Live's official site.