Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • Christine McVie's masterpiece
  • Macca vs Phil Collins
  • Music theory tricks
  • Kiss From a Rose
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Yes
  1. Drums

In Pictures: Tommy Lee's Motley Crue drum rollercoaster

News
By Rich Chamberlain
Published 6 February 2012

Up-close and personal with Tommy's amazing drum riser

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

In Pictures: Tommy Lee's drum rollercoaster

In Pictures: Tommy Lee's drum rollercoaster

As Motley Crue continue their reality-defying world tour (stopping off for a run of suitably sinful Las Vegas shows) we've taken a look around Tommy's unbelievable drum rollercoaster riser.

Page 1 of 7
Page 1 of 7
In Pictures: Tommy Lee's drum rollercoaster

In Pictures: Tommy Lee's drum rollercoaster

Tommy's tech Chris 'JC' Dries on creating the drum rollercoaster:

“Viggy [Vignola] did a whole lot of work in Los Angeles. He went to Kevin Bligh at Pearl’s West Coast office and he had all of Tommy’s stuff there. Tommy and Kevin sat for probably two or three days building this kit. Viggy has been with Tommy for years so he had all these weld plates made, special snare stands made, all kinds of stuff. I feel bad I wasn’t part of that but now for our Las Vegas tour we’re doing a lot of crazy stuff too, so I’m involved in all of that.”

Page 2 of 7
Page 2 of 7
In Pictures: Tommy Lee's drum rollercoaster

In Pictures: Tommy Lee's drum rollercoaster

JC: “There’s a lot of elements because everything’s welded down. There’s special weld plates, snare stands that are mounted to the riser that were specially made to fit with Pearl’s hardware. Everything is locked down with lighting safeties all over the riser. It’s an amazing feat."

Page 3 of 7
Page 3 of 7
In Pictures: Tommy Lee's drum rollercoaster

In Pictures: Tommy Lee's drum rollercoaster

JC: "Maxonix make us a zero gravity drum stick holder so those are mounted all over the kit. That makes sure he has sticks when he’s going upside down!"

Page 4 of 7
Page 4 of 7
In Pictures: Tommy Lee's drum rollercoaster

In Pictures: Tommy Lee's drum rollercoaster

JC: "The riser is too big to fit in a sea container so I had to chop everything off at 33 inches and put a lid on it and send it on air freight all around the world. It flies probably better class than I do when I’m flying!”

Page 5 of 7
Page 5 of 7
In Pictures: Tommy Lee's drum rollercoaster

In Pictures: Tommy Lee's drum rollercoaster

JC: “After the show I work with SGPS who do the rollercoaster and the rigging. We take down the rollercoaster in 20 minutes.”

Page 6 of 7
Page 6 of 7
In Pictures: Tommy Lee's drum rollercoaster

In Pictures: Tommy Lee's drum rollercoaster

For much more on Tommy and the drum rollercoaster look out for our huge Tommy Lee cover feature coming in the March issue of Rhythm, on sale 14 February.

Page 7 of 7
Page 7 of 7
Rich Chamberlain
Rich Chamberlain

Rich is a teacher, one time Rhythm staff writer and experienced freelance journalist who has interviewed countless revered musicians, engineers, producers and stars for the our world-leading music making portfolio, including such titles as Rhythm, Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, and MusicRadar. His victims include such luminaries as Ice T, Mark Guilani and Jamie Oliver (the drumming one).

Read more
Chris Payton shows Planet Guitar his Collings I-35, a gift from Bruno Mars
Artists Chris Payton reveals his rig for Bruno Mars stadium shows
 
 
Jimi Hendrix plays his custom Flying V at Isle of Wight
Artists When Jimi Hendrix’s tech had to play his guitar after a wardrobe malfunction
 
 
Jay Weinberg and Bruce Springsteen
Artists Jay Weinberg on the Bruce Springsteen test that left him “deathly afraid” when sitting in with the E Street Band
 
 
Anika Nilles of Rush performs during the opening night of their first American tour in 11 years at The Kia Forum on June 07, 2026 in Inglewood, California
Drummers “I thought, 'I have no idea how I'm learning that'”: How Anika Nilles prepared for the Rush tour
 
 
Dokken
Artists “Metallica are killing us!”: How a hair metal band’s dream gig turned into a nightmare
 
 
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 11: Nikki Sixx (L) of Mötley Crüe performs at GIANTS Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage)
Gigs & Festivals Nikki Sixx admits that Mötley Crue do use backing tapes, but says that the band plays 100% live
 
 
Latest in Drums
Alesis and Zildjian combine
Drums Alesis and Zildjian forge partnership they hope will "raise bar for electronic drums"
 
 
Jimmy Eat World
Artists Jim Adkins and Zach Lind on the making of Jimmy Eat World’s Bleed American
 
 
Jay Weinberg and Bruce Springsteen
Artists Jay Weinberg on the Bruce Springsteen test that left him “deathly afraid” when sitting in with the E Street Band
 
 
A still of Napalm Death performing on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert.
Artists NPR just posted its most brutal Tiny Desk Concert ever as Napalm Death bring grind chaos to the office
 
 
Dave Grohl recording in Hilversum Studios, posed at drums
Artists How Dave Grohl delivered his Smells Like Teen Spirit drum track
 
 
Rear view Donner Groove Ultra kit in a warehouse
Electronic Drums “Despite this minimalist footprint, it’s one of the sturdiest racks I’ve tested in this price bracket”: Donner Groove Ultra electronic drum set review
 
 
Latest in News
MXR M226 Flanger/Doubler
Guitars Dimebag Darrell’s favourite rack unit is reborn as a compact pedal: MXR unveils the Flanger/Doubler pedal – BBD-driven analogue mojo for ‘70s and ‘80s flavours or fatter metal tones
 
 
Boy George attends the British LGBT Awards 2026 at Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square on May 28, 2026 in London, England
Singers & Songwriters “I don’t need gatekeepers”: Boy George says he’ll fire any bandmates who refuse to play his ‘pro Israel’ song
 
 
Anika Nilles (L) and Geddy Lee of Rush perform in concert during the Rush: Fifty Something
Drummers “I haven't really listened to Rush music”: Anika Nilles on her preparation for the 50 Something tour
 
 
bou
Tech "I will be restraining you, sir, if you do not stay seated!": DnB producer Bou samples cabin crew's altercation with angry passenger then invites flight attendant to his show
 
 
Khn de Poitrine of Angine de Poitrine plays live in Belgium, 2026.
Artists How did Angine de Poitrine get so very weird? Khn’s maverick but brilliant guitar teacher might explain a lot
 
 
Abbey Road
Artists The Beatles’ most trusted engineer on their studio tensions
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...