The team here at Gibraltar Hardware regret to learn of the passing of Michael Jackson, “the greatest entertainer that ever lived” as noted by Berry Gordy or Motown Records. The beat was often the pallet for Michael’s presence on the stage, and his vocalizations in the studio. He has danced to the beat of many drummers throughout his career.
Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett (a Gibraltar Artist) was Michael’s primary drummer for most of his live tours, his July 7th 2009 Memorial, and he would have performed with the “This Is It” tour.
He played with the Jackson 5 on The Destiny Tour in 1979, and The Triumph Tour in 1981. For The Jackson’s Victory Tour in 1948, Jonathan had an expensive custom drum rack built (before Girbaltar existed). He then used all Gibraltar hardware for Michael’s History Tour in 1996-97 and Janet Jackson’s Janet Tour in 1993-1994. Jonathan was a close personal friend Michael and reamins close with the entire Jackson family. Michael said Jonathan’s drum rigs are a work of art. Jonathan plays DW kits with Zildjian Cymbals.
If Jonathan Moffett was not available, it seems Ricky Lawson was the next drummer of choice. Ricky plays with a Pearl kit and Paiste cymbals. He toured with Michael on the Bad Tour in 1978-88 and the Dangerous Tour 1992-93. Besides his live drumming skills, Ricky is a respected songwriter, producer, arranger, and session player.
Paulinho Da Costa is one of the most prolific percussion players, and considered one of the most recorded musicians of modern times. He has played on several of Michael’s and The Jackson’s tracks.
Besides playing the legendary beat in “Billy Jean,” Leon ‘Ndugu’ Chancler has also played with artists such as Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis.
Other Michael Jackson tracks Chancler played on were “Baby Be Mine,” “P.Y.T.” , “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” and “Bad.”
Recording engineer Bruce Swedien is responsible for shaping the drum and all other sounds that were heard on Off The Wall, Thriller, and Bad. To the left, is a special cover he made to place over Chancler’s kick to isolate it and give it the distinct, solid sound you can hear in “Billy Jean,” as shown in this Dutch television program about Swedien.
Jeff Porcaro, drummer for Toto, was part of the studio production team that created Michael’s masterpiece album Thriller at Westlake Studio’s Studio A in Los Angeles, Ca. Porcaro worked closely with Quincy Jones and played on five Thriller tracks: “The Girl is Mine,” “Beat it,” “Human Nature,” “The Lady in My Life,” and “For all Time” (an outtake that appeared on the 25th Anniversary Edition). Porcaro also played drums on tracks from 1992′s Dangerous. Porcaro passed away soon after the recording of Dangerous of a heart attack.
John Robinson, originally the drummer for Rufus and Chaka Khan, was asked by Quincy Jones if he would record a session with him. Thus came 1979′s Off The Wall. Since then, he has played on many Quincy Jones’ productions and is a prolific session drummer. John also recorded tracks on 1987′s Bad. John has been playing on Yamaha kits since 1981 and uses Paiste cymbals. Yamaha makes several John JR Robinson Signature snare drums.
Johnny Jackson was the first drummer of The Jackson 5. Joe Jackson passed off Johnny as his newphew, but they were not related. 
Johnny was with the band throughout their entire Motown era. His kit would first display letter decals with the band’s info, and later the iconic J5 heart logo. Johnny Jackson also died tragically in 2006.
Great article I think Paulinho Da Costa is the bomb his solo stuff is great
Thanks for the run downs on these kits. I like that even though this is the gibraltar site they mention the other percussionists.
Michael Jackson is truly the King of Pop. He made a lot of great songs in the area of Pop Music. His death is a great loss to the music industry.
How heartwarming and insightful Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett is on the This Is It DVD extra’s. Michael called him “Foot” all the years they worked together. The 2 disk DVD, only available unfortunately now from Wal-Mart has the extra Extra’s.
MJ in my heart…the legends go on