Stephen Perkins is an acclaimed drummer, percussionist ,Composer Music Director, Music superviser and longtime force in the Los Angeles music scene. Born in Los Angeles on September 13, 1967.Stephen picked up his first pair of drumsticks at just eight years old, beginning a lifelong journey that would take him from the legendary clubs of Los Angeles to stages, recording Studios, film sets, and drum communities around the world.
In 1986, Perkins became a founding member and drummer of jane‘s addiction, helping to find the bands, distinctive sound and becoming part of one of the most influential alternative rock stories of the era. His work with Jane’s addiction has earned five Grammy nominations, with recordings released through Warner Brothers records and Capitol records.
Stephen’s musical career has extended far beyond jane‘s addiction. From 1991 to 1993, he played drums with Infectious grooves, recording during a period when the band was associated with EMI music. He started in 1993 the band Porno for Pyro‘s, receiving two Grammy nominations with Warner Brothers records.
In the mid 90s, Perkins formed Banyan, an adventurous musical project that explored improvisation, percussion, alternative rock, and experimental music. With original members Mike Watt, Nels Cline, Mark Nishita.
Banyan release three records and association with EMI music.
1999-2000 toured as drummer for Tommy Lee’s Methods of Mayhem
In 2006, Stephen co-created The Panic Channel which released one record through Capitol records.
In 2016, Stephen was invited by Nikolai Fraiture , bassist of the Strokes, to join Summer Moon on tour, where he played drums with the band. His relationship with the group continued beyond the tour, and Stephen later return to the studio to record drums on songs for Summer Moon’s Casino Days EP, adding another chapter to his remarkable history of music collaboration and exploration.
Stephen continues to perform with bands HELLRIDE, The Halloween Jack, THINK:X. Banyan and many others constantly on stage somewhere.
As a highly sought after Session drummer and percussionist, Perkins has recorded and performed with an extraordinary range of artists, including Sheryl Crow, Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot chili peppers, No Doubt, Nine Inch Nails, Peter Murphy, Jewel, Love and Rockets, Rob Wasserman, and many others.
His work has also brought him into creative collaborations with legendary producers, musicians, and artists including Matt Serletic , Rick Rubin, Sylvia Massey, Wayne Kramer, Robby Krieger, Tyler Bates, Jonathon Elias, Blake Neely, Bob Ezrin, Rich Costey Dave Jerden and countless others.
Perkins talents extent beyond performing. He has worked as a composer, Music Director, and Music superviser, while also making screen appearances and contributing to projects including Exit to Eden, MacArthur Park, Black Russian, Count Me in, and Let there be Drums.
A passionate educator and ambassador for percussion, Stephen has participated in countless drum clinics, master classes, drum circles, and instructional videos. He has also hosted the Guitar Center Drum Off seven times, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with generations of aspiring drummers.
His contributions to music have been recognized with a star on the Hollywood walk of Fame in Los Angeles as a member of jane’s addiction. He has also left his handprints and cement in front of the Guitar Center on Sunset strip, forever, connecting his name with one of Los Angeles’s most iconic musical landmarks.
Through decades of recording, touring, collaboration, education, and innovation, Stephen Perkins has remained much more than a drummer. He has a creative force, Music, explorer, mentor, Composer, and passionate advocate for the power of Rhythm.
Above all, Stephen is a father and husband, whose greatest legacy extends beyond Music and into family, community, and the generations of musicians he has inspired.
Band members names – Jane’s Addiction :
Eric Avery, Dave Navarro, Perry Farrell
Band members names- Infectious Grooves :
Mike Muir, Rob Trujillo, Dave Kushner
Band members names – Porno for Pyros:
Martyn LeNoble, Peter DiStefano, Perry Farrell
Band member names – The Panic Channel:
Dave Navarro, Chris Chaney, Steve Isaacs
Band members names – The Halloween Jack:
Gilby Clarke, Eric Dover, Daniel Shullman
Band members names-Think :X
Scott Page, Norwood Fisher, Derek Day, Roberta Freeman, Kenny Olson
Band members names-HELLRIDE :
Mike Watt, Peter DiStefano
2024- became board member and music teacher for the Watts Conservatory of Music