WALT HAMPTON
Walt's first band was when he was in 2nd grade—a band called The Tigers. Since then, he has played numerous instruments in numerous bands around the northwest. Prior to joining Colorblind, audiences in the Tri-Cities would know him primarily as the guitarist with a couple other Tri-Cities favorites, The Knockdowns, with our own Shelly D, and Groove Principal. What most people don’t know is that guitar is Walt’s second instrument. His first instrument is DRUMS! Walt recently retired after 34 years as a public school music teacher/director. Walt has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in percussion performance, and has played with numerous symphony orchestras in the US, as well as several ethnic groups and countless jazz groups. But his true love is the power, energy, humor and attitude of rock and roll. His early musical influences were Dire Straits, The Police, Queen, ZZ Top and a secret devotion to 70’s & 80’s prog rock and fusion. Walt is also one of the musical directors for the Tri-Cities Steel Band Association, and an international clinician for music educators. He plays Pearl or Mapex drums and Sabian cymbals.