2026 was my first time at the Delaware Drum Show, and it was a very special experience for me. I had heard a lot about this show before – run by my friend Joey „Boom“ Mekler, but being there in person felt completely different. Seeing friends from all over the country that I know from the Chicago Drumshow.
Joined by my dear friend Mario LACKNER, we entered the hall and immediately felt the atmosphere. There were rare vintage snares, beautiful old American drum kits and custom drums. Many of these instruments are older than most of the people in the room, and you could feel that history. This was not just about selling drums. It was about respecting them.
People were talking about shell construction, original parts and production years. The level of knowledge was high, but the tone was friendly.
Joey Mekler – The Person Behind the Show
The strong identity of the show comes from Joey Mekler.
You can see that this event is carefully organized. Exhibitors are selected with care, and the quality standard is high. Originality and authenticity are very important here. In the vintage drum world, trust is everything, and Joey has built that trust over many years.
What I appreciated most was the balance. The show is professional and serious, but it does not feel cold or exclusive. It feels like a meeting place for people who truly love drums. Collectors, builders, professional drummers and young players all share the same space and exchange ideas.
Inspiring Clinics
The clinics were another highlight of the weekend.
Adam Nussbaum gave a clinic about sound, touch and musical communication. He spoke about listening and about playing with intention. His style was subtle and thoughtful, which fit perfectly to the vintage instruments around us. AND my friend Mario and I had the honor to do an interview with Adam which will be released soon.
Gregg Bissonette brought a different kind of energy. He showed technical skill, versatility and a lot of personality.
ADC and the 2-Ply Drumhead
For me, another very special moment was seeing the reaction to the ADC 2-ply drumhead from the Austrian Drumhead Company.
Many visitors were curious about the construction and the sound. When they played it, you could see their surprise. The head delivers warmth, depth and a very controlled response, while still keeping clarity and articulation. It combines tradition with stability in a way that fits perfectly into the vintage drum world.
What made it even more meaningful was that Adam Nussbaum used the ADC 2-ply head during his masterclass. Hearing it in a professional setting, shaped by his touch and dynamics, showed its full potential. The response from Adam and the audience was very positive, and several people came to ask about the construction and concept behind it. For me, this was a proud moment.
Meeting and Interviewing Legends
One of the most meaningful moments for me was meeting Bernard Purdie in person. Seeing him at my first Delaware Drum Show felt almost unreal. He is a living legend whose groove influenced so many recordings and drummers around the world.
During the show, he presented his new book, and I had the opportunity to interview him. Speaking with him was a very special experience. He was open, warm and full of stories from his long career in the studio and on stage. You could feel that he truly loves music and rhythm.
We also had the chance to interview Adam Nussbaum, which allowed me to speak with him in more depth about music and his approach to sound. These conversations made the weekend even more meaningful for me, because I was not only observing the show, but actively participating in it.
More Than Just a Drum Show
The Delaware Drum Show 2026 was more than a marketplace. It was a meeting point between past and present. Historic instruments, world-class drummers and a legendary figure sharing his story all came together in one room.
Under the leadership of Joey Mekler, the show keeps a clear focus on quality, respect and community. Vintage drums are not treated like museum objects. They are still played, discussed and appreciated for their sound.
For my first visit, it could not have been better. I arrived curious and left inspired. I am already looking forward to coming back.
