A synthesizer chord hits, as the stage lights blast through the smoke-filled arena. Recognizing the tune, the sold-out crowd leaps to their feet, just in time for the drum groove to kick in. It’s a powerful four-on-the-floor groove with sloshy hi-hats and a slamming backbeat. Delivering that impeccable groove on his custom Gretsch Brooklyn drum kit for the song “Baby I Like It” is none other than drummer and band leader for Enrique Iglesias, Van Romaine. As a guest of Van’s on the Trilogy Tour, I had the honor of witnessing the entire show from stage right, and even climbing up behind Van on the drum riser to capture exclusive video for his Modern Drummer Tour Kit Rundown. In the three days I spent with the tour, I was truly impressed, not only by Van’s infectious drumming, but by his professionalism, assertiveness, and respect for the artist and the gig. […]

April 2024 Issue