This year marks the 45th anniversary of Steve Smith’s relationship with Sonor drums. Steve bought his first set of Sonor drums in 1977 while touring with jazz-fusion violinist, Jean-Luc Ponty. He played the same Sonor set touring with rock guitarist Ronnie Montrose. The Montrose gig led to his high-profile association with the stadium packing, multi-platinum rockers, Journey in 1978. After joining Journey, Steve became an official Sonor endorser. In addition to playing and endorsing Sonor drums, Steve is one of their top clinicians and is involved in product development. His Sonor signature snare drums and drumsets have been top sellers; there is a plan for a Steve Smith 45th Anniversary snare currently in the works. According to Steve, “My sound is the Sonor sound.” At the height of his success with Journey in 1985, Steve made the bold decision to move on from his Journey superstardom to pursue his interests […]

July 2022 Issue