frank gilchriest

About me:

I have been the drummer for the Barbaric-Romantic Power Metal band Virgin Steele since 1995. Being in Virgin Steele has been a dream come true for me. I’ve had the best times of my life recording and touring the world with my Virgin Steele brothers. I'm also very grateful to all the fantastic people I've met along the way. The fans, other bands, promoters and crews have all been incredibly supportive of me. In Virgin Steele I am known as "The Baron" or "The Kraken" or "The Baron Von Kraken".
I was a member of the band Riot from around 2001 until 2007. Like David Defeis of Virgin Steele, Riot’s founder Mark Reale is also a Metal legend and visionary. It was a great experience making “Army of One” with Mark and the guys. I appreciate that their fans accepted me. We had a lot of laughs and played a lot of great shows together all over the world.
I've also recorded CD's and had brief stints with many other bands. One notable example is Holy Mother. Mike Tirelli is the founder and leader of that band. I recorded “Argoaphobia” for Mike and the SPV record label in Hamburg Germany. It was one of the craziest weeks of my life. (and that’s really saying something!) Subsequently, Mike joined with me in Riot and toured throughout Europe, the States and Japan with the band. That Riot lineup with Mike Tirelli, Pete Perez, Mike Flyntz and myself recorded new songs for a possible future release.
As a kid growing up I had a first hand look at my virtuoso friends who eventually became the founding members of Dream Theater, (John Myung, John Petrucci, Kevin Moore). That was an education in itself about what serious muscianship is all about. After High School, I took lessons from many of the leading teachers and drummers on Long Island. I also played in many bands to learn my craft. Spending three years in The Good Rats helped me a lot to become a well rounded player. I've also had great times participating in tributes to AC-DC, Motley Crue, Whitesnake, Aerosmith, Judas Priest, and Pantera. I like to stay busy with drumming. It helps to keep me sane! I play gigs just about every weekend all over the East Coast with many different bands in many different styles. I also have a love for teaching. By sharing my knowledge and experience with others, I like to think that I''m preparing the world for the next Metal invasion.
For the past few years I have been working towards a degree in music education at Queens College in Flushing NY. At the university, I've discovered an entire new world of music and music life that I never new existed. I feel like a kid again as I forge deeper into this new frontier. I'm excited to finish my degree and to see what the world has in store for me next.
So far my life has been a wild and wonderful ride. I thank God everyday for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon me. Thanks for reading about me and thanks for being my friend. br /> All the best to you.
FG

Riot - Army of One
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeCVOpzhWHo

Riot - Thundersteel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rd6_w5Hjn0