Mike Rizzi is a passionate, in demand touring/session singing drummer hailing out of Atlanta GA. Touring nationally/internationally for over 30+ years.  Originally from upstate New York, Rizzi’s love for drumming started at the age of 3 and hasn’t stopped touring since he was 15 years old. His touring experiences has brought him all over the world, sharing stages with many legendary acts as support or drumming with the headliner. Rizzi’s welcomed easy going attitude comes with a lot of music industry knowledge, and hours of humorous stories to pass the miles. 

 

Whether it’s Rock, Country, Americana, Heavy Rock, Legacy Acts, Singer-Songwriters, etc., for him, it’s always about complimenting the song with strength and conviction. Rizzi’s well versed with numerous genres of music and is also a strong vocalist with a great sense for harmonies. His stamina and energy live are unmatched, simply because he loves to drum!  Check out his full reel link and all other artists/contact info below that.  

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CURRENTLY TOURING WITH:

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ICONS OF CLASSIC ROCK: 2022-Current

3 + hour show, featuring 7 iconic classic rock singers touring parts of South America/Central America to massive audiences. (FEATURING 7 ICONIC FORMER/ORIGINAL VOCALISTS)  Alex Ligertwood (SANTANA) Wally Palmar (THE ROMANTICS)  Dave Bickler (SURVIVOR) Paul Shortino (QUIET RIOT), Johnny Edwards (FOREIGNER), Dave Evans (AC/DC) Fran Cosmo (BOSTON)

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JOHN DRISKELL HOPKINS (CO-FOUNDER OF ZAC BROWN BAND): 2014-Current
Rizzi’s been drumming over 10 years with his close friend “Hop” and his band. Rizzi has recording many sessions over the years and to date at Hop’s state of the art studio, BRIGHTER SHADE STUDIOS. 
 

MICHELLE MALONE: 2015-Current
American Singer/Songwriter/National Recording Artist (Indigo Girls, Drivin N Cryin, Drag the River) Currently performing with her original band, Canyonland, and the Hot Toddies.  Also contributed all drums and vocals to her upcoming album release ‘Southern Comfort’.  

 

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PAST NATIONAL TOURS INCLUDE: ​
 

• THE SWEET TEA PROJECT (With Ed Roland of Collective Soul)  2013-2018

• TONY LEWIS of THE OUTFIELD  2018-2020

• SONIA LEIGH (Nashville TN)  2010-2012

• FIVE EIGHT (Athens, GA)  1998-2007

• GHOST HOUNDS (Co-Founder Los Angeles, CA)  2007-2010

 

HIGHLIGHTS:
 

FIVE EIGHT:
Opening REM’s Around the Sun World Tour 2004, soon to be featured in full-length documentary called “Weirdo”-The Story of Five Eight in Sept. 2024
 

GHOST HOUNDS:
2 songs featured on ROCKBAND Video Game 2009 

from their debut album Produced by NILE RODGERS/BOB CLEARMOUNTAIN
 

SONIA LEIGH:
Opening ZAC BROWN BAND US TOUR 2011-2012 
 

OTHER TOURS:
REM, ZAC BROWN BAND, ERIC CHURCH, SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, CHEAP TRICK, UNCLE KRACKER, COLLECTIVE SOUL, STYX, WILLIE NELSON, THE SMITHEREENS, GRACE POTTER AND THE NOCTURNALS, FOREIGNER, LORETTA LYNN, DRIVIN-N-CRYIN, BRANTLEY GILBERT, THE KILLERS

 

ICONS OF CLASSIC ROCK:

South/Central American Tours 2022-2024

 

JOHN DRISKELL HOPKINS (ZAC BROWN BAND):

House session drummer at Hopkins Brighter Shade studios. Created offshoot band THE BLOODY WOLVES OF VENICE co-wrote and recorded 6 original songs for the movie ADOLESCENCE. 

 

TONY LEWIS OF THE OUTFIELD:

USA and South American Tour 2018 - 2020

 

THE SWEET TEA PROJECT:
Americana rock/country with 4-part harmonies~ US Tour 2015, opening for LYNYRD SKYNYRD, STARSHIP etc. Performing the NATIONAL ANTHEM for the ATLANTA BRAVES opening day 50th year celebration ATLANTA HAWKS first ever postseason and NASCAR Talladega Speedway 2017.

 

BLACKBERRY SMOKE:
Called to perform a run with the band while Drummer Brit Turner was out with emergency brain surgery 2022.

 

TV/FILM APPEARANCES:
Drummer for DOLLY PARTON’S Netflix series “Heartstrings” Episode 1 “Jolene” 2019
 

FOX SERIES “MONARCH” (Featuring SUSAN SARANDON and TRACE ATKINS) 2022

'ADOLESCENCE' Movie, featuring TOMMY FLANAGAN (from Sons of Anarchy fame)

 

APPRECIATE WHAT REMAINS:
Rizzi’s debut solo album in 2018 was produced by John Driskell Hopkins (of Zac Brown Band) and is a tribute to his son. The music represents his favorite genres, ranging from Rock to Americana, and Folk to Country while incorporating a diverse range of styles. (Crowded House), and Pete Townshend (The Who).‘Great Divide’ and ‘Here’s to All the Years’, two songs from his album were also featured on CMT.