Matt Sorum

Early Life

Matthew William Sorum was born on November 19, 1960, in an unincorporated area of Orange County, California, which later became Mission Viejo. His passion for drumming ignited at the young age of four when he watched Ringo Starr perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. Influenced by legendary drummers such as Ian Paice and Keith Moon, Sorum honed his skills throughout his school years, participating in various bands including the jazz band and marching band at Mission Viejo High School. His early career saw him playing with local bands and touring with a blues guitarist across the country.

Career Highlights

Sorum's big break came in 1988 when he joined Y Kant Tori Read, a band led by the then-unknown Tori Amos. Shortly after, he became the live drummer for The Cult during their 1989/1990 tour. His career skyrocketed when he joined the iconic hard rock band Guns N' Roses, recording three studio albums and contributing to their legendary sound. Following his time with Guns N' Roses, he became a member of the supergroup Velvet Revolver and collaborated with various artists, including Billy Gibbons. Sorum has also released two solo albums, "Hollywood Zen" in 2004 and "Stratosphere" in 2014, and was involved in projects like Kings of Chaos and Deadland Ritual.

Personal Life

On October 12, 2013, Sorum married his longtime girlfriend Ace Harper in Palm Springs, California. The couple welcomed their daughter on June 11, 2021. In a notable lifestyle change, Sorum became a vegetarian in 2014, reflecting his commitment to health and well-being.