Tuesday, February 18, 2025

The influential drummer Patty Schemel celebrates 57

Patty Schemel rose to prominence as the drummer of Alternative Rock’s force Hole in the 1990’s

The influential drummer Patty Schemel celebrates 57



Born on April 24, 1967, in Los Angeles, Patty Schemel’s career took flight in the early 1990s, when recommended by Kurt Cobain, she joined the seminal rock band Hole, led by Cobain’s wife Courtney Love (Schemel had been previously considered as a drummer for Nirvana prior to Dave Grohl joined the band.) Her raw energy and impeccable timing quickly became synonymous with the band’s sound, contributing to the success of albums like the 1994 “Live Through This” and 1998 “Celebrity Skin.” Schemel’s distinctive drumming style, characterized by its power and precision, witnessed on songs such as “Violet” and “Miss World”, earned her accolades from fans and fellow musicians alike. Schemel began playing drums at age eleven after her father bought her a drum set, and played music with her brother Larry, who played guitar. Prior to Hole she was in the bands Doll Squad and Kill Sybil, both with a cult following in the Seattle area during the emergence of the Grunge movement.
Schemel’s life and career wasn’t without its struggles. As an openly gay woman in the male-dominated world of rock music, she faced discrimination and adversity. Additionally, Schemel battled addiction, a challenge that would test her resolve and threaten to derail her career. After quitting Hole in 1998, Schemel cut off contact with her family and friends, and became addicted to crack cocaine and was homeless for over a year. Despite these obstacles, she persevered, using her music as a source of strength and solace. In 2004 she joined forces again with Courtney Love for the singer’s debut solo album “American Sweetheart.”
Schemel’s impact extends beyond her work with Hole. Throughout her career she collaborated with artists such as Kurt Cobain, Juliette and the Licks, Imperial Teen, and Death Valley Girls, showcasing her versatility and range as a musician. In addition to her drumming skills, Schemel has also delved into songwriting and producing, further solidifying her place in the pantheon of rock legends. Beyond her musical contributions, Schemel’s story is one of redemption and resilience. She has been open about her struggles with addiction and has become an advocate for recovery and mental health awareness. Through her honesty and vulnerability, Schemel has inspired countless fans to confront their own demons and seek help when needed. She published an autobiography, Hit So Hard:A Memoir, in 2017, that came after the documentary also named Hit So Hard released in 2012, where she tells all about her life, struggles and recover.
Patty Schemel continues to leave her mark on the music industry, both as a musician and as a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction. Her legacy serves as a reminder that strength can be found in vulnerability and that true artistry knows no bounds. As long as there are drums to be played and stories to be told, Patty Schemel will be there, keeping the beat alive for generations to come. More than just a drummer; Patty Schemel is a force of nature whose rhythms have reverberated through the music industry for decades as a testament to her talent, resilience, and determination. Today the artist lives in Los Angeles with her wife Christina and daughter Beatrice.



Look back at the music video for the song “Violet” by Hole, 1994

Watch an interview with Patty Schemel , 2021



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