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In a heartfelt announcement posted on Tower of Power’s social media channels, iconic drummer David Garibaldi revealed that he is parting ways with the influential funk band. The departure is effective immediately, marking the end of a musical era that has spanned over five decades.
The 77-year-old drumming maestro cited the band’s demanding touring schedule as the primary reason for his decision. Having spent a staggering 180 days on the road in 2023, Garibaldi confessed that his body signaled it was time to step away during the European tour last July.
“I always told myself and others that when it’s time to leave the Million Gig March, that I would know. Well, that happened last July as we were nearing the end of our European tour. My body told me and I listened,” expressed Garibaldi in his poignant statement.
Expressing gratitude for his time with Tower of Power, Garibaldi referred to the band as his “school” throughout his on-and-off tenure. Despite bidding farewell to Tower of Power, he assured fans that he’s not hanging up his drumsticks entirely.
“Truth be told, I love my Tower of Power brothers. Everything I know about how to be in a band, I learned there. It’s been my life and my school. I’ve never wanted to be in any other band. For me, this has been a mountaintop experience. What a blessing it has been,” Garibaldi reflected.
Detailing his future plans, the drummer mentioned unpacking his bags, taking a break with his wife to soak up some sun, and then gearing up for new endeavors. Emphatically stating that he is not “retired,” Garibaldi expressed eagerness about what the future holds.
Fellow drummers, including Thomas Pridgen, Shiela E, and Lettuce’s Adam Deitch, joined the chorus of support on Instagram. Questlove of The Roots paid tribute, saying, “Sir. You have changed all of our lives. You taught us the scrolls, we (I) will share the recipes and do you proud. You are literally the best.”
Garibaldi’s departure marks the end of a remarkable journey that began in 1970 when he joined Tower of Power after completing three years of training in the US Air Force. His distinctive drumming style, characterized by complex patterns and a tight pocket, contributed significantly to the band’s success.
After a hiatus in the mid-70s and subsequent rejoining in 1998, Garibaldi remained an integral part of Tower of Power until now. His impact extends beyond the stage, with educational contributions in the form of books and DVDs. Despite the challenges, including a close-call train incident in 2017, Garibaldi’s resilience and passion for music have left an indelible mark on the world of funk.
As the funk legends gear up for a winter tour celebrating 55 years of funk and soul, the question of who will fill Garibaldi’s formidable shoes remains unanswered. Fans can stay tuned to Tower of Power’s website for updates and information on tickets.
David Garibaldi’s departure signals the end of an era, but his legacy as one of the most influential funk drummers of all time will undoubtedly endure, inspiring generations of musicians to come.