If you’ve ever attended a metal show, chances are the drummer were using this man’s sticks…

Sadly at the age of 85, drumstick pioneer Everett ‘Vic’ Firth has passed away leaving behind a legendary drumstick company that musicians such as Vinnie Paul Abbott (Hellyeah / Pantera) and Matt Garstka (Animals as Leaders) have endorsed.

The company’s Facebook page released a statement of his passing:

“To our dear friends around the world: We are heartbroken to share the news with you that Vic has passed away.

“Vic was an inspiration to all of us. He was a visionary, a mentor, a leader and a friend. He always said he surrounded himself with the best people, but the truth is he brought out the best in all of us. His boundless passion for music and musicians drove every decision he made.

“Vic’s spirit and legacy will continue to live at the core of the Vic Firth Company. He will be missed beyond words.”

“It was not only the quality of drumsticks, it was the lack of variety of drumsticks that were being offered,” he said in an interview.

“A drumstick has a configuration that gives it a response on the cymbals and on the drums.

“Its shape has an effect on the quality of the sound and even slight variations in the manufacturing process can greatly influence the result.”

RIP Vic, a fine drumstick you made, and a legion of metal drummers you have continued to run.