Gary Young (drummer)

Gary Young was born in Mamaroneck, New York. His father was an engineer in the plastics business with deep knowledge of carbon fiber. He worked with Ned Steinberger in the development of the construction of his electric bass.[1]

Young struggled with alcohol which often affected his live performances and behavior during his tenure with Pavement. He became sober in 1998.[2]

Stephen Malkmus (vocals, guitar) and childhood friend Scott Kannberg (guitar, vocals) formed Pavement in Stockton, CA in 1989. Their first EP, Slay Tracks (1933-1969), was recorded at a local studio called Louder Than You Think, which was owned by Young, who appeared on the EP. Young would also appear on their next two EPs, Demolition Plot J-7, and Perfect Sound Forever, released in 1990 and 1991, respectively, as well as their 1992 debut album, Slanted and Enchanted. Young began gaining the band a degree of notoriety with his on- and offstage antics. He was noted for greeting the audience at the door, giving out cabbage, mashed potatoes, or cinnamon toast to fans, and for doing headstands.[3]

His last release as a member of the group was the EP Watery, Domestic. He later appeared on two Spiral Stairs tracks on the Major Leagues EP.

He was fired from Pavement in 1993 due to conflicts with Malkmus and the rest of the band.

After his time with Pavement, he later released three albums, Hospital, Things We Do for You, and The Grey Album under the name Gary Young's Hospital.[4] The music video for the song "Plant Man" was featured in the Beavis and Butthead Season 5 episode "Skin Trade."

He owns a state of the art recording studio, which features many fancy amps and microphones, and has a remote control in his backyard.[5]

Gary Young also developed and patented the Universal Shock Mount used for microphones. Making them each individually himself, he has sold over 13,000 units to distributors and online.[6]

He was ranked #42 of the 50 Greatest Rock Drummers by Stylus Magazine.[7]