Marco Pitruzzella Talks About Joining Six Feet Under

Six Feet Under have parted ways with drummer Kevin Talley. However, the transition for the new drummer will be near-seemless, as he is a former band member of bassist Jeff Hughell. Marco Pitruzzella has officially joined the ranks of SFU and will make his debut appearance with the band this Saturday in Memphis, TN at Scion Rock Fest! For info on the fest, including the full line-up, visit scionav.com.

Chris Barnes discusses the lineup change: “I’m proud to announce a new addition to the ranks of Six Feet Under. Replacing drummer Kevin Talley is our new friend and cohort, Marco Pitruzzella. Marco has worked with Jeff Hughell in their former band, Brain Drill, and is such an amazing talent and great guy. I’m very excited having him in the band and can’t wait to take the stage with Marco this Saturday in Memphis for Scion Rock Fest!"

Sick Drummer Magazine interviewed Marco last night about the new gig and here's what he had to say:

SDM: What have you been up to since your move to Washington?

Since I’ve moved up here I’ve been doing the same thing I’ve always done: working and taking care of my kids, and trying to record for death metal bands. But moving to Washington was a very good decision for my family, since California (bay area) was just too expensive to live. We didn’t want to rent forever, so being able to own a home is a great feeling, especially when you have kids.

SDM: Are you giving any lessons?

I am! I’ve always been about helping people out via myspace/facebook, like whenever I get messages about drumming I always give them tips. But now I can interact and show people via Skype or Google+. Just go to www.lessons.lordmarco.com to schedule an hour of my time focused on any and all of your drumming/music questions.

SDM: Any plans for another DIY DVD?

I would love to make another DVD, but currently do not have the time to do it. I have been very busy juggling moving, work, and my kids. I am hoping I will (somehow) to be able to make another DVD in 2014. I also would want to make it a more professional looking DVD as well as it showing me mostly on my acoustic kit.

SDM: How did you learn of the SFU position? Was it due to your relationship with Hughell?

Jeff texted me 5 days ago, stating “I know it may be a far fetch, but 6FU is in need of a new drummer.” Jeff and I have been friends ever since we first met and played in VILE together in 2005. So he knows all about my hectic family, work and lifestyle. I have pretty much been waiting for an opportunity like this for a while now. Just last year Dino called me up and asked me to try out for Fear Factory, but sadly I didn't get that position. So… I am VERY excited to be involved with a good touring band again!

SDM: Did the band want to hear you playing their stuff before agreeing to bring you on board?

Honestly, no. I met Chris Barnes last year when they came through Seattle and he had mentioned he was a fan of my work in Brain Drill. Jeff was a great reference for me and basically Chris knows I am the real deal.

SDM: Is this a temporary position?

Nope. I am hoping I can stay with them for as long as possible. I was a fan of 6FU when I was a young teenager just getting into death metal. I even mentioned to Jeff last year, “If they ever need a drummer to contact me first.” Haha didn’t realize he really WOULD! But still, everything is up in the air in terms of how long exactly I will stay.

SDM: Are you worried the SFU material will be less than challenging for you, due to your normal projects and speeds?

I look at this situation as an opportunity to play and practice a style I normally don’t play and the way I see it, I will also able to be more creative. I will continue playing for my regular bands: Neurogenic, Anomalous (and continue to record for many other bands: Slam Coke, Gurglectomy, Abuse) Playing fast is my passion, but I don’t mind rocking out either!

SDM: Have you ever been in a similar, slower project?

Yes. One of my previous bands called NUMA; we played rock with a metal twist. It was basically Incubus meets Slayer. We tried to get “heard” but it obviously never happened.

SDM: How much time have you had and will you have to practice the material? Will you get to jam with the band before your first show?

As soon as I got off the phone with Chris, I started practicing all the songs. Thank god for Youtube – the first few days of practicing I was literally practicing to LIVE footage of Six Feet Under from last year (since they play songs slightly different live). I am still currently working 40 hours this week at my regular retail job, juggling kids… but luckily my wife has been here supporting me and helping out a lot too! I basically practice for a couple hours a day (while she takes the kids out of the house) it helps out a lot without having distractions. The show will be our band practice! Haha I’m only a little bit nervous because I have been in this same situation before.

SDM: What gear are you playing these days?

Ugh… my gear sucks (besides my Axis pedals that I’ve had for 8 years). I use a bunch of random cymbals and I’ll be using a backlined kit. So I am on the lookout for endorsements! Please if you work for cymbal or drum company, find me, and help me out!

SDM: Anything else to talk about?

While all of this is going down, my wife is pregnant with our 3rd child. The due date is next week! And even if she goes into labor while I am at the show this weekend, the show must go on! She was actually the one who told me to tell Jeff that I can join Six Feet Under. (You know you married the right person when they will always support you!) Got to keep on blasting!

SFU Tour Dates:

06/01 Memphis, TN Scion Rock Fest

06/20 St. Goarshausen, DE Metalfest

06/21 Clisson, FR Hellfest

06/22 Dokkum, NL Dokk’em Open Air

w/ Decrepit Birth, Cannabis Corpse, Dealey Plaza

07/10 Houston, TX Fitzgerald’s

07/11 Austin, TX Dirty Dog

07/12 Oklahoma City, OK Chameleon Room

07/13 Dallas, TX Trees

07/14 Santa Fe, NM Sol

07/15 Flagstaff, AZ Orpheum Theater