Quick Facts
Biography
Matthew "Matt" Letley (born 29 March 1961) is an English rock drummer, most recently in the English rock band, Status Quo.
Career
Letley attended Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, in Rochester, Kent. His first recordings, with his brother Mark's progressive rock band Sindelfingen, were made when he was only 12; a live track including him was added to a CD reissue of their rare album Odgipig (he joined after the recording of the original album). As a drummer he played for a number of well-known artists, including a-ha, Bob Geldof, Vanessa Mae, Hank Marvin and Kim Wilde. In April 2015 Matt Letley produced and recorded drum section for the song of Russian alternative rock band 208 Talks of Angels.
Having joined Status Quo in 2000, his first tour with the band was in Germany. In 2006, Letley was part of Status Quo's Just Doin' It tour. Since joining the band Letley often performed a drum solo, 'The Killer', as part of the song "Gerdundula". When "Gerdundula" was dropped from the Quo set, his solo was typically performed during "In the Army Now".
On 17 December 2012 Letley announced, via his website, that he would be leaving Status Quo after 12 years. His final concert was on 19 December, at The O2 Arena as the final date of the band's 2012 winter tour.
Equipment
Letley is endorsed by Noonan Custom drums, Paiste cymbals, Remo heads, Vic Firth drumsticks and Hardcases cases.
Drums: Noonan Custom
- 24x16" Bass drum
- 14x5" Snare drum
- 10x8" Rack tom
- 12x9" Rack tom
- 14x11" Floor tom
- 16x14" Floor tom
Cymbals: Paiste
- 15" Signature Sound Edge Hi-Hats
- 16" 2002 crash
- 17" 2002 crash
- 20" 2002 Power ride
- 17" 2002 Wild crash
- 18" 2002 Wild crash
- 19" 2002 Wild crash
- 14" Rude Hi-Hats
- 20" 2002 Novo china
- 8" Signature bell
- 8" 2002 splash
- 10" 2002 splash
Hardware: Drum Workshop and Pearl Drums
- Pearl Icon Rack with Pearl cymbal arms
- DW 9000 Pedals