Richard Christy

Thomas Richard Christy Jr. (born April 1, 1974) is an American drummer and radio personality, best known for being the former drummer for several heavy metal bands since the early 1990s, most notably Death, and his tenure on The Howard Stern Show.

Born and raised in Kansas, Christy took an interest in rock and heavy metal music in his youth, and started playing the drums at age ten.

He played in several bands while at school.

Thomas Richard Christy was born in Fort Scott, Kansas on April 1, 1974.

His father is a Vietnam veteran.

Christy grew up in the nearby town of Redfield, on a "farm in the middle of nowhere".

Christy's first group was playing in a school band in the mid-1980s which included a position in the school's marching band, playing the snare drum and tympani, which he particularly enjoyed, and wrote a song dedicated to the experience and his teachers named "Forever Marching On".

He passed his school music exams, and played in his first "legitimate" rock group, Syzygy, at around fifteen which involved live gigs in local bars.

Around this time, Christy formed a short lived "joke band", Bung Dizeez, along with Paul Brewer, Gary White, and sometimes Les Henderson.

Their first gig took place "on a hay wagon at a keg party."

The three wore jock straps over their clothes and performing parody songs and Judas Priest covers.

His elder neighbor, a fan of heavy metal music, introduced him to Metal Health (1983) by Quiet Riot which had a considerable effect on Christy.

He recalled, "I heard those drums and that music and was just blown away. I was new to that whole sound ... Quiet Riot felt like the next step up in terms of heaviness".

He proceeded to save up his pocket money to purchase the album on audio cassette.

Albums that influenced him during this time included Stay Hungry (1984) by Twisted Sister and Powerslave (1984) by Iron Maiden.

Christy wished to learn the drums after he heard "Hot for Teacher" by Van Halen, in 1984.

His parents had no issue with his decision, and to this day, they remain supportive of his career.

When he turned ten, his parents bought him his first drum pad and sticks, practicing on it before they purchased his first full professional kit at a junkyard for $100.

Christy bought instructional videos to improve his technique, including tapes from Terry Bozzio.

Later in his development, drummers Dave Lombardo and Pete Sandoval inspired him to play fast.

He was also influenced by drummers Frankie Banali, Mikkey Dee, Bobby Jarzombek, Sean Reinert, and Gene Hoglan.

At fourteen, Christy attended his first concert, seeing Stryper and White Lion.

Christy's music career began in 1992 when he joined the Springfield, Missouri group Public Assassin, and also worked as an electrician.

In 1992, he started playing the guitar.

In 1992, Christy graduated from Uniontown High School in Uniontown, Kansas, where he also lettered in baseball.

In 1992, the 18-year-old Christy decided to pursue music in college in Kansas.

In the week before he was set to begin, he heard one of his favorite bands, Public Assassin from Springfield, Missouri, were looking for a new drummer.

After a successful audition in August 1992, he chose to join them rather than study.

He then moved from his Fort Scott home and into "an old warehouse" in Springfield, and played on "Raw as Fuck", a same-titled mini-CD, and a demo titled Murdered.

They toured the midwest across 1993, playing covers.

As he needed further income to support himself, Christy learned to become a residential electrician.

In December 1993, Christy and Public Assassin guitarist Steve Childers formed a comical group, Skip Skiffington and The Elite, with Skiffington on vocals and Rick Granberg on keyboards.

During this time, Christy played in a "joke punk band" with several friends named Pisser, playing GG Allin and Cocknoose covers.

In 1995, Public Assassin disbanded after Christy and Childers had several differences with singer/bassist Greg Ponder.

In 1996, Christy formed Burning Inside and relocated to Orlando, Florida, where he joined and toured with several popular heavy metal bands until 2004, including Acheron, Death, Control Denied, Iced Earth, and Leash Law.

In 2004, Christy took a break from music and relocated to New York City to join The Howard Stern Show.

He has written, directed, and acted in several home made independent films and has performed as a stand-up comedian.

He returned to music in 2009 when he formed his own metal band, Charred Walls of the Damned.

According to the 2020 census, the town has a population of 90.

He became a fan of Kiss and Meat Loaf from four years old when his aunt introduced him to them and bought him their albums a year later.