I’m a Hungarian born drummer, living in London since 2006.
When I was about 11, I first started learning to play both four and six strings. Looking back now it was quite useful - but at the time it didn’t really excite me. I had just turned 14 when a friend of mine brought home a drum kit. I went over to his place and when I first heard the sound of a real kit and experienced hitting it, I knew that this was going to be the one. My parents were supportive and full of encouragement so they bought me my first drum kit. My father even lent me a room at the back of his offices to practice. I was over the moon…
Later on I was introduced to a well known and respected Hungarian rock drummer who recognised a talent in me. He took me on as a student and tutored me through the basics and much more.
I continued exploring and following the rock 'n' roll scene in my country, played with a number of bands and gained live and studio experience.
When I turned 22 I decided to take my chances and left my country. My destination was the capital of rock 'n' roll, London.
I formed my first band with a very good friend of mine who I had known since childhood and also living in London, We named it 'Wasted Sinners'. We lived the tough life of an unsigned rock n roll band, rocked venues around town and eventually recorded our first and only EP.
At one of our gigs I hooked up with some guys who were working on a very interesting project with their band Achilla. Their music was a lot different from what I'd been doing before; they wrote more complicated stuff. They had just recorded their first album and needed a drummer to tour with so invited me for an audition. I prepared well, I practiced hell of a lot and still I was nervous; but I got what I went there for. We toured the country, played all kinds of venues, big and small and had a great time together. I loved playing with these guys. After a while the band went quiet. Again, I was on my own but kept on practicing, educating myself, attending jam sessions and filled in for bands occasionally for gigs and recordings.
In the autumn of October 2013, my angels then led me to a place where I discovered some cool new faces and amazing musicians who came together every Sunday night in front of a packed audience to play, under the name of 'Metalworks'. They were playing all the classic rock and metal tunes which I’d always been listening to. I started to go along every week and jumped in to play a couple of songs with them from time to time. Shortly the drum seat became vacant as their drummer was leaving - I was offered the drum stool as their regular drummer. For the first time in my life I felt I was at the right place in the right time. I am now playing on a stage keeping rhythm for musicians from bands such as Uriah Heep and Judas Priest every Sunday.
Whilst I enjoy rocking out those songs now every week, I'm always still hungry to make my own music.
In 2014, a friend approached me wanting to show me the music he was working on, looking to form a new band. He needed a drummer and wanted me. I fell in love with his music and the rest is history. We wrote and recorded a bunch of songs with 2 other dedicated musicians and the new badass band 'KilliT' was born. KilliT's reputation on the London circuit and beyond is growing rapidly, the band going from strength to strength.
Whatever I do, I’m always up for new and exciting projects to be part of. Whether it’s recording, a one off gig or maybe a big tour around the world. I work hard to keep myself in the best possible physical shape, constantly practicing, extending my knowledge and experience to give my very best at every single gig I play and every record I put out.
QUOTES
"Pete is one of the best drummers I've ever performed live with. High energy, technically brilliant, dynamically sophisticated and with incredibly consistent timing - that's why he's called 'The Jean Machine'! He's also great fun; it's a sheer joy to share the stage with him!"
Ben Christo, The Sisters of Mercy
Ben Christo, The Sisters of Mercy
"Being a Bass player, the first guy I concentrate on is the Drummer. Pete Jean is one of my favourite Drummers, he is solid, consistent, and plays with authority, which is very important in any band. I have played with some great Rock Drummers, Pete Jean is one of them."
Davey Rimmer, Uriah Heep
"I've played with many drummers over the years, but with very few really good ones. Pete Jean is definitely one of the really good ones and he's getting better and better! A real talent for the future and a pleasure to do music with."
Matt Pearce, Voodoo Six