Matt Thompson started played drums at age 8, and played in concert, marching and jazz

bands throughout elementary, middle and high school. After high school, Matt played

professionally on the east coast in dance, rock, and country bands professionally while earning

his liberal arts degree.

A professional playing opportunity arose in Dallas, during which he decided to forego a

scholarship to Berklee to stay in the area and pursue a jazz performance degree from the

University of North Texas.

After graduating, Matt got the job as drummer for heavy metal legend King Diamond and has

been touring the world for 26 years and counting. He has appeared on 5 albums. In between

tours Matt maintains a busy schedule of playing, teaching and recording. Matt has earned one

Grammy nomination, for “Best Metal Performance” for the song “Never Ending Hill” in 2007,

and one adjacent, playing on the song “At the Polkafest” on Brave Combo’s album “Polka’s

Revenge.”