Paul Bostaph

Paul Bostaph
Bostaph with Slayer in 2013.
Background information
Birth name	Paul Steven Bostaph
Born	(1964-03-04) March 4, 1964 (age 53) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Genres	Thrash metal, progressive metal
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Drums
Years active	1984–present
Associated acts	Exodus, Forbidden, Slayer, Systematic, Testament
Website	Official website

Paul Steven Bostaph is a heavy metal drummer currently performing for the thrash metal band Slayer. His drumming career began in 1984, when he was 20 years old, and he has since worked with bands like Forbidden, Exodus, Systematic, and Testament. Metal-Rules.com describes Bostaph as "a true professional and one of the best drummers on today's metal music scene."

Bostaph's first interest was to play bass guitar but he decided to play drums because he found a drum kit cheaper than a bass. He approached rock music listening to The Beatles and The Beach Boys, but AC/DC got him into rock drumming. He bought his first drum kit at 15 and, after listening to Killers by Iron Maiden, he wanted to become a metal drummer. Other influences include bands like ELO, Blue Öyster Cult and Black Sabbath. His biggest drumming inspirations are Phil Rudd, Clive Burr, Tommy Aldridge, Nicko McBrain, Cozy Powell, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Smith, Dave Lombardo, and Tommy Lee.

Bostaph attended Newark Memorial High School, in Newark, California. He had a strong dislike to his schooling years as he thought, "I felt I had enough to get me through every day life, why do I need more?" He was interested in sports and towards the end of his first year, his interest in music began, and he got a job, which took priority over his schooling.