William Goldsmith | |
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Goldsmith performing in 2000
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Background information | |
Born |
Seattle, Washington, US |
July 4, 1972
Genres | Alternative rock |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instruments | Drums |
Years active | 1992–present |
Labels | Sub Pop, Time Bomb Recordings, Roswell/Capitol |
Associated acts | The Fire Theft, Sunny Day Real Estate, Foo Fighters |
William Goldsmith (born July 4, 1972) is an American drummer best known for being with Sunny Day Real Estate and his tenure with Foo Fighters. Currently drumming for Brawley Banks, he has toured with Mike Watt, IQU, and has recorded and played live with many other bands and artists.
Goldsmith was born in Seattle, Washington to Hugh and Skitty Goldsmith. He began playing drums as a child, after being introduced by his older brother to bands such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Elvis Costello and the Attractions and Talking Heads. Goldsmith has stated that he wanted to be John Lennon, but also a drummer, and has cited Keith Moon of The Who as his biggest influence on the instrument. During fifth grade, Goldsmith formed his first band, Screaming Hormones. In high school, Goldsmith formed a duo called the 13 with John Atkins, and later formed the hardcore punk band Reason to Hate with his friend Jeremy Enigk, whom he had previously invited to be the bassist for the 13. After Goldsmith graduated from high school, Greg Williamson invited him to the band Positive Greed. Afterwards Goldsmith worked on many ensembles, at times being a member of four bands simultaneously. He also expanded his tastes in music, becoming a fan of post-hardcore bands such as Fugazi, and of Nirvana's debut album Bleach.
In 1992, Goldsmith was invited by bassist Nate Mendel and singer-guitarist Dan Hoerner to play with their band. Despite being a part of many projects, Goldsmith accepted due to their tenacity and strong focus. The band went through many names, such as Empty Set, Chewbacca Kaboom and One Day I Stopped Breathing, before settling down on Sunny Day Real Estate. Afterwards the trio recorded a single, Flatland Spider.