Ken Hada Musician. As a photographer, capturing moments through the lens is my passion. But long before I ever picked up a camera, I found my rhythm behind a drum kit. From the early days of Junior High to the late 1980s, drumming was not just a hobby but a driving force in my life.
I was fortunate to learn from some of the best in the business. Rick Latham and Roy McCurdy instilled in me the technical prowess and musicality that would shape my drumming style. However, it was my two drum mentors, Roy Burns and Murray Spivack, who left an indelible mark on my musical journey.
Rediscovering My Rhythm: A Drummer’s Journey
In the late 1980s, fueled by a shared passion for music, I joined forces with members of my High School drumline to form Shoot The Moon. Our band, though never achieving widespread fame, afforded us incredible experiences. Opening for the Pixies on their first US tour remains a highlight to this day.
Despite our modest success, being in a band was an unparalleled experience. We played countless shows across Orange and LA County, appeared on television, received national radio airplay, and produced several CDs.
Ken Hada Musician
However, as life’s responsibilities beckoned, Shoot The Moon took a backseat. I hung up my drumsticks and embarked on other pursuits. It wasn’t until decades later, prompted by unlikely catalysts, that I found my way back to the drums.
John Stamos
John Stamos, in his characteristic charm, convinced me to share my hiatus from drumming in a video. And it was my daughter, Kate Hada, who reignited my passion for percussion. When her show choir needed a drummer, I dusted off my skills and took to the stage once more, bridging the gap between past and present.
The journey from drummer to photographer and back again has been one of rediscovery and reinvention. Though the rhythm may have changed, the beat goes on, echoing through the passages of time and reminding me of the enduring power of music in our lives.