Doug Lippi

Doug Lippi fell in love with drums when he was in the 4th grade, at the time that his older brother started taking guitar lessons. He had always loved building and hiding in forts, so having a big “fort” of a drum set like Peter Criss from KISS seemed appealing! Doug began taking drum lessons from local hero, Bob Firpo, at Wollmer’s Music in San Mateo, California. After a few years, the other music instrument teachers at the store assembled an “all-star” band of their students and we all happily played local middle schools under the band name, HOTT. It was fun, but short-lived as the guitarist left to start his own band with some of his other friends. Fond memories!

Winning over hundreds of auditionees, Doug earned for the sole open percussion spot in the San Francisco Youth Orchestra at sixteen years old. He was soon mentored at the Conservatory by San Francisco Symphony’s lead percussionist to take the next open chair position in the symphony. While performing at Davies Symphony Hall was a very special honor—Doug wanted to rock!

Doug opted out of continuing on with the SF Symphony program, and soon he helped found Headhunter Label recording artist, Carlos, who made four albums and toured the country. Packing local clubs such as Slim’s, Paradise Lounge, and the Bottom of the Hill—Carlos received the 1997 SF Bay Guardian Band of the Year award. Deciding to quit at their peak, Doug married a groupie and took time off to raise his family. Now, with none of his kids pregnant or in jail, he has considered that a success and is ready to rock again!

A fan of the band Journey since he discovered his older sister’s “Escape” tape in 1982 while sneaking around in her room, Doug is a perfect fit as the drummer for EVOLUTION – The Ultimate Tribute to Journey.