Adelaide accountant wins top drumming title: Anthony Ranieri qualifies for Drum-off Global

An Adelaide accountant is on the cusp of being crowned the world’s No. 1 drummer after sticking it to his Aussie competition. Watch him play here.

By day, Anthony Ranieri is an accountant at a State Government agency. At night, he pursues his passion as a drummer.

However, taking out top spot in a national drumming competition – and securing himself a major sponsor in the process – might just put his bean-counting on the backburner.

The 32-year-old self-taught musician is now vying to be No 1 in the world, with his Australian win qualifying him to compete against more than 150 others.

“My Dad was a drummer and I grew up with it. I just gravitated to it,” he said.

“I would see the old man on the kit and thought it would be pretty fun.

“I learnt by jamming away to records, whatever Dad had lying around – Led Zeppelin, classic rock albums.”

DECEMBER 24, 2020: Anthony Ranieri, an Adelaide accountant, will represent Australia in a national drumming competition after taking out the national title, and securing himself a sponsor in the process. Pictured in Hindmarsh Square. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Anthony, who picks up a sponsorship with cymbal-maker Red Cymbals, said the win could change his life and help him turn professional.

“Basically, drumming was my passion but I was a realist (on leaving school) and knew I had to get myself a real job,” Anthony, of Hectorville, said.

“It would mean the world to me if I could do this as a full-time living.

“I couldn’t believe it (when I heard I won). I really just put something together at the last minute and never in a million years thought I’d be a finalist, let alone win. I was in disbelief for about a week.”

Given COVID-19 restrictions, four-minute solo performances had to be submitted online to judges. The global competition will be judged the same way.

“I want to do more work and get involved in more bands, so this has been a kick up the backside to do more with my music,” Ranieri said.

The winner of Drum-off Global will be announced in January.