The world has lost one of its greatest percussionist. Vic Firth, who was the principal timpanist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra for over 45 years, died on Sunday at the age of 85. Vic was a gentleman, scholar, and a father figure to me and everyone I knew that associated with him in the percussion world. His love and knowledge of drumming, stick and mallet making, and cooking will be an inspiration for generations to come. Vic’s kindness and generosity always shined through. I knew I could call him at any hour and he would call back sharing his wealth of information and help me solve any problem I had come to him with. He will be dearly missed.
Danny Carey
