Kurt Custer's journey into the world of professional music seemed destined. California born in 1964 into a musically inclined family, he grabbed his first pair of drumsticks when he was still in diapers. By his fourth birthday, he was already keeping steady time to 45rpm records of 1960's pop and rock bestsellers. His talent evident, Kurt began amazing family and friends with impeccable timing, creativity and overall drum-kit expertise.

Among his earliest influences, Custer lists Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, whose virtuoso performance on the "Tonight Show" he remembers rarely missing. As his exposure to popular music grew, so did his appreciation for the styling of John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell, Ginger Baker, Roger Taylor, Stewart Copeland and others.

Over the past 20 years Kurt has played professionally, continuing to relentlessly hone his skills. Custer has toured extensively in North America and overseas. His first national recognition came with the Southern California band Little America, which recorded two albums for Geffen Records Little America (1987), Fairgrounds (1989). During this time, his talent became critically acclaimed with his performance on Steve Earle's Copperhead Road (1988), which subsequently went Gold in the U.S. and Platinum in Canada.

Soon after, members of the southern rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd recruited Custer to perform on their new recordings and worldwide tour. His rock-solid and expressive drumming helped the band re-establish its memorable sound on the Atlantic releases Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991 and The Last Rebel (1993). With Skynyrd, Kurt's creative input extended beyond the drum set. On both recordings, veteran producer Tom Dowd worked with Kurt in arranging the songs, along with guitar legend, Ed King. The Dowd-Custer-King arranged 1991 album quickly achieved Gold status.

Custer left Skynard in 1994, and settled in Nashville to continue his abilities as a songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist. He and longtime partner Andy Logan combined efforts to produce the self-titled recordings Custer & Logan (1994). Once again Kurt flexes his musical talents on all of the recordings.

In 1996, Steve Earle returned from his musical hiatus to rejoin with Custer for the recording of his new album and world tour. Kurt's signature drumming and backing vocals on Steve Earle's I Feel Alright (1996) rocketed another success.

Custer's latest CD, Peaceful Lunatic, is a blend of his diverse musical influences and life experiences merged into a meticulous and well crafted self-portrait. Kurt is planted firmly at the helm of Peaceful Lunatic. A dream command as artist, writer and producer on a sea of his own musical expression.

The underlying foundation of Kurt's music is his drum work. Defined, articulate and supportive to the individuality of the artist. This is the hallmark of Kurt Custer's playing.

"I'm a song-oriented drummer who plays what's best for the song. I also like to be flashy and when successfully combined... it's the best of both worlds."

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