Ian Walling

Ian Walling started playing drums in the small town of Coldwater Michigan, in 1985, at the age of 3. His father, Delbert Walling, who graduated from The Guitar Institute of Technology (currently Musicians Institute) surprised him one evening when he brought home a junior drum set from the music store he was teaching at. Ian was instantly hooked. Growing up with a guitar instructor for a father Ian quickly picked up guitar and bass but was most interested in playing drums, teaching himself by playing along to Beatles records or mimicking the guys his dad would gig with on the weekends.

At the age of 12 Ian and a few friends from school started a band. Mostly playing Nirvana songs and writing a few originals. They were the talk of town playing school dances and backyard parties. At this time Ian also joined school band and excelled in many different styles from marching band, concert band, pep band, and even jazz band which he would stick with all the way through high school.

By the age of 16 Ian had taken over the throne playing professionally in his father's cover band. Playing up to 4 sets a night in local bars, private parties and weddings. On a few occasions Ian would fill in on rhythm guitar and bass as well when needed. Ian was also hired by Tibbits Opera House to play drums and percussion for the professional summer stock musical program.

In 2001 Ian moved to Flint Michigan to join the rock and roll band South Bay Bessie. With SBB Ian went on his first few short US tours and really learned what it was like to be a working diy original band... sleeping in a lot of strange places and eating a whole lot of ramen noodles. SBB released a split 7inch and 1 full length album with Ian on drums produced by former suicide machines bass player, Royce Nunly. Living in Flint Ian found himself volunteering at the famous all ages substance free venue Flint Local 432 where he learned everything from how to promote shows, working the door, loading in bands, changing over gear between sets, miking drums and amps and making contacts with touring bands from all over the world. After 3 years with SBB Ian left the band. He soon got the chance to fill in on drums for Ramallah (members of Blood For Blood, Cold As Life, and Premonitions Of War) playing a few shows on the east coast and mid west.

In 2006 Ian got the call to join The Independents, a full time touring band with a long history including being managed by the late Joey