The NAMM International Fastest Drummer was again a feature at the 2004 NAMM Winter Session in Anaheim, CA.
The highly charged interactive event sponsored by THE MUSIC EDGE.COM, NAMM's new teen promotional
initiative, was open to everyone attending. The contest, which consists of two categories, Fastest Hands and
Fastest Feet, started Thursday, January 15th with all contestants scored on playing single strokes (no bounces,
presses or buzz) for 60 seconds as recorded by the Drumometer. Over 200 preliminary contestants competed in
qualifying 'heats' through Saturday. Spectators were also treated to appearances by the godfathers of funk, Clyde
Stubblefield and John "Jabo" Starks (James Brown), as well as Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz (Weird Al Yankovic) and
rockers Bobby Rondinelli (Blue Oyster Cult, Rainbow, Black Sabbath), Jerry Mercer (April Wine), Glen Sobel
(Beautiful Creatures), and Michael Brahm (Gene Loves Jezebel).

On Sunday, January 18th, a 'Finals Battle' of both categories was held on NAMM'S main stage. Johnny Rabb, who
astonished the audience as he demonstrated some serious chops and grooves while playing a 'cocktail' kit, hosted
the event. Additionally, WFD champions Mike Mangini, Jotan Afanador, Tim Waterson, Seth Davis, and Art Verdi
amazed the audience with their technical demonstrations.

Additionally, Mike Mangini and Jotan Afanador battled to set a New World Record for Matched Grip single strokes.
First Jotan broke his existing record of 1,165 single strokes with a new record of 1,177. Not to be out done, Mike
soon topped Jotan's score and became the new World's Fastest Drummer when he played a breath-taking 1,180
Matched Grip single strokes in 60 seconds. Mike Mangini truly has proven to have The World's Fastest Hands as
he has set World Records for the fastest Matched Grip, Traditional Grip, and Bare Hands (no sticks) single strokes
in 60 seconds!

Bill Meligari of High Bridge, NJ won The Battle of the Hands with 1,019 single strokes in 60 seconds, while 2nd
place went to Jesse Hoy with a score of 1,015 and 3rd place was Steve Dow at 984. Winner of The Battle of the
Feet contest went to Mike Duncan of Canyon County, CA with a foot score of 782 single strokes in 60 seconds.
Second place went to Ramon Ochoa with a score of 760 and third place went to Simon Johnson with a score of 742.
Also competing in the Battle of the Hands was 9 year old Steve Meligari - the youngest athlete to ever qualify for a
Finals competition.

Over $10,000 in prizes were provided by Pearl, Meinl, Pro-Mark, Axis pedals, Remo, Thumpers bass drum pillows,
Drumometer, Mad Player, Warner Bros., Grip Peddler, laser engraver Tim Byrd, and DRUM! magazine.