For some, it’s autographed guitars, vinyl records, or backstage passes that mark the pinnacle of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia. But for David Iozzia, a 66-year-old resident of Old Bridge, New Jersey, it’s drumsticks—specifically, more than 3,400 of them, each one signed by legendary drummers from across the globe. This remarkable collection, built over decades of concerts and encounters with rock royalty, has made Iozzia a well-known figure in the world of music memorabilia collectors.
The Origins of a Drumstick Obsession
It all started back in 1977 when Iozzia was just 19 years old, attending a concert by the British band Be-Bop Deluxe at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey. After Simon Fox, the drummer for the band, broke a stick during the show, he tossed it into the crowd. Iozzia, positioned in the front row, was quick to snatch it out of the air. Little did he know that this seemingly small moment would spark a decades-long passion that would lead to one of the most impressive collections of autographed drumsticks in rock history.
From there, Iozzia’s hobby grew organically. A regular attendee at concerts—often going to as many as 75 shows a year—he would find himself in the front row at gigs, eagerly collecting drumsticks tossed into the crowd by his favorite drummers. But it wasn’t just about the sticks. It was about the connection he forged with the musicians themselves. By the late 1990s, his collection had expanded beyond casual finds to a serious pursuit of autographs.
A New Approach: Social Media and the Power of Connection
In 2000, Iozzia’s collecting took a pivotal turn during a Psychedelic Furs concert in Atlantic City. As the show unfolded, a drumstick fell to the stage floor, and Iozzia motioned for the guitar player to throw it his way. In a surprising move, the guitarist kicked the stick right into his hand. This experience gave him an idea: why not take a more proactive approach and reach out to drummers directly?
With the rise of social media, Iozzia began contacting drummers before their shows, requesting that they sign one of their sticks. To his delight, many were enthusiastic about the idea. “They were all so into it,” he recalls. “The collection just took off.” The more drummers he met, the more sticks he added to his collection. What began as a hobby became an ongoing mission to capture a piece of rock history, one signed drumstick at a time.
Collecting Legends: Iconic Drummers and Their Sticks
Over the years, Iozzia’s collection has grown to include drumsticks signed by some of the most influential drummers in rock history. Among the notable names are Ringo Starr of The Beatles, Mitch Avory of The Kinks, Carter Beauford of the Dave Matthews Band, John Densmore of The Doors, and Chris Frantz of Talking Heads. He also boasts signed sticks from Liberty DeVito, who drummed for Billy Joel, and D.J. Fontana, the man who played with Elvis Presley.
Iozzia’s approach has allowed him to get close to the artists he admires. His interactions often reveal the more personal side of drummers—musicians who are frequently overlooked despite being the driving force behind the sound of some of the world’s most iconic bands. “Drummers are often the unsung heroes,” says Iozzia. “They’re usually in the back of the stage, not getting the same attention as the lead singers or guitarists. But when they see someone appreciate their contribution, you can sometimes see that little glint of gratitude in their eyes.”
A Notable Story: Bruce Springsteen’s Seeger Sessions
Perhaps one of the most telling moments of Iozzia’s devotion to drummers came during the taping of Bruce Springsteen’s Seeger Sessions in Asbury Park in 2006. The show featured Larry Eagle, a folk-rock drummer who had played alongside Springsteen. After the taping, Iozzia had a chance to meet the musicians backstage, where he brought his drumstick for Eagle to sign. To his surprise, Bruce Springsteen himself offered to autograph the stick as well.
Iozzia, however, declined the offer. “It’s all about the drummer,” he explained, reinforcing his belief that the backbone of any band lies in its rhythm section. His decision was a testament to his singular mission: to celebrate the often-overlooked drummers of the world, honoring their contributions to the music that has shaped generations.
The Joy of Collecting: More Than Just a Hobby
For Iozzia, collecting drumsticks is far more than a pastime. It’s a way to connect with the music and the musicians who have shaped his life. His collection represents the culmination of years of dedication, and he views each signed drumstick as a small piece of rock history. The sheer scale of his collection, with over 3,400 sticks, is a testament to his passion and the enduring appeal of live music.
But it’s not just about the sticks themselves. For Iozzia, the true value lies in the personal interactions he has had with the drummers. “I’ve met some of my idols, and I’ve had some incredible experiences,” he says. “It’s the memories that go with each drumstick that make this collection so special.”
A Legacy of Music and Memories
Iozzia’s collection has become a unique and cherished piece of rock ‘n’ roll history. It’s a living testament to the power of music to bring people together, to the timeless appeal of the drum kit as the heart of a band, and to the fans who dedicate their lives to preserving the stories behind the music.
As Iozzia continues to add to his collection, one drumstick at a time, he’s not just collecting memorabilia—he’s building a legacy that honors the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll itself. With each new signature, he’s not just holding onto a piece of music history; he’s helping to ensure that the drummers who made it all possible are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
For those who share Iozzia’s passion for music and memorabilia, his collection serves as both inspiration and a reminder: sometimes the most meaningful connections in rock ‘n’ roll aren’t made through guitars or vocals—but through the unsung rhythm that drives the beat.