Tim Smith joins the ranks of Phil Collins (Genesis) and Fred LeBlanc (Cowboy Mouth), as drummer, lead singer and co-arranger for a ground-breaking rock ‘n roll band. Founder and leader of The Killdares, Tim Smith is a native Texan with true Celtic roots. While a fan of traditional Celtic music, his affinity for the grit and cutting-edge nature of rock and punk inevitably led him to begin putting together a group of like-minded musicians, who wanted to stretch the boundaries of contemporary musical expression. The result – The Killdares!!!


  HOMETOWN:
Irving, Texas


  FIRST GIG AS A MEMBER OF THE KILLDARES?March 1996 - Founding member since the beginning.  8 Years and running.


  MAIN INSTRUMENT:
Drums, lead vocals...Once in a blue moon I'll thump a bodhran.

HOW DID YOU EVER BEGIN TO PLAY MUSIC? WHO INSPIRED YOU?
As a kid I worshipped KISS drummer Peter Criss, the most underrated drummer in the world. My older brother played a big part too, because he had flash, flare, and attitude. 

My father, because he had all the records. Plus...my brother left me the drum set (which my father bought) once he moved on to guitar. Hand-me-down clothes, and hand-me-down instruments. The curse, yet comfort of being the younger brother.


  IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO PLAY WITH ANY OTHER MUSICIAN OR GROUP, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I had the pleasure of meeting Dave Sharp, guitarist for The Alarm, in the summer of 2002.  After an intimate discussion (and a few pints) about playing music for the love and spirit of it, I left the pub hoping that someday I would be able to share the stage with the man (and band) who provided such pivotal songs for me growing up in the 80s.  Songs like "The Stand", "Marching On", "Blaze Of Glory", "Strength", and "Spirit of '76" will never age for me.

In the early days, we used to wear kilts (sometimes still do).  For a drummer, this is a risky move, given the fact that I'm seated!  Perfect opportunity for all the lady-friends to see up my skirt.  Therefore, I had to break rank and wear plaid boxers.  I was always very conscious of this.  Except on the night that I ran to the edge of the stage to whip the crowd into a frenzy during the climactic part of a song.  Knowing I had "protection" underneath, I freely proceeded to prop my leg up on the monitor, clicking my sticks away, kilt flapping in the wind.  I didn't really mind the fact that someone might see my underwear under there.  Well, little did I know, but the boxers had broken rank themselves.  Translation:  RRRRRRIP!

That night I showed my world to everyone - and didn't even know it until the show was over!


  HOW DO YOU PASS THE TIME ON THE ROAD?
Sleep. We work with each other to write new songs.


  WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU AREN'T PLAYING MUSIC?
Play soccer.
Backyard Bocce, with a beer in the other hand for balance.
Sleep.


  WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ALBUMS OF ALL TIME?

WHAT'S IN YOUR CD PLAYER RIGHT NOW?

• "Pablo Honey " Radiohead
• "Parachutes" Coldplay
• "More Fun In The New World " X
• "Car Wheels On A Gravel Road " Lucinda Williams
• "Comic Strip " Serge Gainsbourg

  WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE MOVIES?