Dean Zimmer has been playing drums for over three decades. He's opened for Foghat, Styx, Kansas and Thin Lizzy. He also happens to need a wheelchair to get around.



Born with arthrogryposis, a rare birth defect that severely restricts joint movement in his arms and legs, the 'handicapable' drummer is confined to a wheelchair. But that doesn't stop Dean from rocking out on a drum set.



Nine operations have given him slightly more coordination, but the truth remains: Dean will never walk properly or have full use of his arms. He must rely on effort and practice. With success: his play is consistent and creative. Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth, Ringo Starr, etc) calls Dean "really a musical drummer".



In 1986, after playing with bands in his home town South Dakota, Dean Zimmer decided to make the big trip to California. These days he plays drums every Tuesday night at Club M in Canoga Park, plus the occasional gig. Dean Zimmer is available for musical projects. But you have to rock.