Mike's band: Man On The Moon
Mike is a man who holds up to his promises. He revealed he was working on putting together a band during our interview with him in 2014. Click here to see what he has to say about this. During the clinic tour he will be playing songs of his band 'Man On The Moon,' featuring Quentin Garcia on bass and Dino Vidovich on guitar. The band released its first EP in 2017, called 'Moore's Law'. The videos Mike recorded are added to this article.

The Gretsch 135th anniversary drum sets
The anniversary drum sets were designed by Gretsch master drum builder Paul Cooper. They have Broadkaster series shells with Exotic Ribbon Mahogany outer ply, finished in either Dark Emerald or Classic Mahogany nitrocellulose gloss lacquer. (A nitrocellulose lacquer actually means: filling the pores in hardwoods, like drums. Nearly every instrument making company uses this technique to harden the wood to make it more sustainable.)

The Gretsch 135th Anniversary drum sets


The 135th anniversary kits feature single-flange 301 hoops with vintage-style claw hooks complete the retro look and add to its signature tonality. Only 135 of these exceptional sets will ever be produced. And these are the ones:

The Dark Emerald 135th anniversary kit
product number: GK-J484-A135
Only 55 sets are available worldwide; 28 in Classic Mahogany, and 27 Dark Emerald.

• 14x18" Bass Drum
  
• 8x12" Rack Tom
  
• 14x14" Floor Tom
  
• 5x14" Snare Drum

The Classic Mahogany 135th anniversary kit
product number: GK-R424-A135
Only 80 sets are available worldwide; 40 Classic Mahogany, and 40 Dark Emerald.

• 14x22" Bass Drum
  
• 8x12" Rack Tom
  
• 16x16" Floor Tom
  
• 6½x14" Snare Drum

The Gretsch 135th anniversary commemorative snare drum
Gretsch also made a 135th snare drum. Each of the 135 5"x14" 8-lug solid aluminum shells were hand engraved by master engraver Eric Sooy. Also coming with the 301 single flange hoops with mini-claw hooks, a Lightning throw-off and snap-in key holder and custom Remo USA-made Permatone heads. With limited snares like this one, a deluxe carrying case was included.

Gretsch 135th Anniversary Mike Johnston Tour Dates

• 17 July: Xiamen, China
  
• 18 July: Hangzhou, China
  
• 19 July: Hefei, China
  
• 23 July: Taipei, Taiwan
  
• 25 July: Bangkok, Thailand
  
• 27 July: Jakarta, Indonesia

"I am so incredibly excited to share my teachings and my enthusiasm for the drums with the amazing people of China, Thailand, Taiwan and Indonesia! More than just grooves and fills, I look forward to introducing the clinic attendees to the many benefits that the drums can bring to your life. My goal for this clinic run is that there is an equal combination of inspiration and information!".
- Mike Johnston

Listen to Man On The Moon
Here's Mike Johnston's band Man On The Moon on Spotify.


Mike Johnston plays

• Gretsch drums
  
• Vater Percussion drumsticks
  
• Aquarian drumheads
  
• Meinl cymbals and percussion

The six drum clinic dates are in association with two of Mikes brands: Aquarian and Vater.