Patrick Leonard Whalen (Pat)

Pats interest in the drums began in 1977 when a neighbor in California gave him a used pair of drumsticks. In grade school he started playing the snare drum in the 5th grade band. He later purchased his first drum set out of a JC Penny’s catalog in 1982. As a teenager, Pat joined a band with friends from high school named Bates Motel; they played school dances and keg parties.

In 1986, Pat joined the Army and was stationed in Fort Ord, California serving three and a half years. ("Guess that’s why my hair is still short!) Pat has been married to his sweetheart for 17 years, and they have three children that are all musically inclined. Their oldest boy is also a drummer and plays in a local original band named The Empire. After a several-year hiatus, Pat got back behind the drum set in 1994 when he joined a local original band, Raised by Flies. After a couple of years of recording and playing original music with them, the band dissolved, but his desire to be in a band and on stage was so strong that he and several friends from Dodge Center formed a trio and played local bars.

Making his home in Rochester, Pat currently works at Village Hearth in route sales, where he met Jeff Lien. Jeff introduced Pat to bass player Mark Eidem and the three formed an original band, Defuze. On 6/6/06 a singer out of California that had a few connections joined the group as well. The band recorded the song “Pull” which is featured on the “20 Stories Below Blind Melon Tribute album”. The singer moved back to California, at which point then Jeff and Pat joined an existing local band, Next 2 Nothing. He was excited to have the opportunity to be on stage with three talented musicians Chris, Dennis and Robert, who have always put on one hell of a show.

To the present, Jeff, Jonny, Rigel 4, and Pat reformed the band Defuze, and are now ready to rock.

Pat listens to all kinds of music; from the 60’s to current, with many musical influences. To him, Elvis will always be the King, Jim Morrison the best front man and John Lennon’s musical impact will live on forever. Patrick cites his biggest influence, and the best drummer of all time is John Bonham. Seeing him play Ludwig drums in the movie “ The Song Remains the Same” was the day Pat decided "I wouldn’t play anything but the best, Ludwig." When he is not behind the drums, other passions in life are family, friends and his Harley Davidson Road King.

"Hope to see you at the next show! ALL RIGHT!!" ~ Pat