Mikkey Dee took the stage at this year’s Europe Drum Show in Germany and showed once again why he’s one of the most respected drummers in rock and metal. It wasn’t just a showcase of skill. It was a reminder of the physicality, discipline, and attitude that have defined his career since the early Motörhead days.
With no full band behind him, just a drum kit and a room full of eager eyes, Mikkey Dee brought the kind of energy you’d expect from a full arena show. His performance didn’t rely on theatrics or long monologues. He let the drums speak for him.
Those who were there said you could feel the weight in every stroke. It wasn’t about showing off, though there were moments when his technique stood out. What left the strongest impression was his feel. There’s a deep, lived-in connection to the instrument that only comes from decades of playing night after night, in every kind of venue, under every kind of pressure.
Known globally for his intense drumming with Motörhead and, more recently, as the anchor of Scorpions since 2016, Dee’s playing has always leaned heavy. Not just in sound, but in presence. At the Europe Drum Show, he didn’t tone it down for a clinic crowd. He gave them the full weight of his style: aggressive, tight, and without filler.
He discusses his recent time in the hospital here as well:
The set he played moved between fast double-kick patterns and heavier, groove-driven sections. It showed that his playing isn’t just about force. There’s a subtle control in the way he shifts between power and restraint, something that becomes clearer the longer you watch.
People were quick to post clips online. Not just fans, but fellow drummers who caught the finer points. His timing. His stamina. The way he pulls tone from the drums rather than just hitting them. That kind of precision doesn’t come from theory. It comes from doing it, over and over, for years.
Despite his long history in the industry, Mikkey Dee hasn’t slowed down. He still plays like someone with something to prove. Maybe not to the crowd, but to himself. And that might be what makes him stand out the most.
At a show filled with talent, gear, and next-generation players, it was a veteran behind the kit who left the most lasting impression. Not because he tried to impress anyone. But because he meant every single note.