Mark Milliron

Mark is the Firestarters’ guru of all things
percussive. Mark joined Roger Drawdy and
the Firestarters in 2005 after being called
to record on the album, “Open Seas, Empty
Skies”. He performs regularly with the
band all over the Rust Belt.

Mark’s unique style is the result of a
lifelong love of the drums as well as
lifetime of musical influences. “As a little
kid I remember spending countless hours
with my nose in the Sear’s Christmas
Catalogue, pouring over every minute
detail of the toy drum kits pictured, with
hopes of finding a gleaming kit next to the
tree.” That first kit wouldn’t arrive until
age 7. Mark spent years playing along to
records and tapes, absorbing styles from a
wide range of drummers including Stewart
Copeland, Barriemore Barlow, Omar Hakim,
Jeff Porcaro, Jim Keltner, and Carl Palmer.
Mark attended the Cincinnati School for
Creative and Performing Arts where he
majored in percussion. As he puts it, “I
played in anything that had drums –
orchestra, concert band, jazz band, music
theatre, percussion ensemble – you name
it!” After graduating, Mark went on to study
at the University of Cincinnati College
Conservatory of Music before being lured
into the astonishing world of public safety.

“During the day I protect folks from their
own fatuity, and at night I’ve been blessed
with a gift to serve-up incredible music
with Roger, John, Ric and Eric. It’s great
craic!”