John Blackwell and Chris Layton Now with Big Z
March 29, 2008 in Artists, Gear, News by Dave Kropf
I’m not sure how this shook down, but according to Zildjian.com, both John Blackwell and Chris Layton have left Sabian and are now endorsing Zildjian cymbals.
Commented Chris Layton: “I’m very excited to be playing Zildjian Cymbals. After trying some of the Armand Series cymbals Mitch Mitchell was using last year on the Experience Hendrix Tour, I found myself searching for the sound I started out with, which led me to Zildjian.”
John Blackwell commented, “I’ve always loved Zildjians – my dad always played A Zildjians, so I grew up playing them. After hearing the crispness of the Hybrids and other lines like K Constantinople and the Armand Series, I was hooked. And the people at Zildjian are like family.”
I’d guess the Sabian folks are none too happy, and I wonder if they have to give all those Sabian cymbals back?
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John also used to be an Evans endorser as well but then he jumped to Remo.
Don’t forget Chris Layton, as well. He was a rock for SRV and Double Trouble. Two have flown the coop, it seems.
Yeah! I forgot Layton was with Sabian .. I’ll update the story.
Well, really now, I realize that sound matters when choosing your cymbal line…that’s a given. But the question was: “I’m not sure how this shook down, but according to Zildjian.com, both John Blackwell and Chris Layton have left Sabian and are now endorsing Zildjian cymbals”.
It’s called FREE cymbals folks!!! Sorry Dave, I know you’re a Z freak
I dunno … I think these big endorsers are way past free gear when it comes to putting their name with a company. I simply think that Zildjian is THE name when it comes to cymbals and some guys will jump a the chance to get endorsed by them. Just my $.02.
How can I argue with that
I’d agree with Dave. Guys like Blackwell and Layton will get free cymbals no matter who they sign with, so it comes to down which product do they believe in/like the most. Just comparing the artist rosters, I’d say most people say Zildian.
Ok guys…you’re right when you mention comparing rosters that a majority say Z. However, just my $.02., SABIAN is creating hybrid sounds as well as newer, ever amazing Pro & Mid-level sounds and quality that are bringing long time useres of other discs over to the Canadian folks at SABIAN. Which are making those “majority “Z” numbers” diminish quite significantly. They’ve done some AMAZING work over the past years in creating a sound so unique and stand-alone from their rivals, that so many others (artist) are choosing their line over their older disc makers.
Whatch for UFIP lines increasing their presense in the U.S. They’re quite a sweet sounding rotocast cymbal. hmmmmm
I only endorse things because I feel it is the best for me. And I believe it is important to have loyalty with anyone you represent. When you are a endorser you are helping to promote the product you play. So it is not a freebie. But I question any artist that is here, there and every where. Whatever happened to loyalty and being sincere? Tony TC Coleman