The story of Gon Bops reads like a classic American tale of innovation, craftsmanship, and hard work. Growing from a downtown Los Angeles garage into a global leader in the world of percussion, it’s been a story of many twists and turns. Since SABIAN acquired the Gon Bops brand and intellectual properties in 2010 they have continued to honor Gon Bops founder Mariano Bobadilla’s timeless vision and innovative designs, while maintaining their unique identity and history. Despite this new chapter, the storytelling doesn’t end there.
Since 2020, Gon Bops’ Percussion Loft has shared in-depth conversations with some of the most talented drummers and percussionists in the world. Hosted by Rich Mangicaro, the podcast gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look into the paths these artists took to achieve success in their field, fascinating tales from the studio and the road, and of course, insights into their favorite instruments from the Gon Bops collection.
Each episode of the podcast features different guests from the Gon Bops artist family, who share their experiences, perspectives, and knowledge with listeners. Mangicaro has been joined in the Loft by heavyweights such as drumming hero Alex Acuna, Conga virtuoso Roberto Quintero, Cuban legend Orestes Vilato, and percussion icon Ignacio Berroa, while the podcast has also featured some of the most in demand percussion players around, including Daniel de los Reyes (Zac Brown Band, Sheryl Crow, Lionel Richie), Jamey Haddad (Paul Simon, Sting, Herbie Hancock), and Lenny Castro (The Rolling Stones, Elton John, U2) to name a few.
The world of percussion is a complex and fascinating one, and the interviews with Mangicaro provide listeners with a unique vantage point. From discussing their creative process and musical influences to sharing stories from their careers, guests provide a unique and intimate look into their lives and legacies in drumming and percussion. Warm conversations between the host and his guests run the gamut, from Jack Johnson drummer/percussionist Adam Topol sharing his eclectic influences, to Castro spanning the decades as a member of Toto and the global impact of their song “Africa.”
These interviews culminate in an insightful and immersive experience for listeners. Whether you’re an aspiring drummer, a seasoned professional, or simply a fan of music, Gon Bops’ Percussion Loft offers something for everyone. Find the show on major streaming services such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify and tune in to hear from some of the most talented and respected drummers and percussionists in the business today.