Paul “Paulie” Carrizzo began his professional music career behind the scenes, becoming one of the most respected and widely experienced drum technicians in the touring industry. Known for his deep knowledge of drums, tuning, and live performance demands, Carrizzo worked with a remarkable list of major artists and bands including Bebop Deluxe, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, Focus, Roberta Flack, Talking Heads, Pat Benatar, Billy Idol, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Hall & Oates, Foreigner, Spice Girls, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Nine Inch Nails, Rusted Root, and Styx. His expertise also extended into production roles, including work as a lighting producer for Manfred Mann’s Earth Band during the Roaring Silence tour era.
Carrizzo also played drums throughout his life and maintained a personal kit he continued using for decades, reflecting his connection to classic gear and sound. He was widely admired not only for technical skill but for calm, consistent execution—making sure professional drummers could walk onstage night after night with complete confidence. Many artists valued him as much for his judgment and musical ear as for his ability to keep equipment flawless.
Beginning February 11, 2002, Carrizzo became Todd Sucherman’s drum technician, serving in that role for 20 years and becoming an essential part of the Styx touring organization. Their partnership became one of the longest continuous drummer/tech relationships in the touring world. Carrizzo supported Todd’s evolving drum setups, helped solve technical issues before they became problems, and contributed to performance consistency at the highest level.
In February 2019, Sucherman publicly recognized their long relationship and Carrizzo’s importance to his professional life, writing: “17 years ago, Paulie Carrizzo started as my drum tech on the road. I do not know of many drummers who can say they’ve had the same tech for half that long. Thank you, my dear and most trusted friend! Here’s to 17 more!” Todd Sucherman, February 2019.
Carrizzo passed away peacefully on March 16, 2022, at age 68, and is remembered as a rare combination of technician, craftsman, musician, storyteller, and friend. His influence remains strongly felt among touring professionals, particularly in the drum tech community, where his level of knowledge and dedication set an exceptional standard.
Gear:
Slingerland chrome snare, Ludwig bass drum, Rogers rack tom, Gretsch and Ludwig floor toms, vintage Zildjian cymbals (1950s–1960s).
Sources: DrummerPhotographer.com profile, Styxworld memorial article, Drumming News Network announcement, Todd Sucherman statements and band communications.
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Update 1/20/26