In the old days I started as a little guy at the age of 14. My then drum buddy and I agreed to take some drum lessons; somewhere around 7 o'clock on the 21st of august in 1981 I was pounding (with professional help) my first Para-Diddel. Former bands were a source of inspiration for me, bands like Kiss, The Police, Golden Earring.

Once I've got the real rhythm in my fingers I was playing in some rock and top40 bands, with lots of pleasure I sounded the drums, for example in the Rory Gallagher tribute band 'Laundromat', this band was a pretty big foundation for 'the real stuff'. At a certain moment I started beating the drums at the Ruben Hoeke Blues band, in this band my time as drummer was also fantastic.

And then... in October 2005 there where some changes coming around, and I mean the transfer to the 'Julian Sas band'. My first appearance with this band was during the TexelBlues festival 2005. Now, after a big series of concerts I may say that I'm very proud I've learned a lot from Julian and Tenny and still learning, we are a real powertrio.

My drum heroes at this moment are: Dennis chambers, Hans Eijkenaar, Dave Weckl, Simon Philips and Matt Abs.

In my personal life and without all the musical performance I use my spare time for sporting like swimming, canoe, cycle or ramble. I'm a real outdoorsman and like to ramble with good friends and my family, some walk in the forest, beach or line of dunes. Just sitting at home with a nice glass of wine and some friends, is also a preference.

I'm very proud to be a member of this band. Fans, more proud I am when I see your impassion during a concert, that's what it all makes worth for us.

See you soon, Rob 'Animal' Heijne