Linda McDonald

Linda McDonald

The Iron Maidens, Phantom Blue

Born in Montana, raised in Southern California, Linda was influenced to play music from age 6 with her parents Beatles, Herb Alpert and Irish Bagpipes in constant rotation at home and siblings who played piano and guitar. She took piano lessons for 8 years and made the switch to drums as she entered her teens. Her musical taste of pop, top 40, disco and dance shifted into hard rock and heavy metal and when she saw Iron Maiden at Long Beach Arena, she was taken in by the electrifying energy of Clive Burr and sealed her focus onto a clear path of drumming.

She studied at the Dick Grove School of Music and at the Musicians Institute, played with a few bands before co-founding Phantom Blue. She currently keeps busy with various projects and touring worldwide with The Iron Maidens. Connecting with an audience, making a positive impact on people through drumming/music and having a great, fun and friendly dynamic with band mates is what motivates and inspires her and creates her happy place.

Linda
McDonald
IN 3

  • Most memorable Next-Level Performance

    2008 Iraq, in a small FOB over 4th of July on a 1-legged kick drum, tilting snare, broken pedal, one cymbal and tom. It’s not what you play, it’s how you deliver. Play from your heart and everyone feels it.
  • What Drives Your Creativity?

    Life events, feelings, emotions, people and their behaviors. A lot of Drumeo videos are really hitting me hard lately as well as drumming youtube videos from fellow drummers! So inspiring!
  • Why do you choose Vic Firth?

    Comfortable, high quality, durable sticks for my little hands and a great team behind the name! There is a perfect pair for any voice you want to play.