About Sal
Who is Sal Tommassello?
Sal Tommassello is a Philadelphia-based professional drummer with over 14 years of experience performing in casinos, clubs, weddings, corporate events, and national and international tours. He has played with acts including The Rock Orchestra, The Heartbeats, The Benderz, Out Of Spite, and Latvian hip-hop artist Arvis Reiks, bringing powerful, feel-driven, and tasteful drumming to every performance. A versatile and production-ready musician, Sal is comfortable in track-driven, click-based, and MD-led environments, and currently serves as musical director for Out Of Spite.
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When I think about my life, I can't imagine myself doing anything else. All I know is music.”
My Story
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2015
School Of Rock National All Stars
At School Of Rock, I quickly rose to the top of the class and was selected to play in the All Stars Tour. My time at School Of Rock taught me the importance of practice and discipline, and I learned how to play in a band and how to work with other musicians.
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2017
Sindi Raymond Band
Playing with Sindi Raymond was my introduction to the New Jersey and Philadelphia cover band scene. It was a pleasure locking in with Buddy Cash on bass.
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2019
The Heartbeats
Weddings, corporates, private events, and even a few club gigs. Playing in the Heartbeats showed me the ins and outs of this other side of the cover music world.
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2021
The Benderz
The Benderz is all about bringing high energy performances. It was a blast playing with these guys night after night.
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2022
Stay Acoustique
To fill out my schedule with The Benderz, I started a duo with Anna Yannessa, a super talented singer from Jersey who went on to compete in American Idol.
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2022
Show w/ Arvis Reiks in Lithuania
I never expected to meet a famous Latvian rapper in Wildwood, but I did. We became friends, made music together, and I got to play drums for his show in Lithuania.
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2025
Out Of Spite
Call me what you want, but I started this band out of spite. Basically for anyone who thought I couldn't. Thanks for the inspiration ;)
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2025
The Rock Orchestra
A music connection from over a decade ago led to an emergency sub and drum tech position. With just hours notice, I went from my couch to my first rock and roll tour, performing to sold out theaters alongside musicians who've worked with The Philadelphia Orchestra, Will Smith, and Broadway shows.
READ MORE on THE "FROM THE ROAD" BLOG
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I learn material fast – accurately
Whether it's a 30-song set or last-minute changes before soundcheck, I prepare quickly and deliver exactly what you need.
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I show up prepared — every time.
Charts done, parts memorized, tones dialed in. You never have to chase me down or wonder if I'm ready.
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I bring rock-solid musicianship and rock-star presence.
I lock the groove down while delivering a performance that's visually engaging and emotionally energetic.
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I take direction well.
You want a change? You'll get it on the next pass.
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I make the artist feel safe onstage.
Confidence comes from having a solid drummer behind you. That's what I provide.
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My presence enhances the artist—not distracts from them.
I know how to command attention without pulling focus away from the front of the stage. It's a balance MDs and artists appreciate.
Why Work With Sal?
Let's work together.
Need a drummer for your tour, studio session, or one-off performance? Fill out the form or feel free to email, call, or text and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.
hello@sal.news
(215) 498-5559
Philadelphia, PA