Watch: MICHAEL ANTHONY, KENNY ARONOFF And PHIL X Perform VAN HALEN Classics At 2026 'Drum Off' Finale

Michael Anthony (VAN HALEN, CHICKENFOOT, Sammy Hagar),Phil X (BON JOVI, TRIUMPH) and Kenny Aronoff (CHICKENFOOT, Sammy Hagar) played a couple of VAN HALEN classics — "Somebody Get Me A Doctor" and "I'm The One" — during the 2026 edition of Guitar Center's "Drum Off" finale on Thursday, August 20 at the at Fonda Theater in Los Angeles, California. Fan-filmed video of their performance can be seen below.

After nearly a decade away, the iconic "Drum-Off" competition returned to crown its next champion. Six finalists selected from thousands nationwide competed live before a panel of legendary judges, celebrity guests and a live audience. The winner received a brand endorsement, career-changing opportunities, $25,000 in cash and a complete pro-level drum, hardware and cymbal setup.

Hosted by comedian, actor and drummer Bill Burr alongside JANE'S ADDICTION's Stephen Perkins, this star-studded finale featured additional special guest appearances, surprise performances and collaborations throughout the night.

This year's finale brought together some of the most celebrated names in music to serve as judges, performers, and special guests, including Tré Cool (GREEN DAY),Josh Freese (THE VANDALS, NINE INCH NAILS, A PERFECT CIRCLE),Brad Wilk (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, AUDIOSLAVE),Adrian Young (NO DOUBT),Alex Gonzalez (MANÁ),Pocket Queen, Jay Weinberg (SLIPKNOT),Thomas Lang, Jared Falk, El Estepario Siberiano, and many more. Adding to the excitement, METALLICA bassist Robert Trujillo performed live with each finalist during the competition.

"One of the best parts of what we do at Guitar Center is discovering talented musicians before the rest of the world does," said Gabe Dalporto, CEO of Guitar Center. "'Drum-Off' gives us the chance to put those players on a national stage and help launch the careers of drummers who went on to play in legendary acts such as NINE INCH NAILS, FOO FIGHTERS, ALICE COOPER and THE MARS VOLTA, and with artists like Jay-Z, Katy Perry, Prince and Beyoncé."

First launched in 1988, "Drum-Off" ran for 28 years and helped launch the careers of drummers including Tony Royster Jr. (Jay-Z, Katy Perry),Cora Coleman-Dunham (Prince, Beyoncé),Thomas Pridgen (THE MARS VOLTA),Glen Sobel (ALICE COOPER) and Ilan Rubin (NINE INCH NAILS, FOO FIGHTERS). The competition has also featured iconic drummers including Travis Barker (BLINK-182),Chad Smith (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS),Taylor Hawkins (FOO FIGHTERS),Peter Criss (KISS) and Steve Ferrone (TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS) as judges, performers, and special guests. More than 100,000 drummers participated throughout "Drum-Off"'s history, cementing its status as one of the most influential competitions in the drumming community.

For Adrian Young, drummer for NO DOUBT and a "Drum-Off" 2026 judge, the competition represents one of the most important platforms for emerging drummers.

"'Drum-Off' has always been a place where great players can step up and be recognized," said Young. "It's exciting to see it back and to watch a new generation of drummers compete for an opportunity that can truly change the course of their careers."

The "Drum-Off" finale marked the culmination of a nationwide search that began in May, when drummers visited over 300 Guitar Center stores across the country to record and submit original three-minute audition videos. Guitar Center received over 2,600 submissions nationwide. Competitors advanced through District Finals at 24 Guitar Center locations before Regional Finals in Hollywood, Nashville, and New York City, with six finalists earning their place on the Fonda Theatre stage.

Finalists were judged on skill and technique, groove and feel, originality and creativity, stage presence, and overall performance.

The "Drum-Off" champion will receive $25,000 in cash, a complete pro-level drum, hardware and cymbal setup, a brand endorsement, a Roland electronic drum kit, and a trip to Drumeo HQ to create original content.

Guitar Center is the leading retailer of musical instruments, lessons, repairs and rentals in the U.S. With more than 300 stores nationwide and one of the top direct sales websites in the industry, Guitar Center has helped people make music for more than 60 years. Guitar Center provides a range of musician-based services, including Guitar Center Lessons for players of all ages and skill levels, GC Repairs, an on-site maintenance and repair service, and GC Rentals, offering easy access to instruments and gear. Guitar Center's family of brands includes Music & Arts, which operates more than 250 stores specializing in band and orchestral instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors, parents and students, and Musician's Friend, a leading direct marketer of musical instruments in the United States. Guitar Center Business Solutions is the company's commercial division, delivering professional audio, video, lighting and integrated technology solutions for businesses, institutions and creators nationwide through a portfolio of brands including AVDG (Audio Visual Design Group),GC Pro and Custom House at Guitar Center. The Guitar Center Music Foundation is a national nonprofit that expands access to music through instrument donations and support for communities in need.