Adam Gomez of the Dickies Proves Punk is Dad
Adam Gomez is more than just a drummer known for his fierce skill in The Dickies; behind the drums, there’s another story. Adam is a dedicated dad and family man, balancing his career with love and commitment to his family. I visited Adam at his home in the suburbs of Southern California for what he told me was Dickies practice—but it was just him playing drums in his daughter’s playroom, which I have to say, was the nicest playroom I’d ever seen.
Adam’s musical career started with Jahmbi, an experimental metal band he co-founded in 1999. Their heavy, unique sound led them to share stages with major acts like The Misfits and Avenged Sevenfold. Later, in 2009, Adam graduated from the Musicians Institute in Hollywood and joined Bloodhook, a Van Nuys punk band, learning their album in just a day before setting off on a tour through Europe.
In 2013, Adam caught the attention of The Dickies—a band with a long legacy and infamously controversial reputation that spans continents and decades. After the customary handshakes and/or handjobs with founding members and the signing, many NDA’s Adam joined the band. Since then, he’s been looking at the backsides of charismatic frontman and 19th-century architecture enthusiast Leonard Graves, as well as In Spite Magazine’s celebrity punk hunk of August 2024, the vivacious Stan Lee.
Life as a so-called professional musician often means late nights, endless tours, and intense schedules, but Adam makes time for what matters most—his family. From what I witnessed during my visit, he’s a present, patient, and dedicated dad. Adam’s daughter was there for most of our photo shoot, and their interactions were nothing short of adorable. She was very curious and asked, “Why do you want to take photos of my dad—because he’s a rock star?” “That’s exactly right,” I replied, and she laughed, then asked, “When will you be finished? I need to get my Barbies.”
Adam doesn’t just play with The Dickies—oh no, he gets passed around like a doobie by several of the geriatric punk rock legends of the SoCal punk scene, along with a few up-and-comers. He can regularly be seen backing Orange County’s own well-seasoned scoundrels, The Adolescents and D.I. He’s shared the stage with the likes of C.J. Ramone, David Stucken and the Curse, and Greg Antista and the Lonely Streets, and recently recorded with Escupiendo Verdad. Keeping music close to family, Adam also plays in Bueno, an indie-pop band he formed with his sister, Celese, and brother-in-law, Alvaro Hernandez.
Adam also shares his drumming insights on his YouTube channel, Drum-Thru Drive-In, where he posts tutorials, performance tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life as a touring musician. He also advocates for mental health awareness, making his channel a valuable resource for aspiring drummers and a place where fans can connect with him beyond live shows.
In conclusion, Adam Gomez is one hell of a drummer, an inspiring mentor, a YouTuber, and, most importantly, a devoted family man. His humble start in Echo Park’s music scene to international stages reflects a rare blend of raw talent, dedication, and love for music. While balencing his career with his roles as a teacher and father, Adam proves that punk rock is more than just a genre—it’s a way of life that embraces family, resilience, and giving back. Adam Gomez shows us that punk is not only alive, but
punk is dad
catch adam on tour with the dickies
Dec 21, 2024
Anaheim, CA
Sat 7:00 PM · House of Blues Anaheim
Jan 2, 2025
San Diego, CA
Thu 7:00 PM · House of Blues Restaurant & Bar
Jan 16, 2025
Ventura, CA
Thu 8:00 PM · Ventura Music Hall
Mar 7, 2025
Sacramento, CA
Fri 8:00 PM · Goldfield Trading Post
Mar 8, 2025
Walnut Creek, CA
Sat 8:00 PM · Retro Junkie
Apr 11, 2025
Pioneertown, CA
Fri 8:00 PM · Pappy and Harriet's
thedickies.com
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To make a booking, inquire about licensing, and purchase glossy, postcard-sized, signed, and numbered 'Dick Pics' for only 7 pounds, euros, or dollars, including postage for the first 4 photos, You can choose almost any photo of mine from the In Spite Magazine website, and I will send it to you or a friend as a postcard or in an envelope along with a smart ass message. or if you are in a photo and would like me to email you a free, high-resolution copy, please contact me at dickslaughterphoto@gmail.com.