Germany's Next Top Drummer


Young drummers from across Germany will take to the stage as the five best emerging talents in the country battle it out live on the Main Stage at The Europe Drum Show 2026, Saturday 11th April, starting at 9:30am.

Following nationwide digital heats and a rigorous selection process by an expert jury featuring Joachim Schöpe (instrumental teacher, conductor and musician), Agustin Strizzi (professional percussionist and music teacher from Buenos Aires with extensive experience in percussion, composition and arrangement), and Jessica Mett-Dienel (percussionist and Secretary General of the Brandenburg State Music Council), the six finalists have earned their place in the live grand final.

Now they will showcase their skill, creativity and musicality in front of a live audience and an elite judging panel, all competing for the ultimate title of Germany’s Next Top Drummer.


The Drummers


Jeremy Seßler, 18

My name is Jeremy Seßler, I’m 18 years old, and I’ve been playing drums since I was three. I also play piano and electric bass. I especially enjoy playing in bands, songwriting, and adapting songs for live performances.

When playing, it’s particularly important to me to think musically and support the song. I pay special attention to groove and the appropriate dynamics for the situation. I find inspiration in many different drummers and musical styles, and I’m increasingly able to develop my own musical skills and translate new ideas into the band context. What I particularly appreciate about making music is the collaboration with other musicians and the energy that arises when we’re on stage together, sharing music with an audience.

Jeremy Seßler is appearing at the Europe Drum Show.

Lukas Alexander-Had, 11

When I was 2.5 years old, I knew I wanted to be a drummer.

Two years later, I started taking cajon lessons.

At 5.5, I was finally big enough for the kit and got my own.

I go to my lessons with great enthusiasm and also play along to songs I like. These include songs by Anika Nilles, Simon Phillips, Toto, Gavin Harrison, LinkinPark, and many more.

Lukas Alexander Had is appearing at the Europe Drum Show.

Noah Bothmer, 14

My name is Noah, and I’m 14 years old. In 2014. I got my first drum set and started “playing.” At age 5, I had my first lesson with the best teacher in the world! He showed me techniques and exercises, and I gradually improved.

At age 9, I started listening to and playing Five Finger Death Punch and Slipknot. Initially heavily influenced by Jeremy Spencer and Jay Weinberg, my musical tastes expanded, as did my playing, and I incorporated more extreme forms of metal.

What’s special about my playing is the spontaneity of being able to play something for every song and the energy I put into my drumming. My five biggest role models are Joey Jordison, Eloy Casagrande, Derek Roody, Kerim “KrimH” Lechner, and Jay Weinberg.

Noah Bothmer is appearing at the Europe Drum Show.

Richard Jon Regele, 13

Richard Jon Regele (born February 18, 2013) is a young drummer with a strong passion for rock and metal. He has been taking drum lessons with Max Kinker since 2020 and began studying double bass with Alex Holzwarth at Drummers Focus München in November 2025.

Inspired by drummers such as Fabio Alessandrini, Jay Postones, Berci Hirleman, Flavio Mezzodi, Johnny Dee, Alex Holzwarth, and Jeff Plate, Richard is developing his skills in double bass drumming as well as recording, mixing songs, and video editing.

He currently plays in his school band and a local brass band. Richard has also gained early experience in the professional music scene through a soundcheck with Bonfire and by working as a drum technician for Fabio Alessandrini.

Outside of music, he enjoys ice hockey and mountain biking.

Richard Jon-Regele-Bild is appearing at the Europe Drum Show.

Till Rothmund, 16

My name is Till Rothmund and I’m 16 years old.
I’ve been playing drums for 10 years.
I first learned at the Bad Saulgau Municipal Music School and have now been taking private lessons with André Streich for 3 years.
I’ve also been playing in the Walter Knoll School Association’s band for 3 years and, since 2021, with the Wolfartsweiler Musicians on drums and trombone.
I love playing progressive metal like Dream Theater.

Till Rothmund is appearing at the Europe Drum Show.



Show us how you rock!


The competition is organised by:

  • The Europe Drum Show
  • The State Music Council of Brandenburg
  • Mobile Schlagzeugschule.

SONOR | The Europe Drum ShowWe are pleased to announce that the first leading manufacturer, Sonor Drums, will be supplying equipment for the four finalists who will perform on the main stage at The Europe Drum Show, Saturday 11th April 2026, in Messe Friedrichshafen. ​

The Europe Drum Show | MeinlMeinl Cymbals supports the young up and coming talents of GNTD competition and helps them to reach their full potential. To this end, professional cymbal sets are provided to the five finalists for their performances.

**The first round of the completion will take place via a digital pre-selection.​**


Schedule


09:32 – Noah Bothmer
09:41 – Richard Regele
09:50 – Till Rothmund
09:59 – Jeremy Seßler
10:08 – Lukas Alexander Had



The Judges


Darby Todd

Darby is one of the busiest session drummers in the UK. He has been touring extensively around the world for the last four years with Devin Townsend, playing drums on Devin’s last two albums, Powernerd and Lightwork, as well as Devin’s orchestral epic, The Moth, due out in 2026.

Darby Todd is appearing at The Europe Drum Show

Jason Bowld

Jason Bowld is the drummer for Welsh metal band Bullet For My Valentine. Jason started drumming at the age of 13 after becoming inspired by his school friend and progressed onto playing in local bands until 9 years later when he signed his first record deal with Geffen with London based band Stimulator.

Jase Bowld is appearing at The Europe Drum Show

Ollie Winiberg

Ollie is the Main Stage host for both The UK Drum Shoe and The Europe Drum Show. When he’s not interviewing, he’s playing. Ollie recently featured on Jordan Rudess’ (Dream Theater) latest single ’Timeliness Collide’.

Ollie Winiberg is appearing at The Europe Drum Show

Claus Furchtner

Claus was born in Lindau in 1968 into a family of musicians and has travelled throughout Europe, Asia, America and Africa for music. He regularly serves as a drum judge across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Claus Furchtner is appearing at The Europe Drum Show



About our partners


Mobile Schlagzeugschule save yourself long trips and at the same time take the pressure off yourself and your family. We, the Mobile Drum School, offer you state-of-the-art lessons tailored to you, your wishes, and your talent. All this takes place in a fully air-conditioned former ambulance converted into a live-stage environment. And we bring it right to your home.

Mobile Schlagzeugschule | The Europe Drum Show

The State Music Council of Brandenburg has been the umbrella organisation for all professional associations, societies, institutions, and individuals involved in amateur and professional music in the state of Brandenburg since 1990. It represents the interests of its members to the parliament, the government, and the municipal authorities, and also advises these bodies on music policy matters. Additionally, it serves as a cooperation partner and organiser of state and nationwide projects aimed at promoting young talent and strengthening both the amateur and professional music scenes.

The State Music Council of Brandenburg | The Europe Drum Show

The Europe Drum Show is a two-day event entirely dedicated to drummers – to celebrate, promote, and support their fantastic community! Drummers of all skill levels are warmly welcome at this family- and community-oriented event. There’s nothing else like it! Experience all your favourite products for drums and percussion – including world premieres, artist performances, clinics, and lessons from the best in the scene.

The Europe Drum Show


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The Europe Drum Show

YOUR DRUMMING JOURNEY STARTS HERE
The Venue

Neue Messe 1, Friedrichshafen, DE 88046

Show Opening Times

11th – 12th April 2026
9am – 6pm

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