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Valerie Franco
Musical artist From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Valerie Franco is an American drummer and podcast host.[1]
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Musical career
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Perspective
Valerie Franco's musical journey began in childhood, inspired by her father's love for the band Rush. She started air drumming at a young age and quickly transitioned to playing real drums after her parents recognized her talent.[1] She attributes her dedication to drumming to a natural affinity for the instrument and a deep connection to the energy of live music, particularly after attending a Rush concert at age 10.[1]
Franco studied at the Los Angeles College of Music and has since established herself as a prominent drummer in the pop music scene.[1] Her professional credits include recording and performing with notable artists such as Halsey, Kacy Hill, Redfoo, Franky Perez & The Truth, Kylie Minogue, and American Idol winner Allison Iraheta, with whom she played for the group Halo Circus.[1] She has also earned album credits on releases like Bonnie McKee's EP Bombastic and Megan Tibbits' album Until I Fly.[1]
Beyond studio and touring work, Franco has made several television appearances, including a week-long stint on The Late Show with Seth Meyers filling in for Fred Armisen.[1] As of 2025, she tours with Hayley Kiyoko, and they have performed together on an MTV Unplugged at Home session.[1] Franco emphasizes the importance of in-ear monitors for drummers, highlighting their role in performance quality and hearing protection, citing a personal experience with tinnitus after a show without proper monitoring.[1] She is also known as a battle drummer and session player.[1]
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Podcast host
Valerie Franco was formerly the host of the podcast "Behind the Beat."[1]
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
Franco secured a role of Didi Crockett, the new drummer in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, through an audition process that highlighted her exceptional drumming skills and positive attitude.[2][3] The band, facing their recurring "curse of the drummer" after numerous previous drummers met unfortunate ends, held auditions following rejections from well-known musicians like Questlove, Chad Smith, and Lars Ulrich.[4][5] Franco's character, Didi, impressed the band by killing it on the drums, bringing significant joy and energy to the screen.[2][3]
Personal life
Franco came out as queer in 2019 [6]; she is engaged to fitness instructor Annie Gordenier, who additionally made a guest appearance in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues as the girlfriend of Franco's character, Didi Crockett. [7]
Filmography
References
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