tony castillo

From the battle ground to the stage — Tony Castillo — aka “Big Daddy Thunder” commands the kit in Cleveland’s biggest rock band.

Tony Castillo is a seasoned drummer whose musical journey began at the age of 10. Initially drawn to the expressive and soulful rhythms of blues, Tony’s passion quickly evolved into a mastery of rock and metal drumming, becoming his true specialization.

After completing his service in the Army, Tony found his calling in Cleveland, Ohio, where he joined the rock band APG. With his powerful drumming at the forefront, the band achieved significant success, opening for several national acts and selling out 1,000-seat venues during their own headlining shows. His performance with APG set the stage for his next big move.

Following his time with APG, Tony became a member of Along Came A Spider, a band that was signed to Stand By Records. The group quickly rose to prominence, releasing three nationally successful albums. Their third album, Black Hole, gained significant attention, charting on four different Billboard charts. One of the band’s major career highlights came in 2021, when they performed on one of the main stages at the Inkcarceration Festival, sharing the stage with iconic acts like Slipknot, Mudvayne, and Rob Zombie.

Over the years, Tony has toured relentlessly, playing in every state across the continental United States and performing in several cities across Canada, bringing his hard-hitting drumming style to audiences far and wide.

Throughout his career, Tony has remained loyal to Tama Drums, using their instruments to bring his powerful and dynamic drumming to life. His passion for the craft continues to inspire and entertain fans, both on the road and in the studio, cementing his place in the world of rock and metal music.