Alex González | The Maná Drummer's Signature Sound & Legendary Run at the Kia Forum

We recently joined Maná drummer Alex González in the midst of the band's record-breaking residency at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Formed in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1986, Maná is the most successful Latin American band of all time, having sold more than 40 million records worldwide.

Alex talks us through his and the band’s incredible bond with the city of Los Angeles, as well as his custom DW Collector Series maple drum set, created specifically for this residency. Designed with artist John Douglas, his one-of-a-kind DW kit pays tribute to the City of Angels, with nods to some of his favorite places in LA, including the world-famous Guitar Center on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood.

Alex’s long history with GC stretches back decades, being the first major music store he visited as well as the place he met one of his drum heroes (and fellow Rockwalk inductee) Alex Van Halen.

Alex’s drum choices of DW, Remo, Paiste, Vic Firth, and LP, demonstrate a deep loyalty to brands that still maintain the smaller custom-shop ethos. For the legendary run of Kia Forum residency shows Alex went with a set-up that would give him precisely the right blend of versatile tools to balance the powerful low-end while giving just the right attack to stay in the pocket and cut through w/ a steady driving beat. Complementing the range of Manà sounds from explosive rock to Latin grooves and the higher pitched tone of a reggae swing, Alex takes us through the set-up he arrived at for these special performances.

[AlbertMoyerJr]

One of the best drummers living today and he is humble, classy, friendly, and cool. Wishing Alex many more years of rocking for Mana. Great video, Guitar Center.

[EricT]

I never listened to Mana growing up, but the cover band that I’m in plays a few Mana songs. Alex is a monster drummer and it’s been fun listening to him and trying to bring the same feel and flavor when we play their music.

[miguelalfoya]

Es un chingón y ya tiene Definido su propio toque, dónde quiera que lo escuches ya sabes que es él. Gran inspiración para bateristas que crecimos en los 90s escuchando su música 😊

[sofiarangel]

I love Alex’s energy. 🥰 He is also super talented, charismatic and still has so much enthusiasm that he puts into his craft ❤

[diegoalba]

If it wasn’t for him & Ringo Starr, I damn sure would not be the drummer that I am now.
Quick little story: when I was about 7 years old, Maná was touring Amar Es Combatir. Through an old family friend that was working as part of their road crew (probably still is I don’t know) my mom, aunt, & I were able to get tickets for one of their shows at the (then still called) Staples Center. This was my first time ever seeing them live & from what I remember, it was an amazing show. However, that’s not the best part. After Alex’s solo, he threw his sticks into the crowd. I wasn’t able to catch one of them as he threw them out through the sides of the stage & I was sitting in the bleachers right about where they meet the floor. A little into the next song, the family friend that got us the tickets comes over to our seats with a towel in his hands. In said towel were A PAIR OF ALEX’S DRUMSTICKS! Imagine my shock & ecstatic surprise when they were handed to me. I now felt partially connected to one of my heroes. And yes, I still have said pair to this day (though they’re a bit beat up now having used them on & off over the years.)

[abesapien]

The drumming on MANA albums is what really drew me to them. So many tasty fills and grooves! I could easily see him fitting in with anyone from Mana to Goldfinger to Alice Cooper and everything in between!

[GiulioSciorio]

I had the pleasure of photographing Mana in Mexico and gotta say, they are all truly kind hearted people. Seriously, genuine and down to earth. Thanks fellas!

[adola]

Personalmente: El mejor baterista de toda Latinoamérica!!! Un Ejemplo eterno para seguir!!!!

[ddrums]

He has always had the most killer looking kits! I remember a flamed one he had from years ago shown in a magazine that was pretty awesome as well. Rock on!!

[rosalindapreciado]

I've seen Maná in concert 9 times ...Next time they come I'm there first row ❤ 👍
Love Maná 100% ❤

[ndNowMiguel]

Just saw MANA in Denver Colorado USA 9-29-2023. I put Alex El Animal in top 4 all time best Drummers I've ever seen in more then 300 concert starting in late 70s.
Phenomenal Drummer🎉

[lestatvmp]

One of the best drummers in the history of mankind!! 🙌🏼

[Mart]

Algo de rescatar de Alex, además de que creo que para muchos de nosotros, sobretodo latinos, ha sido la primera gran influencia en la batería, es interesante destacar la humildad que mantiene éste tipo, entendiendo que hay mejores, pero con la cabeza bien en alto, dejándonos bien claro, que hay lugar para todos en la batería y que disfrutemos de ello. Te admiro Alex.

[michaelhoffman]

A great drummer and entertaining performer! Thank you for your passion!

[SergioA]

For a non-native speaker, his English is flawless, just like his drumming skills.

Edit: Ok, guys. Sorry, I thought he was Mexican.

[Alex-emym]

Alex Gonzalez, to me, is one of the BEST and CREATIVE drummers of this century. The way and precision he mixes different genres in his style blows my mind away. I saw him live twice and……again, he BLEW me away. I have been playing drums for over 3oyrs now and he’s such an inspiration.

[nealprentice]

Alex really combines rock, reggae and latin like no other drummer. And his english is perfect!

[bonbot]

I got to meet Alex Gonzalez in Chicago and he signed my snare head! he is the man!

[omartreo]

Si hay algo que me encanta de Alex es que aún siendo autodidacta, es su estilo para tocar y sobre todo cada adorno en sus canciones, de toda la vida lo e admirado por qué se ve que es su pasión la bata, desayuna, come, cena, respira, sueña wow de admirar ....saludos

[JavierMartinez-rzvc]

No tiendo escuchar Maná, pero me cae muy bien Alex y me parece un baterista increíble de rock, Groove, entretenimiento, chops, . Todo lo que tiene una leyenda, . Y cuando empezó con De la Tierra me sorprendió ! Espero que le siga yendo bien en su carrera