Gary Young

Garrit Allan Robertson Young (May 3, 1953 – August 17, 2023) was an American musician and music producer. He was best known as the original drummer of the indie rock band Pavement from its inception in 1989 until his departure in 1993.

Early life Young was born in Mamaroneck, New York on May 3, 1953. His father, Bob Young, was an engineer in the plastics business with deep knowledge of carbon fiber. He worked with Ned Steinberger in the development of the construction of his electric bass for the Steinberger company.

Career Early career: 1984–1989 In the 1980s, Young booked musical acts to play around Stockton, including Dead Kennedys, Circle Jerks and Black Flag. Early in the decade, he played in the punk band The Fall of Christianity with Brian Thalken of The Authorities.

Pavement: 1989–1993; 2010 Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg formed Pavement in Stockton, California in 1989. Their first EP, Slay Tracks (1933-1969), was recorded at Young's Louder Than You Think Studio with Young contributing drums. Young would also appear on their next two EPs, Demolition Plot J-7, and Perfect Sound Forever, He reunited with the band to play two shows in 2010. In 2016, he collaborated with recording engineer Richard Selleseth on the album Malfunction.

Young also developed and patented the Universal Shock Mount used for microphones. Making them each individually himself, he sold more than 13,000 units to distributors and online.

In 2023, he starred in a documentary about his own life and career made by Jed I. Rosenberg and titled Louder Than You Think. The film had its world premiere at South by Southwest on March 13, 2023 and received critical acclaim, winning the "Audience Award"; Alan French of Sunshine State Cineplex called it "illuminating and nostalgic," and Serena Seghedoni of Loud and Clear Reviews called it "compelling."

Personal life and death Young struggled with alcohol, which often affected his live performances and behavior during his tenure with Pavement.

Young died at home in Stockton on August 17, 2023, at age 70.

Discography

With Pavement Studio albums Slanted and Enchanted (1992) Watery, Domestic (1992)

With Gary Young's Hospital Hospital (1994) Things We Do for You (1999) The Grey Album (2004)

Solo albums Malfunction (2016)