Shaun Foist
Championed and inspired at a young age by his father, Bill Foist (who played drums in classic rock bands from the 70’s up until his untimely passing in 2013), Shaun acquired his core drumming skills from his first and best mentor, while also sitting in on his dad’s band rehearsals in the basement of their Middletown, OH home.
Shortly after turning 10 (and at his father’s prodding), Shaun entered his grade school’s talent show, playing to the Allman Brothers song, ‘In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.’ He received a standing ovation and was invited to join the school band. It was at that moment Shaun knew being a drummer would become his life’s passion and profession. While still in high school, Shaun received citations from Miami University in Oxford, OH in both 2000 and 2001 for Drums and Percussion, as well as receiving the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award in those years.
Shaun garnered the drumming basics from his father, but also acquired practical knowledge from studying DVD’s and books… as well as embracing his natural ability and letting his instincts guide the beat.
Over the years, Shaun’s drumming interests have crossed the musical spectrum… Rock, Jazz, Metal, to flavors of R&B. Though founding several bands with roots in Pop and Hard Rock (Diesel 129, Masonclover, Black Saints Cartel) and with his core skills grounded in Rock and Metal, Shaun still views himself as a multi-dimensional drummer with no creative boundaries. His eclectic skillset behind the drum kit has landed him on numerous tours (Hinder, Warped Tour, ‘Seduce and Destroy’ with OTEP and One Eyed Doll) and sharing billing on tours with Trapt, Rev Theory, Dope, Shiny Toy Guns and Soil.
Shaun’s precision, versatility, high energy showmanship, skill and confidence as a drummer was further bolstered by working in the studio with producers Robert Hannon, Dave Cobb, Shawn Grove and multi-award winning music producer David Bendeth (Breaking Benjamin, Papa Roach, Paramore), forever changing the way he looked at drums and his approach to playing them.
With early influences ranging from Neil Peart, Tico Torres, Buddy Rich, Tommy Aldridge and John Bonham – to current players, including Chad Szeliga, Glen Sobel, Jason Sutter, Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, The Rev and Steve Gadd, Shaun continues to study the work of his contemporaries and considers live performance and touring the best ‘teaching / learning’ environment toward growth as a professional musician.
Shaun’s product endorsements include Groove Juice, Tama, Vic Firth and Zildjian.
Picture Me Broken
Foist joined Picture Me Broken in 2012. During his time with the band, Foist recorded on one EP titled 'Mannequins,' appeared in one music video (Torture) and played various venues on the West Coast and on tours including Seduce and Destroy Tour with OTEP and One-Eyed Doll, and the Alice Cooper/Marilyn Manson Masters of Madness Tour.
Breaking Benjamin
On August 20, 2014, a new Breaking Benjamin lineup was introduced on the band's official Facebook page via a video teaser with an Ohio radio station making note that Foist, one of the state's locals, was taking on the drummer role in the band. On September 19th and 20th, 2014, the band played its first two sold out shows with their revamped lineup at Gator's Pub and Eatery in Luzerne, PA. In an interview with RockRevolt Magazine, Foist revealed that it was several YouTube videos shot of him playing Breaking Benjamin songs which helped secure his position in the band. Foist joined Cincinnati, Ohio DJ Fin Rock live on the air in September on 96Rock for an hour-long interview. In an October 1, 2014 interview with Music Mayhem Magazine, Foist discussed his new role in Breaking Benjamin and his product endorsements.
Shaun Foist Drumstick Collection
Current Drumstick Count in Collection: 6.
