Guitar Center contest is a big hit

Guitar Center's annual drumming competition has crowned another winner, drawing celebrity musicians and music lovers from all over the United States for the big event.

Each year, legendary musicians from the drumming community return to theGuitar Center's Drum-Offas performers, judges and guests. This year featured Greg Bissonette as host along with performances by Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Mike Mangini (Dream Theater), Clyde Stubblefield (James Brown), Robert Spurt Searight (Snarky Puppy) and Gil Sharone (Marilyn Manson). The night also honored Vic Firth and Jim Keltner with two special inductions into Guitar Center's RockWalk. Drum Channel and DW founder, Don Lombardi, joined Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith to introduce Jim Keltner as he stepped onstage to be inducted into the RockWalk. Vic Firth's posthumous induction was presented by Remo Belli to Craigie Zildjian on behalf of the Zildjian and Vic Firth family.

This year's winner was Tony Taylor Jr. At only 18 years old, Tony has been drumming for most of his life and hopes to be able to continue developing a career as a professional touring musician and honing his skills as a producer and audio engineer.

"I didn't go into this competition half-hearted – I knew what a big deal it was and I really wanted to win," says Taylor. "In the weeks leading up to the finals I practiced and prayed constantly, and when I heard my name come through that loudspeaker as the winner, it was a true moment of awe and gratitude. All I could think about was how this was going to change my life for the better in such a drastic and meaningful way."

Guitar Center is the world's largest retailer of guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards, recording, live sound, DJ, and lighting equipment. It has more than 270 stores across the U.S. and one of the top direct sales websites in the industry.