Valerie Franco

Last updated

Valerie Franco
Genres pop music
Occupation(s)musician and podcast host
Instrument drums
Formerly of Halo Circus

Valerie Franco is an American drummer and podcast host. [1]

Contents

Musical career

Valerie Franco's musical journey began in childhood, inspired by her father's love for the band Rush. She started air drumming at a young age and quickly transitioned to playing real drums after her parents recognized her talent. [1] She attributes her dedication to drumming to a natural affinity for the instrument and a deep connection to the energy of live music, particularly after attending a Rush concert at age 10. [1]

Franco studied at the Los Angeles College of Music and has since established herself as a prominent drummer in the pop music scene. [1] Her professional credits include recording and performing with notable artists such as Halsey, Kacy Hill, Redfoo, Franky Perez & The Truth, Kylie Minogue, and American Idol winner Allison Iraheta, with whom she played for the group Halo Circus. [1] She has also earned album credits on releases like Bonnie McKee's EP Bombastic and Megan Tibbits' album Until I Fly. [1]

Beyond studio and touring work, Franco has made several television appearances, including a week-long stint on The Late Show with Seth Meyers filling in for Fred Armisen. [1] As of 2025, she tours with Hayley Kiyoko, and they have performed together on an MTV Unplugged at Home session. [1] Franco emphasizes the importance of in-ear monitors for drummers, highlighting their role in performance quality and hearing protection, citing a personal experience with tinnitus after a show without proper monitoring. [1] She is also known as a battle drummer and session player. [1]

Podcast host

Valerie Franco was formerly the host of the podcast "Behind the Beat." [1]

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues

Franco secured a role of Didi Crockett, the new drummer in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues , through an audition process that highlighted her exceptional drumming skills and positive attitude. [2] [3] The band, facing their recurring "curse of the drummer" after numerous previous drummers met unfortunate ends, held auditions following rejections from well-known musicians like Questlove, Chad Smith, and Lars Ulrich. [4] [5] Franco's character, Didi, impressed the band by killing it on the drums, bringing significant joy and energy to the screen. [2] [3]

Filmography

YearTitleRoleDirectorNotes
2025 Spinal Tap II: The End Continues Didi Crockett Rob Reiner

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Copyright, © 2025 Ultimate Ears PRO. "Hear it Live with Valerie Franco". Ultimate Ears PRO. Retrieved September 14, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. 1 2 rogersmovienation.com https://rogersmovienation.com/2025/09/12/mockumentary-review-spinal-tap-ii-the-end-continues/ Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  3. 1 2 consequence.net https://consequence.net/2025/09/spinal-tap-2-review-rob-reiner/ Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  4. ↑ hollywoodreporter.com https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/spinal-tap-ii-the-end-continues-review-sequel-rob-reiner-1236366184/
  5. ↑ exclaim.ca https://exclaim.ca/film/article/spinal-tap-ii-the-end-continues-film-review
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