Valerie Franco

Last updated

Valerie Franco
Genres pop music
Occupationsmusician and podcast host
Instrument drums
Formerly of Halo Circus

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

Contents

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 artists such as Halsey, Kacy Hill, Redfoo, Franky Perez, 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] 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]

Personal life

Franco came out as queer in 2019; [6] she is engaged to fitness instructor Annie Gordenier, who additionally made a guest appearance in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues as the girlfriend of Franco's character, Didi Crockett. [7]

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. ↑ Roger Moore &rarr (September 12, 2025). "Mockumentary Review". Movie Nation. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  3. ↑ Miller, Liz Shannon (September 10, 2025). "Spinal Tap II Review: A Legacy Sequel Worthy of This Band's Legacy". Consequence. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  4. ↑ Scheck, Frank (September 11, 2025). "'Spinal Tap II: The End Continues' Review: An Enjoyably Nostalgic Sequel That's More Chuckle-Inducing Than Guffaw-Inspiring". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  5. ↑ "'Spinal Tap II: The End Continues' Is a Shit Sandwich │ Exclaim!". 'Spinal Tap II: The End Continues' Is a Shit Sandwich │ Exclaim!. September 11, 2025. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com.
  7. ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com.
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