Career
He is the current drummer for The Billy Joel Band. Born in Montclair, New Jersey, he has performed with many rock bands and musicians, ranging from local New Jersey/New York-area artists to international groups, throughout his prolific career. After having performed on several album sessions, Burgi earned a spot with the jazz fusion band, Brand X. He then experienced early mainstream success with his band, Balance in the early 1980s.
This group also featured Peppy Castro, Bob Kulick, Dennis Feldman and noted arranger and keyboardist Doug Katsaros.
The group scored a top-25 hit on the United States. singles chart with "Breaking Away" in 1981. Although the song was recorded before Burgi joined the group, he had joined in time to record Balance"s follow-up album, In for the Count.
Recent recordings include Billy Joel"s live Civil Defense 12 Gardens Live and the 2007 Joel-penned single, "Christmas in Fallujah", exclusive to iTunes. Since November 2005, Chuck has been Joel"s drummer, touring extensively, including 12 record breaking shows at New York"s Madison Square Garden in 2006, 2008"s double night "Last Play at Shea" and the October 2008 New York Springsteen/Joel benefit for Barack Obama at the Hammerstein Ballroom.
He is the brother of actor Richard Burgi and briefly lived in London while playing with Brand X.
Chuck Burgi endorses Tama drums, racks, pedals & hardware, Paiste cymbals, Remo drumheads and Pro-Mark drumsticks.
He also incorporates Tama octobans and a gong drum into his drum kit. Previously, he endorsed Pearl drums, pedals & hardware. Burgi has been a Paiste endorser since 1977, implying that he may have previously used Zildjian cymbals prior to hooking up with Paiste, which he has played ever since.
