Valerie Franco
Valerie Franco | |
|---|---|
| Genres | pop music |
| Occupations | musician and podcast host |
| Instrument | drums |
| Formerly of | Halo Circus |
Valerie Franco is an American drummer and podcast host.[1]
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]
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
| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Spinal Tap II: The End Continues | Didi Crockett | Rob Reiner |
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k 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) - ^ rogersmovienation.com https://rogersmovienation.com/2025/09/12/mockumentary-review-spinal-tap-ii-the-end-continues/ Retrieved September 14, 2025.
- ^ consequence.net https://consequence.net/2025/09/spinal-tap-2-review-rob-reiner/ Retrieved September 14, 2025.
- ^ hollywoodreporter.com https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/spinal-tap-ii-the-end-continues-review-sequel-rob-reiner-1236366184/
- ^ exclaim.ca https://exclaim.ca/film/article/spinal-tap-ii-the-end-continues-film-review
- ^ https://www.instagram.com/p/ByeAgeqA449/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- ^ https://www.instagram.com/p/DOoozyBEtN5/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==