Donald Tardy is the founder of the legendary Florida Death Metal band Obituary which was formed in 1984 under their original name Executioner. Their debut album Slowly We Rot was released in 1988 and immediately gained worldwide respect for their unique sound, Donald’s solid, mid-tempo drum style and his brother’s unmatched vocals and is still considered as one of the records that helped start the death metal scene and movement. Shortly after the recording the band purchased Donald’s first professional drumkit and when given the chance he immediately ordered a black Yamaha Recording Custom series kit modeled after Tommy Aldridge’s kit during his years with Ozzy.
Donald credits his style from key influences in John Bonham, Tommy Aldridge, Vinnie Appice and Mickey Dee.