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Sometimes the best collaborations come out of the blue. While I was sharing posts ahead of the UK Drum Show, I received a message from Ali Bardgett, President of Drummers Universe. She explained that she co-ran Drummers Universe with Chris Pemberton, the Founder & CEO, and that they had always struggled to find good quality drummer t-shirts. Would I be interested in a chat?
Absolutely, I said.
That conversation was the beginning of the Drummers Universe x DRMMR collaboration.
The Story Behind the CollabAli told me about the size and strength of the Drummers Universe Community — almost 100,000 members strong on Facebook, with a welcoming space for drummers of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. The group is a forum for advice, support, tips, and encouragement. It’s a place where beginners can ask questions without fear, where pros can share insights, and where drummers from every corner of the globe connect.
That sense of openness and community is exactly what Above Average Clothing is about. No ego. Just evolution. A brand built not around perfection or status, but around growth, mindset, and support.
So it made perfect sense to bring our two worlds together.
The Drummers Universe x DRMMR collection takes the symbols of both brands and combines them in ways that feel authentic and bold. We worked through several iterations, ultimately creating a set of designs that reflect the strengths of both identities:
The round Above Average logo with “no ego. just evolution.” — Ali’s personal favourite, and one that captures the community-first mindset of DU.
The DRMMR Ascent mark — a modern brand symbol based on the mathematical “average” caret, representing progress and rising beyond the norm.
The caret symbol itself — subtle but iconic, and central to the Above Average identity.
Customisable design option — allowing members to add their name and truly rep both Drummers Universe and Above Average in their own way.
The range includes all the core Above Average Clothing products — from tees and vests to jumpers, hoodies, and full zip hoodies. Every piece is designed with comfort, sustainability, and identity in mind.
The UK Drum ShowThis collection is being showcased at the UK Drum Show (18–19 October, 2025), where Drummers Universe and Above Average Clothing will both be present. It’s the perfect launchpad for the collab — the biggest drumming event in the UK, packed with players who already know and value what DU brings to the community.
I’ve even had some special pieces made for Ali herself and for pro artists connected with the DU family, including Claus Hessler, Rene Barthen, Marco Zambruni, Gabor Dornyei, and Gems Sofyy.
That connection between community, pro drummers, and everyday players is what this collab is all about.
From the start, Ali and Chris wanted to make sure that this collab stood apart from the usual band merch or throwaway t-shirts. Quality and sustainability mattered.
Every piece in the Drummers Universe x DRMMR collection is made from organic cotton or recycled materials, ensuring high environmental and ethical standards.
For a community that values support and longevity, this model felt like a perfect fit. Clothing that lasts, clothing that means something, and clothing that stands for more than fast fashion.
Above Average Clothing has always been about mindset. No ego. Just evolution. Progress over perfection.
Drummers Universe embodies those same values in community form. With almost 100k members supporting each other, sharing tips, and encouraging progress, it’s a living example of what happens when ego is left at the door.
That alignment is what makes this collab so powerful. It’s not just another logo swap — it’s a joining of values.
Explore the CollectionThe Drummers Universe x DRMMR collection is available now, including tees, vests, jumpers, hoodies, and zip-up hoodies.
Learn more about Drummers Universe:
🌐 Website: Drummers Universe
▶️ YouTube: Drummers Universe YouTube
💬 Facebook: nearly 100k strong Facebook group
The Drummers Universe x DRMMR collaboration is about more than just clothing. It’s about recognising the strength of community, the importance of mindset, and the role of sustainability in everything we do.
Ali Bardgett and Chris Pemberton have built a drummer community that welcomes and supports players of every level. Partnering with them has been a privilege, and I’m proud to see Above Average Clothing and DRMMR standing alongside Drummers Universe.
Check out the collection, rep the brands your way, and wear your mindset.
