Guitar Center's Drum-Off Gallery Spotlight: LA, CA - Jan. 8, 2010

You've probably never heard of Ramon Sampson, but chances are this won't be the last time you'll see his name. The 19-year-old Cordova, TN, native out-drummed a national list of contestants--including the four other finalists, Troy Molsberry (Carlsbad, CA), Eugine McBride (Flint, MI), Stanley Jamal Hampton (Smithtown, NY) and Michael McGrath (Henderson, NV)--to win the title of Guitar Center's Drum-Off Champion.

On Friday (1/8) at The Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, Sampson was presented with a prize package worth $40,000 at the sold out finale. Hosted by Stephen Perkins ( Jane's Addiction), the show featured sets from icons of percussion like Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Peter Erskine ( Steely Dan), Taylor Hawkins ( Foo Fighters), Danny Carey ( Tool) and Brann Dailor ( Mastodon), as well as Jason Bonham, the son of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham. Topping things off, fans were treated to a duet by Max Weinberg ( Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band / NBC's "The Tonight Show") and his son Jay Weinberg.

SoundSpike photographer Micah Smith was there to get some photos of the action, from the red carpet to backstage antics and of course the performances.