Mike Rizzi is a veteran touring and studio drummer, vocalist, and songwriter based in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally from Endwell, New York, Rizzi has spent more than three decades performing worldwide with artists across rock, country, Americana, and pop. He is currently the drummer for The Romantics, who will support Toto and Christopher Cross on their 2026 summer tour.
 

Throughout his career, Rizzi has worked with numerous legacy and iconic artists, including Tony Lewis (The Outfield), Alex Ligertwood (Santana), Dave Bickler (Survivor), Dave Evans (AC/DC), Johnny Edwards (Foreigner), Paul Shortino (Quiet Riot, Ruff Cutt), Kevin Chalfant (The Storm/Journey), Robin McAuley (Michael Schenker Group, Survivor), Skip Martin (Kool & The Gang, Dazz Band), Carnie Wilson (Wilson Phillips), and Tommy DeCarlo and Fran Cosmo (Boston).
 

Rizzi’s diverse résumé also includes work with John Driskell Hopkins (co-founder of the Zac Brown Band), Nashville artist Sonia Leigh, Americana supergroup The Sweet Tea Project (featuring Ed Roland of Collective Soul), Athens, GA indie rock legends Five Eight, Ghost Hounds (co-founder: Los Angeles), Michelle Malone/Canyonland, and Blackberry Smoke, whom he joined for a limited tour run on short notice in 2022.
 

In addition to his session and touring work, Rizzi released his debut solo album, Appreciate What Remains, in 2018. His music has been featured on CMT, and he was later named one of RIFF Magazine’s “50 Gifted Singer-Songwriters You Must Know About.” His television and film credits include Netflix’s Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, FOX’s Monarch, the 2024 music documentary Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight, and the feature film Adolescence, which includes John Driskell Hopkins’ metal project The Bloody Wolves of Venice. Rizzi has also made numerous guest appearances with Slash (Guns N’ Roses), Dennis Quaid, Debby Boone, Yacht Rock Revue, and R.E.M., and has worked with legendary producers and engineers Nile Rodgers, Bob Clearmountain, and Eddie Kramer. Rizzi has also worked as a producer and has expanded into music video direction/editing, including John Driskell Hopkins’ latest release, “Each Other.”
 

Beyond performance, Rizzi has been actively involved in the business side of the music industry, including concert merchandising, music supervision, and venue ownership, advisory, booking, and conceptual design. He served two terms on the board of the Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) as both an Advisor and Governor.

Mike Rizzi is known for his versatility and song-first approach and remains a highly sought-after drummer in both live and studio settings.