Winnipeg Drummers Jeff Elwood (shown here with Rick Allen) and Jason Gerling continue to Excel despite Paralysis

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Rolling with Rhythm – The Unstoppable Drummers of Winnipeg: Jeff Elwood & Jason Gerling

In Winnipeg’s vibrant and ever-evolving music scene, two drummers stand out not only for their skill, but for their unshakable determination to keep the beat going — no matter the barriers. Jeff Elwood and Jason Gerling are both accomplished drummers who use wheelchairs due to paralysis. Yet, rather than step away from their passion, they’ve pushed forward with fierce creativity, engineering, and sheer resilience to continue doing what they love: making music.

Their stories are unique, but deeply connected by innovation, spirit, and the desire to prove that rhythm knows no boundaries.

 

Jeff Elwood: Resilience Through Rhythm

Jeff Elwood has long been a familiar face behind the kit in local bands. Known for his tight grooves and undeniable energy, he lived and breathed music long before the accident that left him paralyzed. But when many assumed the injury would end his drumming career, Jeff made a bold choice — to rebuild.

Using custom equipment and an adaptive setup tailored to his new physical needs, Jeff reinvented his drumming approach. With modified pedals, reconfigured seating, and raw determination, he now performs with the same fire as ever — if not more.

A pivotal part of Jeff’s journey was his connection with Rick Allen, Def Leppard’s legendary one-armed drummer. After Jeff’s injury, he reached out to Rick, who graciously responded and encouraged him to keep pushing forward. That moment of solidarity between two resilient musicians helped Jeff reclaim his confidence and reaffirmed that disability doesn’t end artistry — it can enhance it.

 

Jason Gerling: Innovation in Motion

Like Jeff, Jason Gerling is another powerhouse in Winnipeg’s music community. Paralyzed from a spinal cord injury, Jason didn’t let physical limitations stop him from playing drums — he turned to technology and innovation to keep his music alive.

Jason designed and built a fully adaptive drum kit, incorporating custom electronic triggers and motion sensors that allow him to control complex drum patterns with limited movement. The level of precision and creativity in his setup is astounding — a blend of engineering genius and musical mastery.

Not only does Jason perform regularly, but he also teaches, mentors, and speaks about accessible music technology. He’s living proof that musicianship isn’t about what you can’t do — it’s about what you find a way to do. His story encourages a new generation of players with disabilities to embrace music, tech, and their own voice.

 

More Than Musicians — Community Leaders

Both Jeff and Jason have become quiet revolutionaries in the world of accessible music. Their performances challenge stereotypes, spark important conversations about disability and the arts, and uplift anyone who’s ever been told they “can’t.”

Through live performances, workshops, and community events, they show what’s possible when ability meets passion. They’re not defined by their wheelchairs — they’re defined by their drive.

And perhaps most importantly, they’ve both shown that innovation is not just a technical concept — it’s an emotional one. It’s what happens when love for music refuses to fade.

 

Final Notes

In a world that often underestimates people with disabilities, Jeff Elwood and Jason Gerling are hitting back — with sticks in hand, beats in their hearts, and a message that rings louder than any snare: You can’t stop the rhythm when it lives inside you.

Winnipeg is richer because of these two. The music world is louder, better, and more inclusive — because they never gave up.

Follow Jeff and Jason, support adaptive music innovation, and always remember: the strongest rhythms come from those who refused to be silenced.

 

 

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